A tiered structure sees students aged 13 – 17 (Years 9 -12 at secondary school) progressing through the programme as Junior, Intermediate and Senior Associates.

For 2025, Associates travel from throughout the country to the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington for four weekends of tuition a year. The School accepts entry at Junior Associate level (Year 9 Classical and Year 10 Contemporary).

By joining forces in 2025, the enhanced Associates Programme aims to provide pre-vocational dance students across Aotearoa/New Zealand with a unique opportunity to engage with both the NZSD and the RNZB, throughout the year.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet will provide Associates with a range of exciting benefits, including:  

• RNZB Dancers Teaching Weekend: RNZB dancers will lead a dedicated weekend workshop exclusively for all associates. The dates for this exciting opportunity will be announced soon.
• Complimentary Open Classes: Classical Associates will have the privilege of attending one complimentary open class per associate at their home centre. Please note that subsequent open classes will be subject to the regular fee.
• Complimentary Ticket to the Mixed Bill Season: Classical Associates will each receive one complimentary ticket to the Mixed Bill season, providing them with the chance to witness captivating ballet performances. Please note that this ticket is non-transferable and is valid for the associate only.
• Day Intensive at RNZB: Senior Classical Associates will have the unique opportunity to participate in a day intensive at the Royal New Zealand Ballet. This immersive experience will include observing classes and rehearsals, taking  a class in the RNZB studio with one of the Ballet Masters, engaging in Q&A sessions with dancers, and even enjoying a tour of the St. James Theatre and costume department.

The programme incurs a small administrative fee and students must cover their own travel and accommodation costs in each venue.

The RNZB recognizes the NZSD's training and the engagement through the Associates Programme as a vital pathway into the profession, particularly within the RNZB.

READ MEDIA RELEASE: ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET AND NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF DANCE PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS

Audition information

The Associates audition consists of two classes: classical ballet and contemporary dance. These are not syllabus based and each class must be attended by all applicants. Selection to the Associates Programme is made solely on the basis of:

• potential
• aptitude
• performance quality
• commitment, musicality, creativity and literacy

How to Apply

Selection for the Associates programme is by audition only. Auditions are held in September and places are strictly limited.

Preference will be given to classical students entering Year 9 at the beginning of the following academic year, and contemporary students entering Year 10 at the beginning of the following year.

Current Associates do not need to re-audition annually, however they are assessed regularly and continue on the programme by invitation only.

Auditions for 2025 have now closed.

Auditions for 2026 will take place at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre (Wellington). Time and further details will be confirmed closer to the time.

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For questions or further information about our Associate Programme please contact us.