NZSD is seeking a Classical Ballet Tutor

The New Zealand School of Dance is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading dance training institutions, preparing students for professional careers in classical ballet and contemporary dance. We are seeking a creative, innovative and inspirational full-time Classical Ballet Tutor with a real passion for their area of expertise and a genuine interest in the young people in their care. This is a permanent, full-time position.

Summary of the Role

You will specialise in teaching Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, Variations and Repertoire to male students on the School’s full-time tertiary courses. You will be expected to assist with performance-related activities and contribute to the annual Winter School, Summer Intensive and other scheduled events throughout the year.

You will play a major role in the technical training, educational and pastoral care of the students at the School. We are looking for someone with a strong performance background, who can take up this exciting opportunity and thrive in a demanding teaching role. You must be able to work well as part of a team and deliver excellent classical ballet training.

Opportunity location: Wellington, New Zealand
Key requirements: A recognised tertiary qualification related to the training of aspiring young dancers

Application

Apply by 5pm Friday, 17 March 2023. Please send your cover letter and CV by email to garry.trinder@nzschoolofdance.ac.nz
You must be eligible to work in NZ to apply for this role.

A job description for this position may be downloaded here.

A long-awaited welcome: Australian and International Students Return to the New Zealand School of Dance

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, earlier this month, the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) welcomed back a handful of international and Australian students.  This includes students from Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. With their return, the School is able to tap into a new wave of talent and creativity.

Since its founding in 1967, the NZSD has welcomed students from all over the world to take part in its renowned world-class training programme. Led by some of the most experienced and talented tutors, the School offers students the opportunity to major in either classical ballet or contemporary dance, while maintaining a strong grounding in both disciplines. Additionally, the School benefits from the diverse cultural perspectives that international students bring to their studies and the increased mobility of students and professionals across the Tasman Sea.

During the past two weeks, we were able to sit down and talk to the students about why they chose to join the NZSD. Many of them already knew that it was the right choice, as it had been highly recommended by graduates they know as well as their dance teachers. Others were drawn to the School due to its excellent reputation for providing a comprehensive and high-quality education in dance. They want to learn from the best and gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their dance career. They are committed to taking their abilities to the next level and are determined to make the most of their time at the School.

1st Year student Milly Maden decided to join the New Zealand School of Dance because of its reputation for promoting creativity, “The NZSD is very well-known for delivering a programme that develops and enhances one’s creativity. My dream is to come out and help shape the world of dance.”

With its unique location, the School provides students with the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s vibrant culture and dramatic landscape. Wellington is known for its creative and cultural heart, stunning scenery, and diverse population, with people from all around the world calling the city “home”.  All these factors make the New Zealand School of Dance an ideal choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive and rewarding dance education.

NZSD 1st Year students Hannah and Janelle, both from Singapore,  think of Wellington as a “breath of fresh air”, not only because of its weather but also due to the openness and kindness of the people.  One of their favourite things is to watch the sky at night, “You can see the stars!”. This will be, without doubt, an all-round experience for our new students.

Although their dance training at the NZSD has just started, many students already have a clear vision for their future. Most of them aspire to dance professionally and also become choreographers. For example, Hannah, who has a strong passion for painting, envisages creating a show based on her artwork.

With the reopening of the borders, more students will be able to experience what makes the NZSD so special – a unique combination of technical excellence and creative exploration that fosters growth.

– NZSD

Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership: Garry Trinder’s Journey

This year, Garry Trinder is celebrating 25 years of directing the New Zealand School of Dance. 

Garry’s impressive career began when he was 18, joining Scottish Ballet, as a dancer.  In moving into management, he served six years as Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet & two years as Director of Dance for the Natal Performing Arts Council (NAPAC) in South Africa.  He holds a Master’s degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire & an Advanced Diploma in Education from Newcastle University.

Garry Trinder, Artistic Director, New Zealand School of Dance. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court. COPYRIGHT ©Stephen A’Court

Garry joined the New Zealand School of Dance on 15 January 1998, and since then, he has been a driving force in modernising the school and ensuring the highest quality of dance instruction. His direction has been instrumental in producing some of the world’s most accomplished dancers, with many NZSD alumni now appearing in top-tier dance companies all over the world.

Under his leadership, the School has extended its professional training reputation globally. Garry has forged relationships with acclaimed international ballet competitions and established exchange programmes with highly regarded conservatoires. In 2005, the School was endorsed by Youth America Grand Prix and, in 2006, became a Partner School of the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. These connections have helped further the reputation of the School as a world-class training institution. 

In recognition of his services to dance, Garry was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013.

Garry has seen NZSD through significant milestones and successes, including the move from Cable Street to Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre,  launching The New Zealand School Of Dance Foundation and creating both the School’s Associates and Scholars Programmes.

Furthermore, his leadership during the last two years has been critical as the School navigated some of the most difficult and challenging times throughout the pandemic. Despite the immense disruptions, Garry ensured that students were able to continue their learning in a safe, secure and effective manner. The School would like to express its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Garry Trinder for his tireless dedication to the ongoing success and excellence of dance training in New Zealand. His unwavering belief in his students’ abilities to excel has been an inspiration to all. His commitment to providing the best possible training and resources to his students has been an invaluable asset to the School, as well as his leadership and guidance throughout the pandemic. We thank him for his continued commitment and contribution to the School and the cultural landscape of New Zealand.

– NZSD

Prix de Lausanne Announcement

NZSD Ballet Student Accepted to Compete at the Prix de Lausanne 2023

Aidan Tully for the New Zealand School of Dance, April 2022. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court. COPYRIGHT ©Stephen A’Court

New Zealand School of Dance is proud to announce that Aidan Tully, a classical ballet student at the school, has been selected to take part in the 50th-anniversary edition of the Prix de Lausanne 2023. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Aidan’s hard work, dedication, and talent.

The Prix de Lausanne is an international ballet competition open to pre-professional dancers of all nationalities aged 15 to 18. Its goal is to discover, promote and support the finest talents around the world.

A total of 429 hopeful classical ballet students from renowned dance institutions across the globe applied to participate in the competition, with only 76 dancers selected from this process. Aidan is the only New Zealander to be included.  This is the second year in a row that the New Zealand School of Dance has presented a student for the competition.­­

The competition’s raison d’être is to showcase the potential of exceptionally talented young dancers by having them perform before a panel of world-renowned dance personalities representing different countries and a broad range of ballet styles. The competition is scheduled to be held in Switzerland from 29 January to 5th February 2023.

The New Zealand School of Dance has enjoyed a formal relationship with the Prix de Lausanne since 2006, when we became one of the Prix’s Partner Schools.

“And just the fact I came from a small town where I could practically name everyone to this… just don’t ever think ‘it can never be me’, because that’s what I thought, and here I am.”  – Aidan Tully

The School is very proud of Aidan’s success and wishes him all the best as he prepares for the Prix de Lausanne. We are confident that Aidan will put forth his best and make New Zealand proud.

– NZSD Director, Garry Trinder

Summer Intensive 2023

The New Zealand School of Dance is excited to present our Summer Intensive 2023 for dancers aged 12 – 17 years. The programme, developed by leading dance educators in New Zealand, will give dancers a taste of what is taught at the School.

Summer Intensive 2023 dancers can expect:

  • Classes specialised in preferred dance form, where dancers will choose to join either the contemporary dance or classical ballet classes.
  • Daily technique and repertoire classes.
  • Daily complementary classes designed to develop technical and creative aspects of dance for classical ballet and contemporary dance.
  • Taught by NZSD Faculty

PLEASE NOTE – We have reached capacity for the senior classical class.

There are still spaces available in the junior and intermediate classical classes and in both contemporary levels.

Information Pack

Register Here

Teacher Observation Application

 

 

Performance Season (Contemporary Dance)

New Zealand School of Dance Celebrates 55 years of World Class Training.

The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) has played a significant role in shaping this country’s dance culture for more than half a century and its 55th Anniversary Performance Season programmes proudly reflect its achievements.

The season is an opportunity to witness the high calibre of students and the results of working with inspirational world-class tutors. Audiences at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre will be treated to a comprehensive mix of contemporary dance and classical ballet featuring outstanding choreography from NZSD alumni and teachers. Performances will alternate throughout the season.

Contemporary Performances
17 November 19.30
19 November 19.30
22 November 19.30
24 November 19.30
26 November 19.30

Ticket Prices
Adult: $42
Senior / Student/ groups of 10+: $29
Children 12 and younger: $19

Venue
Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre

Click Here to book your tickets

Performance Season (All Loughlan Prior Programme)

New Zealand School of Dance Celebrates 55 years of World Class Training.

The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) has played a significant role in shaping this country’s dance culture for more than half a century and its 55th Anniversary Performance Season programmes proudly reflect its achievements.

The season is an opportunity to witness the high calibre of students and the results of working with inspirational world-class tutors. Audiences at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre will be treated to a comprehensive mix of contemporary dance and classical ballet featuring outstanding choreography from NZSD alumni and teachers. Performances will alternate throughout the season.

Classical Performances
16 November 19.30
18 November 19.30
20 November 14.00
23 November 19.30
25 November 19.30

Ticket Prices
Adult: $42
Senior / Student/ groups of 10+: $29
Children 12 and younger: $19

Venue
Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre

Click Here to book your tickets

Regional Performances – Southward Theatre

In this, our 55th anniversary year, the New Zealand School of Dance is thrilled to again be appearing at Southward Theatre from 4 – 6 November, with outstanding performances of both classical ballet and contemporary dance. The repertoire will feature exciting highlights and cutting-edge choreography.

Performances
4 Nov – 7.30pm
5 Nov – 1.30pm
5 Nov – 7.30pm
6 Nov – 1.30pm – CANCELLED

Ticket Prices
Adult: $25
Senior / Student/ groups of 10+: $19
Children 12 and younger: $15

Venue
Otaihanga Rd
Otaihanga, Paraparaumu

Click Here to book your tickets

Regional Performances – Whirinaki Whare Taonga

In this, our 55th anniversary year, the New Zealand School of Dance is thrilled to again be appearing at Whirinaki Whare Taonga from 20 – 22 October, with outstanding performances of both classical ballet and contemporary dance. The repertoire will feature exciting highlights and cutting-edge choreography.

Performances
20 Oct – 7.30pm
21 Oct – 7.30pm
22 Oct – 2.00pm
22 Oct – 7.30pm

Ticket Prices
Adult: $20
Children 12 and younger: $13.50*A booking fee will apply

Venue
Whirinaki Whare Taonga
836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Click Here to book your tickets

Full-Time Auditions – Brisbane

Entry to the New Zealand School of Dance full-time programme is by audition only.

Auditions for the 2023 intake will be held digitally as well as in New Zealand and Australia.  Please register to attend either of these auditions by clicking the link below.

Auditions calendar:

Digital Audition – 12 September – Submit your video here – (Open only to applicants who are unable to travel due to current restrictions).

Wellington – Saturday 1 October. Venue: Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre

Sydney – Monday 3 October. Venue: Sydney Dance Company (SDC), Wharf 4/5 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point, NSW

Melbourne- Wednesday 5 October. Venue: Melbourne Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA),140 Hall Street, Spotswood, VIC

Brisbane – Thursday 6 October. Venue: Promenade Dance Studio (PDS), 26 Glentanna Street, Kedron, QLD

AUDITIONS REGISTRATION