About Tierra Viva
Our history
Welcome to the Traditional Colombian Folk Dance Group! Founded in February 2018, our group is a passionate project with the primary goal of bringing the richness of Colombian folk dance to the community. We take pride in providing a space where everyone can actively participate in this unique cultural expression, allowing us to delve into the depths of Colombia's cultural roots and share our rich heritage internationally through dance and music.
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We are based in Auckland and have had the privilege of being a part of various cultural festivals in the city, such as the Auckland International Festival in April and Taiwanese Festival Day, as well as events outside the city, like the Spring Festival in Hamilton in September.
Currently, our group consists of approximately 16 members from various South American countries, including Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile, enriching our experience and allowing us to explore a diverse range of cultural influences.
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Our passion leads us on a journey through Colombia, interpreting some of the country's most representative rhythms. Most of these rhythms result from the rich cultural blend of indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Spanish influences, making each performance a celebration of Colombia's diversity and history.
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We invite you to join us in our rehearsals, which take place every Monday from 7 to 9 pm at Massey Community Hub, located at 385 Don Buck Road, Massey. Additionally, depending on our commitments, we often schedule additional rehearsals during the week. No prior experience is required, only the desire to learn and genuine commitment. If you share our passion for dance and culture, we welcome you with open arms!
Diana Prieto
Founder Tierra Viva
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Diana is passionate about dance, an art she has been exploring since a young age.
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She began her journey in traditional dance with the National Folk Dance Company "Herencia Viva," under the direction of teacher Mónica Mercado in 2001. Thanks to this company, Diana had the opportunity to represent Colombian folklore on national and international stages.
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Later, she joined the Folk Ballet "Tierra Colombiana," led by maestro Fernando Urbina, where she delved deeper into both traditional Colombian folklore and international styles including those from Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Puerto Rico, among others.
Diana has studied classical ballet, jazz, African dance, tango, salsa, tap, and other dance rhythms both in Colombia and abroad.
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Guided by the dedication and teachings of her mentors, Diana cultivated her love and discipline for dance. Her distance from Colombia and her desire to continue dancing led Diana to found the Colombian Folk Dance group "Tierra Viva" in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2018. Since then, the group has represented Colombian culture at various events, creating a space for the community to actively participate in Colombian culture. Diana has also had the opportunity to direct the children's folk dance group "Quetzal," which showcases Mexican folklore in Auckland.
Julian Lopez
Director Tierra Viva
He began studying dance in 2001 with Marisol Cerero in the Folkloric group of the National University of Colombia. He further studied classical ballet, jazz, Colombian and international folk dancing, and salsa.
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He has been a member of several Colombian National Dance Companies, including the Jaime Orozco National Folk Ballet, Colombian Folk Ballet Tierra Colombiana, Romir Echeverry Ballet, and the Herencia Viva National Dance Company. He was an outstanding dancer with Herencia Viva directed by the teacher Mónica Mercado, which included participating in a few world tours.
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He is currently the director and choreographer of the Tierra Viva Colombian Folk Dance Group. During his dancing career, he has participated in a few international tours to countries such as Mexico, Panama, Spain, and Italy.
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Outside of dancing, he has studied Business Administration, but throughout his career, he has dedicated his free time to dance and inspiring others with his love for it. Upon arriving in New Zealand, he met Diana Prieto and agreed to support her project and start directing Tierra Viva, putting his passion for Colombian folk dancing to use as a performer and teacher.
Group members
Monica
Since Feb 2018
Hernan
Since 2019
Jorge
Since 2019
Marcela
Since January 2021
Viviana
Since 2023
Ingrid
Since 2024
Mariana
Since 2018
Joys
Since Sept 2019
Andrea
Since August 2020
Karen
Since January 2021
Maria Jose
Since 2023
Mauricio
Since 2024
Ana Maria
Since 2019
Hector
Since 2019
Antonella
Since January 2021
Laura
Since March 2023
Luisa
Since 2020
Lina
Since 2024