Providing world class training in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Our Social Media Policy: http://www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/social-media-policy
The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) is recognised as one of the Southern Hemisphere's leading dance conservatoires. Established in 1967, it has become New Zealand’s foremost training establishment for classical and contemporary dancers. The School prepares students to excel in their future careers as professional dancers. Many graduates have gone on to make significant contributions to the danc
10/07/2026
Mānawatia a !
The Māori New Year is marked by the rise of Matariki.
Matariki is a time to gather with whānau and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future.
📷 students by Stephen A'Court Photographer
09/07/2026
📯 Please join us in congratulating the recipients of our Winter School Scholarships.
🏆The winners are (from L):
Senior 2/3 Contemporary - Adelaide Ainger (Silhouette Dance Studio, West Australia)
Senior 2/3 Classical - Xinyue Zhao (Chilton Ballet Academy, Lower Hutt)
Junior 1 - Amelia Patterson (Denise Walker Dance Academy, Waikanae)
Junior 2 - Cape Bowen (Dance24seven, Auckland)
Senior 1 - Tully Bell (The Ave Studios, QLD, Australia)
07/07/2026
Check out some of the highlights from our 2026 Winter School! 🌟✨
We have been overwhelmed by the lovely feedback we received from teachers, parents and young dancers. It fills us with joy to know that our Winter School is a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.
📷 James Burchell
07/07/2026
NZSD returns to Whirinaki Whare Taonga with SPRING EXPERIENCE. This year's programme brings ballet's richness to life alongside cutting-edge contemporary dance works.
📅 24th-26th September
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt
🎫 Tickets available at https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/sep/spring-experience
student Phoebe Ewington. Photo by Stephen A'Court Photographer.
06/07/2026
“The New Zealand School of Dance’s wonderfully large 2026 cohort of contemporary stream dancers are cohesive, professional, and both physically and emotionally generous performers; showcased and curated with aroha by Matte Roffe, the choreographic season is rich and thoroughly entertaining.” - Brigitte Knight Dance Aotearoa New Zealand
Review – NOTE TO SELF Choreographic Season 2026 – New Zealand School of Dance Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama CentreWellington2 July 2026 Choreographic Mentor: Matte RoffeLighting Design & Operator: Alex DicksonDramaturgical Consultation: Miranda ManasiádiCostume Coordination: Matte Roffe and 3rd Year contemporary students with Anne De Geus Reviewed by Brigitte Knight Top...
05/07/2026
Considering NZSD for your dance training?
Join us for PATHWAYS - a FREE, informal info session with NZSD Director Garry Trinder and senior faculty.
Learn more about:
👉Full-time training, Scholars and Associate Programmes
👉The audition process
👉What we're looking for at auditions
📅 Wednesday 8 July, 5.45pm
📍 Te Whaea—National Dance & Drama Centre or watch the livestream
Register here: https://www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/events/pathways-talk
📷 NZSD classical ballet students Scarlett Hutley and Daniel McLaughlin. Photo by Stephen A'Court Photographer
02/07/2026
Today, our students and staff bid an emotional farewell to Student Support Manager, Nkhaya Paulsen-More, as she leaves Te Whaea—National Dance & Drama Centre to follow her own creative pursuits.
Each class took a quiet moment to thank Nkhaya with words or song.
Everyone will deeply miss Nkhaya's daily chats, laughter during stressful sprints and the way she thoughtfully supported each student in their personal journey through the School.
Thank you for your quiet strength, collaboration and guidance. We're excited for the next chapter, Nkhaya.
'Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa.'
'Let us keep close together, not far apart.'
02/07/2026
Yesterday we hosted Parent and Whānau Day here at Te Whaea—National Dance & Drama Centre - A chance to see the training up close and showcase the passion and commitment of our students.
A special moment at the end of a big Term 2 - ngā mihi nui to everyone who joined us.
01/07/2026
✨Insight performances on tonight and tomorrow night✨
Swipe for a look at yesterday's dress rehearsal.
Warm-up class from 5.25pm, followed by Insight at 6.15pm
🔹 1 July: Contemporary dance warm-up class
🔹 2 July: Classical ballet warm-up class
Ticketing is Koha, general admission (tap to pay available)
Parking is available on site
Buses: 3, 18, 27
📷 Insight photos by James Burchell Photography
30/06/2026
We're overjoyed to welcome back the amazing Vicki Attard as a guest tutor this year. For the past two weeks, Vicki has been sharing her expertise with the in ballet technique and pointe work.
Vicki will also be one of our guest faculty at next week's .