T- shirt (Crowns Up)

In the late 20th and early decades of the 21st century, hip hop was an important focus and creative outlet for young people all over the world, including here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The material culture of hip hop in New Zealand documents a distinctive local response to a global music phenomena across a range of cultural activities.

“Crowns Up”

This “Crowns Up” t-shirt is part of the official merchandise for the Royal Family dance crews of The Palace Dance Studio – a prominent hip hop dance studio based in Auckland, New Zealand. “Crowns Up” is a signature dance move that many Royal Family choreographed dances finish with.  It's a signature pose and the formation of a crown above one's head references their membership and belonging to the Royal Family crew.

Significance

The Palace Dance Studio is owned by internationally recognised choreographer and dancer, Parris Goebel who specialises in hip hop dance. It is home to the Royal Family Hip Hop dance crews that include Royal Family, ReQuest, Misfits, Sorority and Bubblegum. It is also the origin point of a dance movement known as Polyswagg - a fusion of the Polynesian dance styles that members of the Royal Family have combined with their passion for hip hop choreography and style.

Acquisition History

This T-shirt was donated to Te Papa by The Palace Dance Studio in 2013.