Maikolo Fekitoa
“Once you have your mind on something go for it and don’t let anyone get in the way. That’s what I’m trying to do, just focus on myself and take whatever comes.”
Maikolo started dancing at a young age. After running amok at the end of his sister’s classes, the teacher said “put the kid in dancing!”, and from there he followed in his sister’s footsteps, training in tap, then jazz and some contemporary. Now he’s forging his own path in commercial dance, and after a successful season with Dream Dance Co in 2018, he’s ready to take on GODDESS with his signature energy and enthusiasm.
Maikolo behind the scenes at the GODDESS promo shoot. Photography by Emily Newton-Smith. Also pictured: Jacqueline Mitchell.
How did you find your passion for hip hop?
In 2014 I started doing competitions, and I just got sucked into the whole hip hop world. I basically forgot all my technique and focused on it for two years straight. After that I went back to full time training to get back all my technique, and regrab everything I missed for the last two years, and now I’m just doing whatever comes.
How would you describe your personal dance style?
I like a little bit of jazz funk. I think it’s a mix between commercial jazz and hip hop.
What’s your Dream Dance Company experience been like so far?
Last year was my first season, and it was a lot different, because it was more of a solo kind of thing. It was good to come back to Sydney and make a name for myself because I hadn’t been here in four years. Marko really believed in me and I appreciated that so much. So this year is kind of another big stepping stone, and dancing as a group this year is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.
Behind the scenes at the GODDESS promo shoot. Photograph by Elly Ford.
What do you love about Caetlyn Watson’s style?
The last two years I have idolised Caetlyn. I watch her videos and I don’t get how she moves the way she does. I’ve never seen anyone do that, so I knew I wanted to train under her and learn her ways. Even as a person she is amazing, she’s like an older sister taking me under her wing. And I know she is going to be hard on everyone and I think it’s something I really need. You always need to be told off at some point!
What about working with Marko?
Honestly, he is the man! When he sees talent in someone, he puts 110% into them. I remember last year, my first time dancing with the Dream, I did something to my ankle before a show and he completely took care of me. He’s always doing stuff outside of the Dream to give everyone opportunities too. Australia is very lucky to have him as a leader in the industry.
Maikolo behind the scenes at the GODDESS promo shoot. Photography by Emily Newton-Smith. Also pictured: Jacqueline Mitchell.
What was the audition like?
Dream Dance Co is pretty big in Australia now so it’s hard to get in. The audition was a mission! There were teachers of mine in the same room, and I was looking around like holey moley, these are the people I look up to. There were so many talented people there, so I’m really lucky to be in.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
I’m still going along in this process, but I think you should listen to your own options and opinions and don’t get distracted by anyone. Once you have your mind on something go for it and don’t let anyone get in the way. That’s what I’m trying to do, just focus on myself and take whatever comes.
