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The Story of Academy of Dance Taranaki

Academy of Dance Taranaki is a dynamic local dance studio built on the principle of Excellence without Elitism. We believe every dancer deserves the chance to pursue their passion, regardless of prior experience. Since opening our doors in 2022, we’ve grown from 123 students to over 420, making us one of the fastest-growing studios in the nation. Along the way, we’ve celebrated four APDA worldwide top mark scholarships, achieved multiple top-tier exam results, produced sold-out shows at the TSB Showplace, and watched our senior Hip Hop crews shine on the national stage.

Our Dance Programs:

  • Ballet
  • Tap
  • Jazz
  • Contemporary
  • Hip Hop
  • Musical Theatre
  • Drama
  • Ready Set Preschool Programs
  • Progressive Ballet Technique
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Acrobatic Arts Acro Dance.

With connections to the international dance community — including our sister school, Academy of Dance Hong Kong — and regular guest choreographers, we open doors to a world of opportunities for our dancers here in Taranaki. At our core, Academy of Dance is a studio with heart: cultivating dancers of character, commitment, and courage.

The Experience We Create

When families join AOD, they become part of a supportive and uplifting community. Our parents and students describe their experience as:
  • Transformational Growth – watching children develop not only dance skills but confidence, resilience, and creativity.
  • Inclusive Environment – every child is valued, whether they dance recreationally or aspire to compete nationally.
  • Exceptional Teaching – our passionate staff bring expertise, warmth, and professionalism to every class.
  • A Strong Dance Family – friendships, teamwork, and belonging sit at the heart of everything we do.
  • Diverse and High-Quality Programs – from Ballet to Hip Hop, Acro to Musical Theatre, we cater to a wide range of interests.
  • Industry Access – workshops with acclaimed choreographers give students unique insight and inspiration.
  • Performance Opportunities – from local showcases to national competitions, we provide the stage for dancers to shine.
  • Commitment to Safety – with Progressive Ballet Technique and DanceCore Safety in Dance, students train with well-being in mind.
  • Holiday Magic – our themed holiday programs sell out within hours, opening the joy of dance to the wider community.

What Makes Us Unique

Academy of Dance Taranaki was born from a leap of faith. After returning from Hong Kong in 2020 with my young family, I knew we wanted to make Taranaki our permanent home. With five children (now six!), I also knew the challenges of finding extracurricular activities in a new place. This experience shaped how I designed AOD: a studio where clear communication, care, and customer service are at the centre.
From the very beginning, parents could enrol easily online, ask questions at any time, and know their child was welcomed and valued. This approach, paired with high-quality teaching and an inclusive culture, has been the foundation of our remarkable growth.
We are proud to be a diverse studio, celebrating students from many cultural backgrounds, and to be a place where every dancer is encouraged to grow in creativity, passion, and confidence.

Our Achievements So Far

In just four years, Academy of Dance Taranaki has:
  • Achieved 4 APDA worldwide top mark scholarships and multiple top-tier exam results.
  • Opened a second branch in Hāwera (2025), already home to over 120 students.
  • Sold out the TSB Theatre in August 2025 with our original production Mwambe, giving over 400 dancers the chance to perform on the big stage.
  • Won multiple Australasian Dance Education Awards (2024).
  • Became the first dance studio in New Zealand to introduce Set The Stage, a unique acting program designed specifically for dancers to build confidence and expressive performance skills.
  • Built Taranaki’s largest preschool dance program (Ready Set Dance, Ballet, and Acro).
  • Launched a thriving Acrobatic Arts program with over 100 students, after staff completed Module 2 certification with distinction.
  • Introduced Progressive Ballet Technique to strengthen and protect dancers.
  • Hosted workshops with world-class choreographers, including Kylie Norris, Becky McEwan, Maddy Barnett, Christa Albert, and Tate Miller.
  • Offered inclusive dance programs at local schools and charities, including Conductive Education.
  • Seen our senior Hip Hop crew compete at a national level and receive nominations for the PACANZ National Young Performers Awards.

Why We Do It

Academy of Dance Taranaki is more than a dance school. It’s a community. A place where children grow into confident, expressive young people; where families feel supported; and where dance brings people together. Our journey so far has been incredible, but this is just the beginning.

Explore our Dance Styles now

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