Top 10 Best Ballet Schools in Christchurch New Zealand

Introduction:

As a professional dance school Canterbury Academy of Dance offers students the opportunity to excel in their dance training in a safe, encouraging and inspiring environment. 

Small class sizes ensure quality training, with each student receiving personal and tailored feedback during class. At Canterbury Academy of Dance students are able to gain life-long skills that can be applied to all aspects of life as they continue to grow into confident young adults.

Think dancing is all about tights and tutus? Then think again! Learning to dance is just as challenging as any sport and takes focus, determination and hard work. The skills learnt during dance class go far beyond the obvious practical application and will have lifelong benefits to your child wherever their path in life takes them.

Type of Services:

• Classical Ballet
• Jazz & Modern
• Contemporary
• Pre-School Dance

Location:

1 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Contact:  022 061 9592

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

The school strives to achieve a high standard of dance, whilst seeking to instill a sense of enjoyment in all their pupils. Levings Dance is an award winning dance studio with many high successess and acheivements in NZ and overseas.

Children are accepted from 4 years to progressively learn the fundamentals of dance.
They can continue their training to the Vocational levels in Classical Ballet (Royal Academy of Dance), with Graded & Major examinations in Ballet & Contemporary.  

Hip Hop, Conditioning & Stretch classes, Musical Theatre and lyrical also offered.

Levings Dance performs a yearly recital where all children are involved and get to perform in 2 shows in various multiple items and a large Finale.

In addition to this for the more competitive dancer they have performance groups for competition, nationally and internationally ( Audition only) and Soloist for competition.

Type of Services:

• Ballet
• Nzamd Jazz + Contemporary
• Lyrical
• Musical Theatre
• Body Conditioning
• Hip-Hop

Location:

96 Disraeli Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Contact: 
[email protected]

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Southern Ballet students aspire to perfection in Classical Ballet technique which forms the core of a young dancer’s physical training.

Founded in 1974 by Miss Lorraine Peters, the Southern Ballet School was built up on an outstanding reputation with many students achieving distinction in their careers as dancers, performing in New Zealand and internationally to principal status.

The school is affiliated to the British Ballet Organisation, The Royal Academy of Dance and NZ Academy of Modern Dance all of whom demand a high standard of their teachers and students, and whose training syllabus are committed to the achievement of that standard.

The philosophy of the Southern Ballet School is to train dancers through the enjoyment of learning dance, to inspire confidence in all students, to develop movement and deportment and, above all, to widen the student’s imagination and appreciation of music from classical ballet to modern jazz. Discipline and respect for self and others are essential elements in our training philosophy as is the fostering of an active participation in and support of the arts.

Southern Ballet was uniquely situated in the Christchurch Arts Centre until the 22 February 2011 earthquake. After this catastrophic event which left The Arts Centre severely damaged & forced the Southern Ballet Trust Board to make a decision on the future of school and theatre. Being committed to continuing the development of this art in Christchurch finding new premises was a priority. They were fortunate to find dance studios at 108 Carlyle Street in the nearby suburb of Sydenham and have transformed these premises into our new home. With two large studios, one which is converted to a theatre for their school holiday productions with capacity of an audience of 80, a small studio for private or small group  lessons, along with wardrobe space, a lounge, café and administration area they are now settled in this new home. Due to demand for extra classes additional space was leased in nearby Hawdon Street. Previously a vehicle restoration workshop the space is now fully refurbished as their 4th dance studio. Opened for the 4th term of 2013; Studio 4 is the home of their Modern School.

Southern Ballet offers ballet classes in R.A.D. major syllabus, B.B.O. grade and major syllabus and NZAMD jazz and contemporary syllabuses. Classes begin at Pre-school level (3 years plus) to Advanced level; with special tuition for boys.

A full time Enhanced Training and Performance Course offers specialised tuition for committed students considering a career in dance.

Adult ballet courses are designed to encourage students wishing to return to dancing.

Type of Services:

• Southern Ballet

Location:

108 Carlyle, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Contact:  +64 3 379 7219

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

At Sara Anderson School of Dance, they are passionate about creating a sense of belonging in a harmonious & positive learning environment.

Through professional teacher and student training, your child will develop positive attributes to assist them in becoming a valued member of the community. They inspire their students to develop a life long love of dance as they are guided through their dance education from our Pre-school Dance Explorers to pre professional

Type of Services:

• Ballet
• Contemporary
• Musical Theatre
• Preschool dance

Location:

62 Orbell Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Contact:  +64 21 891 162

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

As a dance school they are passionate about fostering a love of dance. What fuels their passion is seeing students gain mastery and excellence in their craft as they progress through CDS.

CDS emerged in 2016 with a vision to establish a dance studio where artistry and technique converge, where the magic and mystery of dance captures the imagination and inspiration of students for many years to come.

They have intentionally created a holistic environment to house a professional training centre, because to them, the wellbeing of each student is paramount.

It is their belief that dance can be an expression of beauty that stimulates joy in the dancer and the beholder alike. Joy is created and emulated from dance in those moments where you see young people express themselves freely. At the heart of CDS they are committed to nurturing such moments and providing opportunities for life long memories for families and friends.

Type of Services:

• Ballet

Location:

190 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Contact:  +64 27 563 7471

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Sharon Howells School of Dance has operated from the Upper Riccarton-Avonhead area of Christchurch since 1999. The school is recognized as one of the best ballet schools not only in Christchurch but also throughout New Zealand.

“In our school I pride myself to protect students physically and more importantly their mental wellbeing. I have been in this business far too long to see great dancers and young people destroyed by the pressure put on them by themselves, their friends and families and teachers. Personally, when they succeed in something I say Well Done! But if they miss out on an examination mark or an achievement or are disappointed. I say with a wink Well done for trying! To me it should not make much difference. As a friend of mine who was Knighted gave a wonderful reply the day after his award’: “I still got to take the rubbish bins out today!”
What is produced from that student comes from that individual alone. Teachers, friends and families should be there to share their ups and downs but always with support. Perfectionism is very common among young dancers and sport players. Friends and family may wonder why someone would put such strain and demand on their minds and body. My point of view is “Why strive to be perfect when perfection is impossible?” Positive Perfectionism! Yes, now that’s possible.
Lydia Ko recently said after a Golf Tournament “As long as I am still having fun then I ask of myself nothing more”.

Finally young people are only young for a very short time. It is for my generation to empower these young people for them to enjoy their youthful experience with memories that they can cherish and use the tools they can carry them through the rest of their lives. It is just a matter for these young people to explore themselves and to find realistic views of doing their own personal best.
I am thankful to parents who entrust their children to come and attend lessons in our school and so they feel that even if they can’t quite get to the Moon they still can dance with the Stars with pride.” – Sharon Howell

Type of Services:

• Ballet

Location:

25 Middlepark Road, Sockburn, Upper Riccarton 8004, New Zealand

Contact:  +64 3 343 1071

Website: Website Link Here