Paula Young

RAD Ballet Specialist | Director of Ballet – Academy of Dance Taranaki

Paula Young is a highly respected ballet educator and Royal Academy of Dance specialist, bringing over four decades of experience in classical ballet training, examination preparation, and dancer development.

Paula holds the prestigious RAD Diploma in Dance Teacher Studies, a qualification recognised internationally for excellence in ballet pedagogy. Her depth of knowledge, technical precision, and commitment to dancer wellbeing have shaped generations of students, many of whom have gone on to pursue advanced training and professional pathways.

Trained in classical ballet from the age of six through to advanced vocational levels, Paula’s expertise spans the full RAD syllabus, from Primary and Grades through to Intermediate Foundation and Advanced levels. In addition to ballet, her background includes advanced jazz and contemporary training, giving her a broad understanding of how ballet supports and enhances all dance styles.

As Director of Ballet at Academy of Dance Taranaki, Paula is responsible for the structure, progression, and artistic integrity of the ballet programme. She is deeply committed to providing dancers with a stable, future-focused training pathway, ensuring technical excellence while fostering confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of ballet.

Paula’s teaching style is known for being clear, disciplined, and encouraging. She has a remarkable ability to meet dancers where they are, supporting individual growth while maintaining high standards of technique and musicality. Her classes emphasise strong foundations, correct alignment, strength, artistry, and exam readiness, all delivered within a supportive and respectful studio environment.

Beyond technique, Paula believes ballet is a powerful tool for personal development. She is passionate about guiding dancers through the challenges and rewards of structured training, helping them build discipline, focus, and self-belief that extends well beyond the studio.

Paula is proud to continue her work at Academy of Dance Taranaki, leading the ballet programme with integrity, consistency, and care. She is deeply invested in seeing each dancer reach their potential, whether their journey leads to examinations, performance, or simply a lifelong appreciation of classical ballet.