National Scholars and Associates programmes
These programmes provide the best foundation on the path to becoming a professional dancer and for students aspiring to train full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance.
Students are chosen from all over New Zealand by audition, ensuring those with aptitude can take class with similarly talented dancers. Classes complement the student’s current dance training while providing first-hand experience of the School’s teachers, training style and facilities.
Scholars
The Scholars programme provides training for classical ballet students from the age of 10 (Year 6 at school).
Students audition to join the Scholars programme, and participate in conjunction with their regular dance training.
The programme focuses on the principles of movement, incorporating the definitions of technique as required in ballet, while embracing musicality and artistry.
Classes are small and the ballet training is supported by allied subjects such as body conditioning. The level of technique and the frequency of classes increase annually to the age of 16 in preparation for the School’s full-time course.
Student’s progress through a tiered structure is assessed each year and from Level 4 students participate in the Associates programme.
Classes are held on a weekly basis for lower North Island students and students on the National Scholars programme visit NZSD at least once during each term to attend training.
The current Scholars fee depends on the number of hours each term and ranges from $203 to $261 per term at Level 1 (total 64 teaching hours for the year).
There are six levels with an increasing number of hours at each level. Progression beyond Level 2 is at the discretion of the School.
At Level 6, the fee per term ranges from $533 to $688 (total 174 teaching hours for the year).
For questions or further information information about the Scholars programme please email Head of Scholars Sue Nicholls or phone 04 381 9255
Associates
The Associates Programme identifies ballet and contemporary dance students who have the talent for a career in dance performance.
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 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.
Associates can attend masterclasses in their region hosted by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and once a year Senior Associates join the full-time students for an immersion week.
The School accepts entry at Junior Associate level (Year 9 Classical and Year 10 Contemporary).
Current Associates do not need to re-audition annually, however they are assessed regularly and continue on the programme by invitation only.
The programme incurs a small administrative fee and students must cover their own travel and accommodation costs in each venue.
For questions or further information about the Associates programme please email Head of Associates Christine Gunn or phone 04 381 9223
At the completion of Scholars Level 6 and
Those wishing to enter full-time training at NZSD are required to attend the full-time audition.
Levels of the NZSD Scholars and Associates Programmes
| School Year | Age | Scholars | Associates |
| Year 6 | 10/11 Years | NZSD Scholar Level 1 | |
| Year 7 | 11/12 Years | NZSD Scholar Level 2 | |
| Year 8 | 12/13 Years | NZSD Scholar Level 3 | |
| Year 9 | 13/14 Years | NZSD Scholar Level 4 | NZSD Junior Associate Classical Major |
| Year 10 | 14/15 Years | NZSD Junior Associate Contemporary Major | |
| Year 10 | 14/15 Years | NZSD Scholar Level 5 | NZSD Intermediate Associate Classical Major |
| Year 11 | 15/16 Years | NZSD Intermediate Associate Contemporary Major | |
| Year 11 | 15/16 Years | NZSD Scholar Level 6 | NZSD Senior Associate Classical Major |
| Year 12 | 16/17 Years | NZSD Senior Associate Contemporary Major | |
