The future is looking rosy for Auckland dancer Isaiah Reid, who is joining K-pop queens Blackpink on their world tour as a backing dancer. At 24, Reid (Ngāti Porou-Samoan) has carved out an impressive niche in the dance world. As well as appearing with Blackpink at Coachella earlier this year, he has also performed with Mariah Carey and Six60.
He said he was proud to represent the Māori, Samoan and queer communities on the world stage.
Reid’s interest in dance started early. While Reid’s mum was a self-taught dancer, he learned his craft by watching YouTube videos. In 2016, he moved to Auckland to audition and dance for the Royal Family Dance Crew, founded by Emmy Award-winning Parris Goebel.
Closer to home, he also performed for Six60 at Eden Park in 2021. As well as being a backing dancer for Blackpink, the biggest-selling K-pop girl group, Reid has also been assistant choreographer alongside dance legend Kiel Tutin.
Reid said every time he performed on the international stage, he hoped to inspire young Pacific Island, Māori and queer people.
Credit: radionz.co.nz
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