Pania Rodriguez
Director | Instructor
Meet Pania Rodriguez
Pania Taku is an internationally trained dancer, choreographer, and mentor with a deep passion for hip hop and commercial dance education. Her journey began at just 14 years old in New Zealand, where her love for hip hop first ignited. At age 16, she joined Jireh Performing Arts, which later relocated to Australia in 2002 — paving the way for Pania’s professional dance career.
In 2006, Pania began full-time training at Brent Street Studios, graduating with a Certificate IV in Performing Arts and mastering multiple dance styles.
In 2009, she rose to national recognition as a Top 20 finalist on So You Think You Can Dance Australia, establishing herself as one of the country’s leading female performers.
The following year, Pania earned a prestigious scholarship to Monsters of Hip Hop in the USA, where she trained in Los Angeles and New York City under the world's top choreographers and hip hop pioneers.
Career Highlights
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Taught internationally in New York City, New Jersey, and New Zealand
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Choreographed and led a team to Gold at World of Dance NYC 2010
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Choreographed and performed for Stan Walker (Summer Beats, Winter Beats, Australia & NZ Tour)
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Featured in SYTYCD Australia Pre-Show for Jabbawockeez and Poreotics (America’s Best Dance Crew winners)
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Hosted & danced on MTV’s first live show alongside Ruby Rose & Nacho Pop
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Opened for Chris Brown’s Australian tour, performed for Marvin Priest
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Choreographed for Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
Dance Credits Include
Justice Crew, Israel Cruz, Marvin Priest, Sneaky Sound System, Thirsty Merc, Lily Allen, Sam Sparro
Corporate & TV: Sony Foundation, Channel V, Dance Academy, NRL Grand Final, Australia Day Concert, Adidas, Optus, Sydney Swans, Carols in the Domain, Dreamworld, Wet & Wild, and more
Pania Today
​​Now as Co-Director of Doves & Dimes Dance Academy in Orange, NSW, Pania’s mission is to empower the next generation of dancers. Through professional training and real industry knowledge, she helps students DREAM, BELIEVE, and TRAIN with purpose in a safe and inclusive environment.