top of page

About Tierra Viva

81_EVET_Diversity_Mag_FINAL_01_08_2021_DSC09064_Social.jpg
80_EVET_Diversity_Mag_FINAL_01_08_2021_DSC09028_Social.jpg

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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

1937320_174663856954_7866731_n.jpg

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Diana is passionate about dance, an art she has been exploring since a young age.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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

11165065_10153169003963904_3976881179656

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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

WhatsApp Image 2025-10-13 at 12.01.22 PM.jpeg

Monica

Since 12 Feb 2018

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-15 at 1.59_edited.png

Joys

Since Sep 2019

Andrea.jpg

Andrea

Since Jan 2021

250301_Onehunga festival_179.jpg

Karen

Since May 2022

250301_Onehunga festival_181.jpg

Ingrid

Since 2024

250301_Onehunga festival_176.jpg

Lucia

Since Nov 2024

39-DSC09240-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Sandra

Since Feb 2025

WhatsApp Image 2025-08-01 at 6.55.57 PM.jpeg

Veronika

Since Feb 2025

38-DSC09235-Enhanced-NR_edited.jpg

Natalia

Since Feb 2025

24-DSC09201-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Heather

Since Feb 2025

58-DSC09297-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Jairo

Since Feb 2025

523246648_10230430792259007_4215944469060910414_n.jpg

Camilo

Since Feb 2025

20250830_204918.jpg

Sebastian

Since Feb 2025

43-DSC09256-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Mariana

Since Feb 2018

Héctor__edited.jpg

Hector

Since Oct 2019

ANTONELA_edited.jpg

Antonella

Since Mar 2022

28-DSC09208-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Laura

Since Mar 2023

250301_Onehunga festival_177.jpg

Mauricio

Since 2024

WhatsApp Image 2025-08-01 at 3_edited.jpg

Laura P.

Since Feb 2025

55-DSC09292-Enhanced-NR_edited.jpg

Aide

Since Feb 2025

52-DSC09286-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Sergio

Since Feb 2025

23-DSC09199-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Jacob

Since Feb 2025

58-DSC09297-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Allan

Since Feb 2025

WhatsApp Image 2025-08-01 at 6.53.10 PM.jpeg

Marianita

Since Feb 2025

IMG_20250726_152550.jpg

Mari

Since Feb 2025

Hernan Dario Soler.jpg

Hernan

Since Sep 2019

18102264082406752_edited.jpg

Jorge

Since Jan 2021

53-DSC09287-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Marcela

Since May 2022

20231118_160146.jpg

Maria Jose

Since 2023

44-DSC09262-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Francisco

Since 2024

21-DSC09191-Enhanced-NR_edited.jpg

Laura M.

Since Feb 2025

IMG_20250726_152432.jpg

Yuliet

Since Feb 2025

38-DSC09235-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Lorena

Since Feb 2025

31-DSC09217-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Natalie

Since Feb 2025

IMG_20250726_152550.jpg

Laura G

Since Feb 2025

57-DSC09296-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Juan Se

Since Feb 2025

20250830_204904.jpg

Laura P.

Since Feb 2025

bottom of page