Southern Ballet School & Theatre

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of David Peake, a founding member of Southern Ballet Theatre.

David was an integral part of our beginnings, and his passion, dedication, and unwavering support helped shape who we are today. Originally from Wales, he trained and graduated from the Royal Ballet School, bringing with him an extraordinary depth of knowledge and experience. His first production in Christchurch with Southern Ballet Theatre was Coppélia, marking the beginning of a remarkable and lasting contribution to our organisation.

David’s dedication to ballet was unsurpassed. He gave his whole heart and soul to Southern Ballet Theatre, and words can hardly express the impact he had on all of us. His heart was truly made of gold, and his legacy will live on through the countless dancers and lives he touched.

He was immensely talented, unique, and a truly beautiful soul. His wicked sense of humour, combined with his vast knowledge of theatre, kept many dancers going through thick and thin—often in fits of laughter. David was priceless, and incredibly special to us all.

He will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with David’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Rest peacefully, David 🤍

🌧️ We are OPEN today!

Classes are running as scheduled.

However, your safety always comes first. If you do not feel comfortable driving in the current conditions, please stay home, stay dry, and stay warm. ❤️

We completely understand and will see you next class.

Take care everyone.

Our beautiful Josephine at the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand Summer School 💖

✨Holiday Open Classical Classes✨

Join us next week for open classical classes with our Artistic Director!

A gentle and supportive way to prepare your body and mind for your 2026 dancing year.

Open to everyone (not just SBT students), from Intermediate Foundation & above. Adult students are also very welcome!

Wednesday 21st – Friday 23rd January
12:00pm – 1:00pm
$25 per class

A relaxed, encouraging space to reconnect with technique, enjoy moving again, and ease back into class after the holidays.

Register at [email protected]

We’d love to welcome you 💙

We are thrilled to be featured in The Press as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary Gala and the incredible legacy of Southern Ballet Theatre.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past five decades — this moment is for all of you. 💙

Grab a copy, have a read, and share in the excitement with us!

The 'hard hard' ballet examiner who inspired a Christchurch dance company A stern English woman had travelled the country failing “nearly everybody”. But then she got to Lorraine Peters.

✨📸 It’s Photoshoot Day! 📸✨

Today we’re capturing the magic for our 50th Anniversary Gala — fifty years of dance, creativity, and incredible performers who make Southern Ballet Theatre what it is.

We can’t wait to share these stunning images with you all… stay tuned!💙

💃 MAUREEN COULTER 💃

We are delighted to announce Maureen Coulter (Clara Ramona Flamenco Troupe) as one of our guest tutors for the 2026 Summer School.

Expect passion, rhythm, storytelling — and a whole lot of FIRE. 🔥

Ole!

Book you place now: [email protected]

🌍 TESSA MARTIN 🌍

All the way from Brussels, we’re excited to welcome Tessa Martin (Cie MESS) to the SBT Summer School 2026!

Contemporary artists, this one’s for you — fresh European choreographic style, dynamic movement, and inspiring creative exploration.

Prepare to be pushed, challenged, and inspired! ⚡️

Book your place now: [email protected]

🔥 DANIEL GAUDIELLO 🔥

Get ready, dancers — Daniel Gaudiello is joining our 2026 Summer School lineup!

Former Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet, Daniel is known for his power, precision, and electric performance energy.

This is masterclass-level magic you don’t want to miss! 💥

Book you place now: [email protected]

✨ FIONA TONKIN ✨

We are honoured to welcome Fiona Tonkin to our 2026 Summer School!

A celebrated Principal Artist, Principal Coach, and Artistic Associate with The Australian Ballet — and our wonderful Patron — Fiona brings world-class experience and extraordinary artistry to SBT.

An unmissable opportunity for every aspiring dancer! 🌟
Book your place now: [email protected]

📸 Branco Gracia