OUR TEAM
Who are we?
We are a group of Professional and highly qualified Dance instructors with many years of experience in both the technical and performance aspects of Dance. As a company, our focus is motivating and encouraging people of all abilities to embrace a love of life and of themselves through movement and expression.
Meet our Teachers
SONIA LEE NAZZER
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY OF DANCE TARANAKI
At 16 Sonia was gaining recognition as a young talent in the performing arts industry in both dance, Ballet, Tap and Jazz and Drama. As the drama cup recipient for her high school, Sonia went on to pursue further performing arts training through Excel School of Performing Arts. Prior to this Sonia had training in BBO Tap, BBO Ballet, NZAMD Jazz to Solo Seal level, And gained distinctions in her Trinity College of London Speech and Drama examinations up to grade 8 and Performance certificate, studying privately under the tutelage of the legendary Dorne Arthur.
Many years later, Sonia is most proud of her achievement of creating a successful dance studio, in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong. Enjoying the many facets of the job of Director, Sonia thrives in a diverse and open environment where her talents can be put to use. From costume design, script writing, teaching, mentoring, and developing curriculum Sonia enjoys most seeing the kids shine and overcome to become the best they can be. Sonia relocated to New Plymouth with her husband Ben and their 6 children in early 2020.
ALYSSA YOUNG
BALLET, JAZZ AND ADULT DANCE TEACHER
Alyssa’s journey in dance commenced at the age of three, blossoming into a dedicated pursuit that saw her achieve remarkable success in completing her NZAMD Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz levels with distinction at a prestigious studio in Taranaki. From an early age, Alyssa displayed natural leadership qualities and a talent for inspiring young minds, leading her to embark on her teaching journey at just 14 years old. She seamlessly transitioned into teaching roles at the same studio where she honed her own skills, bringing a unique blend of experience and passion to her classes.
Having excelled in her own Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary examinations, Alyssa intimately understands the dedication, focus, and discipline essential for dancers to reach their fullest potential. Having a Bachelor degree in Psychology has helped Alyssa further enrich her teaching approach, allowing her to connect with students on a deeper level and tailor her instruction to suit each individual’s needs.
Whether nurturing beginner dancers, guiding recreational enthusiasts, or preparing aspiring performers for examinations and competitions, Alyssa’s comprehensive expertise and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable mentor for dancers at every stage of their journey toward excellence.
TORI SHAFFETT
HIP HOP, TIGER TOTS AND PRESCHOOL DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Tori’s dance journey began at the age of 7, exploring various dance styles before discovering her true passion for Hip Hop. This passion ignited her journey to the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas, where she showcased her talent on a global stage. Back home in New Plymouth, Tori founded her own Hip Hop crew, captivating audiences in countless local performances and competitions.
With a Masters Degree in Psychology, Tori spent her early 20s in the education sector, honing her skills in working with children and young adults. Her experience extends to choreographing school productions and teaching dynamic Hip Hop classes that blend creativity with technique.
Working as the head hip hop teacher at AOD since 2022, Tori has lead our hip hop students to success with a 100% pass rate in all APDA hip hop exams in 2023, including having a student place in the top five worldwide in her Level 8 examination. Tori has also managed two of AODs hip hop crews, leading them to compete at many local and national competitions including PACANZ, Hip Hop International and Hip Hop Unite.
For Tori, dance is not just about movement—it’s a therapeutic journey filled with joy, empowerment, and self-expression. She strives to cultivate a space where students can build confidence, discover their creativity, and experience the sheer joy of dance. At Academy of Dance, we believe that dance is inclusive and transformative, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Tori embodies these values, fostering connection, belonging, and the growth of healthy minds and bodies through the art of movement.
HANNAH DIXON
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Hannah Dixon’s dance journey began at the age of 7, where she delved into Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary styles. Her dedication and talent led her to participate in NZAMD exams, achieving a solo diploma in Contemporary with distinction in almost all her exams. She was recognized at the NZAMD dance awards for Contemporary and Jazz, receiving nominations twice for Jazz and once for Contemporary.
Hannah’s achievements extend to the Hip Hop Nationals, where she competed with a mega crew and secured a remarkable 2nd place. Her competitive spirit has taken her to various competitions, showcasing her skills in Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop.
Beyond accolades, Hannah’s passion for dance stems from its ability to be a powerful form of self-expression. A few years ago, she joined the Dance Project and was lucky to experience a trip Australia for workshops, an experience she describes as truly amazing.
With her rich background in dance and her ongoing pursuit of excellence, Hannah is committed to sharing her love for dance and nurturing the talents of her students.
KEIGHLEY ADAMS
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Keighley Adams embarked on her dance journey at the age of 7, delving into jazz initially and later incorporating contemporary and hip-hop styles into her repertoire. Her passion for dance stems from the freedom it offers, providing a means for self-expression and creativity. Keighley is particularly drawn to teaching, relishing the connections formed with her students and the opportunity to guide and support them.
Throughout her dance career, Keighley has had numerous memorable experiences, including attending workshops with renowned groups like the LAB and Village Nation in Australia, performing at Dreamworld, competing in various dance competitions across New Zealand, receiving a PACANZ nomination, participating in APDA Level 8 hip hop exams, and showcasing her talents in front of large audiences at events like Christmas at the Bowl. Her dedication to dance and her ability to connect with students make her a valuable asset to the dance community.
OLIVIA WONG
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Olivia has been immersed in the world of dance since age 4, initially in ballet and later developing a passion for jazz and contemporary styles. With a belief that dance fosters confidence, creates lasting memories, and serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, Olivia is dedicated to helping students achieve their desired results, drawing from her own success in NZAMD exams. Since 2023, she has been a valued teacher at AOD, where she cherishes every teaching moment. Certified in Acrobatics Arts Module 1 and Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), Olivia is grateful for the opportunity to impart her knowledge and skills, guiding each individual on their unique dance journey.
COCO
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
TBA
NEIVE DAVISON
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Neive Davison tōku ingoa, nō te maunga o Taranaki, nō te awa o Manaia, nō ngā iwi o Ngaruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Rangi, nā rātou au i tukua mai i ngā tūpuna o Tupaia, Ngati Tu, Ngāti Tui-o-Nuku, Te Hapu, nā te waka o Aotea au i āhe.
Neive is a 14-year-old who has been dancing since the age of 7, starting with Ballet as a foundation and then adding Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop to her repertoire.
She embarked on solo competitions at 10 and found immense joy in challenging herself, gaining significant confidence on the way. Initially hesitant about performing on stage, Neive learned that stepping out of her comfort zone can lead to achieving her goals.
Since last year, she has been an integral part of the AOD Hip hop senior Crew APEX, relishing the camaraderie of dancing in a crew, sharing moments with friends, and competing around New Zealand.
Neive’s passion for dance grows with each passing year and new experience. She really enjoys witnessing younger dancers embrace the same enthusiasm and love for dance.
She aspires to continue teaching and assisting in dance while further developing her skills in choreography and performance. Neive looks forward to the exciting journey ahead with her AOD Whānau.