The Resistance Dance Company (TRDC) is preparing to host its inaugural Resistance Intensive workshop on Saturday, 27 June 2026 at the Moresby Arts Theatre. 

Supported by Credit Bank PNG, the event aims to provide valuable industry insights to dancers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

Established in 2024 as a dance crew, TRDC has since expanded into a full company that now houses four distinct crews. The upcoming workshop represents a major step forward for the organization, shifting the focus toward professional capacity building for the local creative community. 

Founder and Director Nelson “Nello” Kokoa, along with Operations Manager Lana Monagi, explained that the event aims to connect dancers with experts from both the dance community and related creative industries. 

“On the day itself we’re going to have experts in social media, marketing, music production and in dance competition, sharing a little bit about what they do and what to expect as dancers in PNG; how to build a personal brand, how to cut tracks for a national dance competition. Those are the different types of sessions that we will be having on the day, with a fun Afro-Dance Hall workshop that will be run by myself and one of my senior dancers, Dylan Miskaram,” Kokoa explained.

Monagi highlighted the importance of securing a collaborative venue for the weekend event. 

“Moresby Arts Theatre has always been a safe space for us. Having Moresby Arts Theatre as one of our options to provide this intensive workshop opens up opportunities for not only our dancers but for everyone that’s going to attend,“ Monagi explains.

The workshop will feature a lineup of prominent speakers from the industry including Wan Squad PNG’s Co-Directors and Co-Captains David Chee and Pyan Ng, as well as senior dancer for TRDC Dylan “Dynamo” Miskaram.

Additionally, Britney Aitsi will lead a session focused on personal branding to help participants market themselves effectively.

Following the educational sessions, the event will conclude with a practical Afro-Dancehall workshop.

Registration for the workshop is K50, with 10% of the proceeds being donated directly to the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Children’s Ward. This fundraising effort is part of TRDC’s annual Christmas initiative to purchase essential items for pediatric patients.