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 the Taiwanese Festival Day, as well as events outside the city, like the Spring Festival in Hamilton in September.
Currently, our group consists of approximately 38 members from various South American countries, including Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, 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 Zeal West, 20 Alderman Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0612. Additionally, depending on our commitments, we often schedule additional rehearsals during the week. No prior experience is required, only the desire to learn and a 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 12 Feb 2018

Joys
Since Sep 2019

Andrea
Since Jan 2021

Karen
Since May 2022

Ingrid
Since 2024

Lucia
Since Nov 2024

Sandra
Since Feb 2025

Veronika
Since Feb 2025

Natalia
Since Feb 2025

Heather
Since Feb 2025

Jairo
Since Feb 2025

Camilo
Since Feb 2025

Sebastian
Since Feb 2025

Mariana
Since Feb 2018

Hector
Since Oct 2019

Antonella
Since Mar 2022

Laura
Since Mar 2023

Mauricio
Since 2024

Laura P.
Since Feb 2025

Aide
Since Feb 2025

Sergio
Since Feb 2025

Jacob
Since Feb 2025

Allan
Since Feb 2025

Marianita
Since Feb 2025

Mari
Since Feb 2025

Hernan
Since Sep 2019

Jorge
Since Jan 2021

Marcela
Since May 2022

Maria Jose
Since 2023

Francisco
Since 2024

Laura M.
Since Feb 2025

Yuliet
Since Feb 2025

Lorena
Since Feb 2025

Natalie
Since Feb 2025

Laura G
Since Feb 2025

Juan Se
Since Feb 2025

Laura P.
Since Feb 2025
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