Full-time training
Our fulltime training programme offers prospective students everything they need to prepare themselves for the challenges of the world of professional dance performance. The hours are long and self-discipline is essential, however, the rewards are great.
The opportunity to major in contemporary dance or classical ballet allows students to decide where their talents truly lie, whilst ensuring at the same time that they command a strong grounding in their minor subject area.
The School is funded by the Ministry of Education through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and is registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as a private training establishment. In 1996 the School gained accreditation and course approval from NZQA to offer two-year and three-year intensive training programmes in classical ballet and contemporary dance for students from all over the world between the ages of 16 and 20.
Certificate in Dance Performance
The New Zealand School of Dance Certificate in Dance Performance is a two-year course designed to prepare students for a performance career in dance.
The first year focuses on the foundation of classical ballet and contemporary dance technique. It also introduces a range of complementary subjects, both practical and academic. In the second year, students continue to refine their technical strengths, develop performance skills and dance in regular performances.
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The classical programme consists of classical ballet technique, contemporary dance technique, pas de deux, classical repertoire, coaching, pointe and character. Separate men’s classes focus on the physical strength, power and brilliance of male dancing with particular emphasis on elevation, pirouettes and batterie.
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The contemporary programme consists of contemporary dance technique, classical ballet technique, contemporary repertoire, partnering, choreographic practice, yoga, composition and improvisation.
Students enrolled in the NZSD Certificate in Dance Performance also study subjects that complement their time in the studio: nutrition, dance history, anatomy and general music studies.
First Year students usually have the opportunity to perform at Studio Showings, informal performances held at the end of each term at Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre.
Second Year students usually have the opportunity to perform in both the NZSD Choreographic Season (contemporary students only) and the NZSD Graduation Season.
Diploma in Dance Performance
Students must have completed the Certificate in Dance Performance (see above) before enrolling in the Diploma, which entails one additional year of study.
The Diploma year focuses on performance, offering students a range of diverse performance experiences both within the School and externally.
Secondments are an important part of the final year of training at NZSD, providing the opportunity for students to work with a professional dance company for a period of weeks. They gain industry knowledge and contacts through these secondments that often lead to professional contracts. Historically, students have seconded to companies and choreographers including:
- Australian Dance Theatre
- Royal NZ Ballet
- Leigh Warren and Dancers
- West Australian Ballet
- Daniel Belton and Good Company
- Dance North
- TasDance
- Raewyn Hill
- Singapore Dance Theatre
- Human Garden Productions
- Footnote Dance
- Java Dance Company
- Shaun Parker
- Sarah Foster
- Expressions
- Sydney Dance Company
- Queensland Ballet
There are also opportunities for classical students in their third year to train at other tertiary dance institutions for a period of weeks. There are three schools that NZSD has an ongoing relationship with:
- Royal Winnipeg Ballet School
- Australian Ballet School
- Canada's National Ballet School.
These visiting programmes give the student an opportunity to experience different teaching methodologies, enjoy a fresh environment and meet friends and important dance-world contacts. Students are chosen by the Director as representatives of the New Zealand School of Dance.
Third year contemporary students get the chance to create their own contemporary choreography in the school's annual Choreographic Season. The students choreograph on the Second and Third Year contemporary students, and the resulting work is performed over a ten-peformance season at Te Whaea Theatre. As part of this season, students learn how to collaborate with lighting and costume designers, production and stage managers from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. Students also receive media training as part of this project.
Throughout their third year, all students maintain their studies in classical and contemporary technique and learn a diverse range of repertoire in readiness for the industry. In addition, third year students complete a module in Career Planning.
Both academic and theoretical classes are regularly reviewed through formal and informal assessments, and promotion into the third year of training is based on achievement.
Most graduates of the New Zealand School of Dance enter careers in dance performance upon graduation - the employment rate is approximately 80%, and has been as high as 100% in recent years.
You will also find New Zealand School of Dance alumni in various related fields such as physiotherapy, dance teaching, pilates instruction, arts administration, research, dance notation, dance photography and journalism.