PHILOSOPHY

Mission

The New Zealand School of Dance offers professional training to exceptionally talented young people in an inspirational environment.

Vision

The New Zealand School of Dance aspires to be an international centre of excellence for dance training.

Environment

The New Zealand School of Dance celebrates the physicality of its landscapes and people through its training of classical and contemporary dancers. The graduates are strong, versatile and athletic dancers.  Coming from the edge of the world, their adventurous spirit guides them to exciting dance careers both at home and around the world.

The school is based in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington - a rugged harbour city renowned for its vibrant culture, creative atmosphere and volatile weather.  

Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre is a purpose-built home for the students of the New Zealand School of Dance and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. 

The New Zealand School of Dance is well connected to the dance community through secondments, visiting guest teachers and choreographers, competitions, conferences, professional networks and the ambassadorial role of its graduates.

Values

We are committed to being the leading, if not definitive, professional dance training institution in the Asia-Pacific region.

The school is committed to:

  • Developing confident, disciplined and creative dancers who fully explore their artistic potential.

  • Progressive training methods enhanced by the latest advances in the science of movement and wellbeing.

  • Providing a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere based on mutual trust and respect.

The school aims to:

  • Be the dance training school of choice for potential dancers, dance teachers and dance employers in New Zealand.

  • Foster positive, thriving relationships with a broad range of national and international stakeholders.

  • Attract outstanding teachers and choreographers to work with the students.

  • Maintain and extend the School’s international recognition as a dance training centre of excellence.

  • Provide elite dance professionals with the skills to sustain successful careers.

For more information, click the links below.

Full-time training

Junior Associates

Scholars

Winter School

News & Events

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on 0800 46 36 76.

"I feel very happy and proud to be a part of the extensive developmental and artistic opportunities afforded to the students of the New Zealand School of Dance. This is a unique institution which offers an extremely broad spectrum of educational and performing experiences enhancing the growth, training and perspective of the dancers. The quality of the teaching combined with the chance to work with world-renowned professionals and perform the works of great choreographers has certainly proven to be a successful path to producing talented dancers. I admire your ongoing endeavours and salute the high level of accomplishment you have already achieved. Congratulations!"

Elyse Borne

Repetiteur

George Balanchine Trust and the Robbins Rights Trust

New York