Krump is street dance that has a history of being perceived as an aggressive, ugly, and somewhat violent dance. Created by youth in South Los Angeles, Krump is highly intense, physically demanding and is an avenue for dancers to express their emotions in a creative and positive way. Now a global movement, this research focuses on the experience of Pasifika Krumpers in Aotearoa in 2019. Using documentary filmmaking as a design technique, a short film Beauty in the Ugly was produced upon the stories of four aspiring Pasifika leaders within the Aotearoa Krump scene. This exegesis complements the short film by giving context to their stories and offering the viewer an insider's insight to this community. For these dancers, Krumping is a tool of resilience where Pasifika feel safe to channel their energy and are able to effect positive change in their lives.
