2025 has been a landmark year for Freedom2Fly — the year our very first Performance Squad (F2F Troop) was born. What began as an idea to create a tight-knit group of committed dancers has turned into something truly special: a hardworking, high-achieving, joy-filled team who have represented our studio with pride at every event.

This group of dancers — from our juniors through to our seniors — have trained hard, supported one another, grown in confidence, and lifted the standard of performance at F2F in ways we are so proud of. Many of them have made brand-new friendships along the way, found their spark in performing as a team, and have grown stronger, cleaner, and more connected dancers because of it.

And the results speak for themselves…
Not only did our squad shine in every 2025 performance, but they’ve already earned bookings and invitations for 2026. The momentum is REAL.

Here’s a look back at their standout year.

✨ 2025 PERFORMANCE SQUAD HIGHLIGHTS

1️⃣ Relay For Life – Cancer Society

🗓 March 29, 2025 – Waikato University
Our first major performance of the year — and what a way to begin!
Both junior and senior dancers performed, supporting an incredible cause and setting the tone for the rest of the year. Costumes, energy, teamwork… everything came together beautifully.

2️⃣ Raglan Art to Wear – Opening Routine

🗓 June 7, 2025 – Raglan Town Hall
A selected group from the troop opened the iconic Raglan Art to Wear show. With limited stage space, every dancer had to be sharp, focused, and fully performance-ready — and they delivered with professionalism beyond their years.

Junior Troop member watching our Senior troop performing -just before they enter to join them at the Raglan Art To Wear Opening Performance for 2025.

3️⃣ Dance Theatre Awards – Cheerleader Routine

🗓 October 4, 2025 – F2F Studio (Bow St)
One of the BIGGEST highlights of the entire year.

Our Junior Troop performed their “Cheerleader” routine and received an incredible mark, earning a MEDAL and making Freedom2Fly proud in our first-ever entry to the DTA competition.

Their teamwork, precision, and discipline shone through — and because of their high score, they have automatically qualified for the 2026 Dance Theatre Awards in Christchurch!
This is a MASSIVE achievement and something our whole studio celebrates.

4️⃣ Busking Day – Festival Opening Performance

🗓 November 9, 2025 – Bow St, Raglan
Our Junior Troop officially opened the iconic Raglan Busking Day as part of our F2F fest for 2025, performing their cheer routine on the main outdoor stage. A huge crowd, amazing energy, and proud parents everywhere.

5️⃣ End-of-Year Dance Showcase – Featured Performance

🗓 November 6th & 8th – Te Uku Hall
The squad performed their featured CHEER routine across three sold-out shows.
Their hard work throughout the year was so evident — stronger technique, sharper formations, higher confidence, and a huge sense of team unity.

6️⃣ Christmas at Wi Neera – Freedom2Fly Christmas Performance

🗓 December 14, 2025 – Wi Neera St Car Park - (Surf Side Church)
Our Junior Performance Squad will wrap up an amazing year with a brand-new Christmas routine. Our dancers are working hard to end their 2025 season with festive energy and sparkle.

🌟 How the Squad Has Grown — And Why We’re So Proud

Over the year, we’ve seen:

⭐ Stronger performance quality
⭐ Cleaner choreography and technique
⭐ Better stamina and discipline
⭐ Beautiful new friendships
⭐ Greater confidence dancing in front of large audiences
⭐ A real sense of belonging and team pride

This group has set the tone for what Freedom2Fly performance excellence looks like. They have opened doors for future squads, created new opportunities for our studio, and shown just how powerful teamwork can be.

And with invitations already locked in for next year — we’re just getting started.

🌟 A Special Thank You to Our Parents

To all our wonderful F2F parents — thank you.
Your support this year has been unwavering and deeply appreciated.

From driving your dancers to practices, organising costumes, hair, and makeup, to cheering them on at every performance — you are the heart behind the scenes. It truly takes a village, and we couldn’t have done any of this without your commitment, flexibility, and belief in the team.

Your efforts have helped make this first-ever Performance Squad year unforgettable.

💜 A Huge Shout-Out to Miss Cas

We also want to give a very special acknowledgment to Miss Cas, who has played a major role in shaping and polishing our Performance Squad this year.

Her dedication has been incredible — from choreographing routines, cleaning choreography, and attending performances, to preparing students backstage and ensuring they feel confident, calm, and ready to perform as a slick, unified team.

We are so grateful for her creativity, leadership, and passion for developing our dancers.

📣 Looking Ahead: 2026 Already Booking Up!

Our 2026 Performance Squad has confirmed and pencilled bookings, including:

✔ 14th March – Relay For Life Tauranga
✔ 28th March – Relay For Life Hamilton
✔ 12th July – Dance Theatre Awards in Christchurch (Qualifiers)
✔ F2F Fest 2026
✔ Dance Showcase – 12th & 14th November
✔ Busking Day Opening – 15th November

The squad is becoming a sought-after part of community events — we are so proud.

📘 2026 INFORMATION EVENING & AUDITIONS

As we head into a new year, we are opening Performance Squad and DanceStep to new dancers.

📍 INFORMATION EVENING – (2026)

For families interested in:

DanceStep (12+ years in 2026)
Performance Squad 2026 (9+ years in 2026)

This evening will cover expectations, training schedules, commitment levels, and performance opportunities.

🎟 AUDITIONS – (2026)

All dancers — including current squad members — must audition each year.
This keeps our squad fresh, fair, and performance-ready.

We are looking at splitting the squad into two levels (depending on numbers):

🟣 Junior Troop

Ages 9–11 (as of 2026)

🔵 Senior Troop

Ages 12+

More details will be released at the Information Evening.

💜 In Closing

To our first-ever Freedom2Fly Performance Squad — thank you.
Thank you for trusting us, showing up, working hard, laughing together, supporting one another, and representing F2F with heart and professionalism.

This year marks the beginning of something big.
We can’t wait to see where 2026 takes us.

– Jess, Miss Cas, Jay and TEAM F2F
Freedom2Fly Studio Owners & Creative Directors

Celebrating Our First-Ever Freedom2Fly Performance Squad: A Year of Growth, Grit & Incredible Achievements