Meet TZ Thanzcrew: Teen squad dances their way from Fujairah to Dubai

Meet the Pinoy teen crew inspiring young dreamers with every dance step. SUPPLIED

They’re teens. They’re dancers. And they’ve got more moves than your TikTok FYP.

Say hello to TZ Thanzcrew, a high-energy dance group made up of Filipino teens from Fujairah who are dazzling crowds with their slick choreography, tight-knit friendship, and endless good vibes.

The crew is more than just synchronized steps—it’s a story about dreaming big, working hard, and staying grounded in your culture. And it all started with a band.

“[Our manager] Tito Ian Santos noticed that a bunch of us—fans of The Zaints Band—were always vibing at gigs,” the crew tells Expat Media. “He saw our energy and had this amazing idea: Why not form a dance group to bring even more fire to the stage?”

With that spark, TZ Thanzcrew was born—a name forever tied to The Zaints. What started as a fun idea has become a performing powerhouse.

The Kalayaan moment they’ll never forget

Every performer has that one show they’ll remember forever. For TZ Thanzcrew, it was Kalayaan 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. “The energy was insane,” they said. “Right before we hit the stage, it was like butterflies and fire inside us. But the moment the beat dropped—we were in it. No nerves. Just heart.”

Thousands of cheering Filipinos filled the arena, and for these young dancers, it wasn’t just a performance. It was a statement: They’re here. And they’re proud.

Their dance superpowers? All different. All awesome. Each member brings something totally unique to the stage: Popping and locking? Check. Smooth hip-hop footwork? You bet. Contemporary grace and turns? Absolutely.

“We combine all our styles into one explosive routine. That’s our secret sauce,” they explained.

The crew is made up of 16-year-olds Arbie Louize Balanquit, Aisha Martha Solon, and Sophia Nicole Santos, as well as Alexa Kristelle Rodriguez, Andrea Katrenne Rodriguez and Zhuamae Balbaira, all 15.

Whether they’re rehearsing together or just goofing off between gigs, one thing is clear: they’re more than dancers. They’re family.

Feel-good anthem

Every crew needs a go-to jam, and for TZ Thanzcrew, that song is “Nobody’s Better” by Suzi feat. Fetty Wap. “It’s our happy anthem! Sometimes we just blast it and dance freestyle. No pressure. Just pure fun.”

What does it mean to dance while carrying your roots? “It makes us proud to represent the Philippines every time we step on stage,” they said. “As Filipino expats in the UAE, we blend both cultures in every performance. We want to inspire other young dreamers like us.”

From mall shows to festival stages, TZ Thanzcrew is dancing for every kid who’s ever dreamed big in small towns—and proving that with passion, anything is possible. PIA/Expat Media

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