Associates Auditions – Wellington

The Associates Programme identifies ballet and contemporary dance students who have the talent for a career in dance performance.

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

For 2024, Associates travel from throughout the country to the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington for two weekends of tuition a year. In addition, one weekend in Term 1 will be held in Auckland and one weekend in Term 4 will be held in Christchurch. We are expecting the Associates to make a commitment to attending a minimum of three weekends out of the four.

Wellington Auditions
Saturday 9 September
Time: 1.15pm
Venue: Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre
11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington 6021

For more information about the programme and application process, click below.

How to Apply

Associates Auditions – Christchurch

The Associates Programme identifies ballet and contemporary dance students who have the talent for a career in dance performance.

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

For 2024, Associates travel from throughout the country to the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington for two weekends of tuition a year. In addition, one weekend in Term 1 will be held in Auckland and one weekend in Term 4 will be held in Christchurch. We are expecting the Associates to make a commitment to attending a minimum of three weekends out of the four.

Christchurch Auditions
Sunday 3 September.
Time: TBC
Venue: NASDA E Block, 130 Madras Street, Christchurch 8011

For more information about the programme and application process, click below.

How to Apply

Open Technique classes – CHRISTCHURCH

The NZSD offers open technique classes in classical ballet and contemporary dance in conjunction with auditions for the Associate programme. Dancers are welcome to join the open classes, whether they are attending the Associate auditions or not.

Cost: $25.00 for one class, $45.00 for two.

Christchurch, NASDA, Sunday 3rd September 2023 
Classical: 2.15pm – 3.30pm
Contemporary: 3.45pm – 5.00pm

Register

Pathways Talk – Livestream

Pathways Talk (Livestream)- All about studying at NZSD 

New Zealand School of Dance is a national institution, official School of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and centre of excellence for pre-professional dance training. The School remains committed to providing outstanding dance education and developing well-rounded dancers who can succeed at the highest level.

Those interested in full-time study at the New Zealand School of Dance are invited to join our LIVE PATHWAYS – an informal information-sharing talk hosted by NZSD Director, Garry Trinder and other senior faculty members, who will answer your questions about:

  • The various programmes offered at NZSD, including our Scholars and Associate Programmes
  • What to expect from full-time dance training at NZSD
  • The audition process
  • What we are looking for at the audition

Date: Wednesday, 5 July
Time: 6.15 PM – 7.15 PM


* You will receive the link to our live stream once you submit your registration. 

Register

Congratulations to Deputy Chair of the New Zealand School of Dance Board of Trustees, Helene Quilter

Helene has been recognised as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours for her service to the public service and the arts.

NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF DANCE CHOREOGRAPHIC SEASON, AXIS, SET TO BE A DYNAMIC AND ECLECTIC SHOWCASE OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE.

The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) is proud to present this year’s choreographic season, titled Axis. The season celebrates the students’ creative process and offers an insight into the development of their choreographic skills.

·        NZSD 3rd Yr contemporary dance student – Caterina Moreno. Photo by Zoe Whaley

Third-year contemporary dance students collaborate to create their own individual works, guided by tutor, Holly Newsome. Eight short pieces are combined to create a full-length work, allowing students to showcase their talents and perspectives with Newsome’s expertise and guidance.

Newsome is a graduate of the School and has a profound appreciation for the importance of this choreographic undertaking. “Axis is a celebration of dance, where students can begin to find their voices both as artists and as performers. It is the culmination of years of training, and a testament to the many people who have guided and influenced the performers along their journey.” said Newsome.

3rd Year contemporary dance student Elliot Gordon talks about his work with passion and dedication. His choreographic work, a duet, is a beautiful portrayal of love and the conversations that come with it. “The energy of the piece is centred around love and how it can relieve and comfort us during difficult times, which I wanted to capture through movement. Through this duet, I wanted to highlight the unique and special relationship that can be found between two people and how it can be life changing.”

NZSD 3rd Yr contemporary dance students – Cate Leong & Deija Vukona. Photo by Zoe Whaley

After two years of using BATS theatre, the 2023 season is returning to its home base, Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, located in Newtown.

Choreographic Season will involve a thrilling partnership with Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Toi Whakaari’s costume and production team will play an integral role in the development and execution of this exciting season. Additionally, emerging Scenographic Designer, Max de Roy, will lend his creative talents to the project, contributing to its lighting, costume, and stage design. With such a talented group of artists and designers working together, audiences can expect an awe-inspiring performance that resonates long after the last note of music falls away.

With its focus on exploration and experimentation, Axis is not merely a showcase of skill, but a celebration of the creative process itself. The season promises to be a memorable event that will inspire and captivate diverse audiences.

Axis opens at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama School on 23 June and runs until 29 June 2023. Tickets are from $12 – $25.

Visit nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/events/choreographic-season-2023 for details.

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

Associate Auditions

The New Zealand School of Dance Associates Programme identifies classical ballet and contemporary dance students from all over New Zealand who have a talent for a career in dance performance. Students aged 13 – 16 are chosen by audition, ensuring those with aptitude can take class with similarly talented dancers.

City Venue Date
Wellington Te Whaea 17 September 2022
Auckland Wellesley Studios 18 September 2022
Christchurch NASDA 2 October 2022

Applications are now open and close on Friday 26 August 2022 at 11.59pm NZST.

Learn more and apply

 

 

Graduation Season 2021 – Wellington

The New Zealand School of Dance is thrilled to return to the Whare Whakaari Theatre at Te Whaea for our 2021 Graduation Season from 19 – 27 November.

Current Level 2 guidelines require limited seating.  Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.  CLICK HERE to book.

This year’s programme is a proudly Kiwi showcase including seven newly-commissioned and two existing works , choreographed or restaged by acclaimed NZ-based artists. A thrilling season celebrating the talent and accomplished artistry of the New Zealand School of Dance contemporary dance and classical ballet students awaits.

Performances
19 – 27 Nov: 19.30
Sun 21 Nov: 14.00
No performances on Mon 22 Nov

Ticket Prices
Adult: $39
Senior / Students: $28
Children 12 and younger: $18



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We thank the Stout Trust (proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian), the Australian High Commission, Peacocke Dance Trust and Pub Charity for providing funding towards this project.