18 Sep 2024

Reigning dance champion reflects on inspiring journey

From , 6:00 am on 18 September 2024
Happy Feet poses for a portrait at Red Bull Dance Your Style in Auckland.

Happy Feet poses for a portrait at Red Bull Dance Your Style in Auckland. Photo: Graeme Murray / Red Bull Content Pool

Self-taught dancer, John Vaifale, aka 'Happy Feet' is New Zealand's reigning hip-hop freestyle champion. 

His dance journey began in the Manurewa library car park using cardboard from recycling bins as his dance floor - no formal training, just YouTube, passion and determination. 

Since then, Vaifale has danced his way around the world, taking out competitions and making a name for himself. 

John Vaifale spoke with Pacific Waves host Susana Suisuiki.