Before attending the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix (BICD Prix), Ryan had heard positive things about NZSD from current students and graduates. He also recognised that many of the contemporary dancers who inspired him had trained at the School.

At the BICD Prix, NZSD stood out to him - not only for the quality of its training and reputation, but also for the care and consideration he could see within the School community.

‍Ryan says: “When I received the scholarship onstage, it didn’t feel real. I remember looking at my mum in the audience to make sure she had seen it too and that I wasn’t dreaming. While it took a little longer for my head to work through the logistics, my heart knew straight away that NZSD was the place for me.”

As he learned more about the programme, Ryan was drawn to its strong technical foundation and diverse range of allied subjects, which would support his versatility and development as a dancer and artist.

Having previously visited Wellington, he could also imagine making the city his home. Studying in New Zealand offered the excitement of moving overseas while allowing him to remain relatively close to his family in Australia.

Although moving to another country initially felt daunting, Ryan says the support of NZSD’s students and staff helped make the transition easier.

“I felt embraced by the School. I knew NZSD would become a second home for me.”

The opportunity to perform his solo in one of NZSD’s end-of-term Insight performances has been a highlight. For Ryan, it demonstrated the care and attention given to each student and their individual development.

Daily technique classes have also become an important part of his training.

“I’m definitely not a morning person, but technique class every morning centres me and gives me the energy and passion to keep striving for improvement.”

Ryan currently hopes to build a professional career within Australia’s contemporary dance community, while remaining open to the different opportunities his training may lead to.

“NZSD has already taught me so much - not only about dance.”

“The School is helping me build a strong technical foundation while encouraging me to discover my own artistic voice and identity. I feel confident that NZSD will support me and prepare me for whichever artistic pathway I choose to pursue.”

Photos by BWP Studios and Everline Imagery.

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Are you Interested in full-time training at NZSD?

Choose from Classical Ballet or Contemporary Dance and immerse yourself in an environment designed to challenge, inspire and help you reach your potential.

Build your technical foundation, explore choreography and creativity, gain valuable performance experience and develop the professional knowledge needed for a career in the industry.

Auditions will be held in:

• Wellington - 19 September 2026
• Melbourne - 1 October 2026
• Sydney - 3 October 2026
• Brisbane - 4 October 2026
• Digital auditions are also available for applicants unable to attend in person.

Click here for more information and to apply to audition.

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