With the aim of supporting a love of performing arts and increasing the health and wellbeing of young people, Tititea Performing Arts Trust was establised in 2023 in Wānaka. 

Established by Wānaka locals Maxine Frazer, Leigh Cohen, Maria Hearle and Gillian White, the Trust delivered the first of an inagural dance competition in April 2024 hosting over 100 dancers from across Aotearoa. The first event saw over 550 dances across a 4 days programme, with enrolment selling out in less than 30 minutes. 

Tititea Performing Arts Trust is committed to building on the success of the inaugural Wānaka Dance Competition with plans to expand the event and introduce new initiatives into the future. 

 -- 

Jacqui Blakely 

"It has been such a fabulous competition! We have been so impressed with everything from start to finish! Made even more impressive by the fact that this is the first time it’s been run. Can’t compliment everything enough. Thanks to Sarah for her amazing feedback and adjudicating (and the reports coming though so quickly) and all the wonderful organisers and sponsors. It’s been incredible! Thank you thank you thank you. "

Three Lakes Cultural Trust

"Congratulations on an incredible first year. What a great opportunity for our young performers to compete in such a well organised and well supporter event. Well done! Congratulations to all the dancers too!!"

Emma Vickers

"Many thanks! So brilliantly organised, and in true Wānaka style, friendly, carefully considered, and done with love and professionalism. Trophies to you all! It’s really great we finally have a comp in Wanaka. I love that we don’t need to have to travel, pay for accommodation and have the luxury, for dancers, of being able to properly warm up/practice at home rather than in a cramped motel room! Bring on the next one!"

Celia Crosbie

"Thanks trustees - you have all done an incredible job and certainly laid down some solid foundations for a great future of local comps. 

As a novice dance mom, I’m so appreciate of this legacy you’ve created - you’ve thought of everything and left no stone unturned. You should be proud of the impact you’ve initiated…… Bravo team, and thanks again."