New Zealand School of Dance

20/09/2026

SPRING EXPERIENCE is just days away, with four performances at Whirinaki Whare Taonga from 24-26 September.

See NZSD’s full-time Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance students take to the stage in a diverse programme featuring three world premieres.

🎫 Book your tickets now: www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/events/whirinaki-spring-experience

student Phoebe Ewington. Photo by Stephen A'Court Photographer

18/09/2026

We’re excited for the Aotearoa audition for entry to the School's full-time programme in 2027, being held this weekend at our home Te Whaea—National Dance & Drama Centre in Wellington.

We want to wish all auditionees chookas as you embark on the next chapter in your dance journey.

📷 & students by Stephen A'Court Photographer

16/09/2026

Chookas to our students and involved in 2026 World of WearableArt (WOW) WOW – GLO!

Wishing you all an incredible season of creativity, performance and spectacular wearable art. We’re so proud to see our students and alumni bringing their talent to the world stage!

Chookas, everyone!

🎭 2026 WOW - GLO!
📅 September 17– 4 October
🎫 Tickets: www.worldofwearableart.com

Repost App • World of WearableArt (WOW) It’s time to leave normal behind ⚡

Garment Credit: Straw-ry Eyed, Bethany Cordwell, Australia

16/09/2026

⏳ 12 days to go - applications for the 2027 NZSD Associates Programme close Monday 28 September.

The Associates Programme, in partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, identifies ballet and contemporary dance students who have the talent for a career in dance performance.

Complimenting students’ regular dance training, the programme provides valuable experience and training for dancers considering a future in professional dance or aspiring to train full-time at the School.

📅 Audition date: Saturday 17 October 2026
📍 Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre (Wellington)

Find out more and register: nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/courses/associates-programme

📷 ATPhoto

14/09/2026

Nau mai ki Te Wiki o te Reo Māori! Welcome to Māori Language Week!

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is a time to celebrate the place of te reo Māori in our everyday lives. This year’s theme, “Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language,” reminds us that te reo Māori and tikanga Māori are an important part of our culture and our identity at .

Whether you’re just beginning your te reo journey or looking to build your confidence, we encourage you to give it a go!

To help you get started, we’re sharing some kupu Māori connected with kanikani – dance.

Kia kaha te reo Māori!

14/09/2026

Less than two weeks to go until WHIRINAKI 2026 - SPRING EXPERIENCE takes the stage at
Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt.

From 24-26 September, this is a special opportunity to experience a programme of classical ballet and contemporary dance performed by all NZSD full-time students.

📅 24th-26th September
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt
🎫 Tickets available now, link in bio.

student Phoebe Ewington. Photo by Stephen A'Court Photographer

10/09/2026

September is Wills Month in Aotearoa New Zealand - a timely reminder to make or update your will and consider the legacy you would like to leave.

After providing for the people you care about, including a gift to the New Zealand School of Dance in your will is a meaningful way to support future generations of young dancers.

Your gift, of any size, can extend your support for beyond your lifetime, helping talented young people access exceptional training and pursue a future in dance.

Find out more at https://partners.myfootprint.co.nz/nz-school-of-dance



📷 3rd Yr student Izzy Hoult by Stephen A'Court Photographer

09/09/2026

What a memorable morning of ballet and books!

It was a great honour and privilege to welcome ballet legends and bestselling authors, Li Cunxin AO and Mary Li, to NZSD yesterday.

Mary led a masterclass with 2nd & 3rd year students, which was then followed by an intimate book signing and talk with the legendary duo.

Our sincere thanks to Mary and Li for so generously sharing their extraordinary artistry and experience, and to everyone who joined us for this very special occasion.

08/09/2026

📢 Applications to audition to join the NZSD 2027 Scholars Programme close this Friday!

The Scholars Programme provides training for students from the age of 10, complementing their current dance training while providing first-hand experience of the School’s teachers, training style and facilities.

📅 Audition date: Sunday 20 September 2026
📍 Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre (Wellington)

Find out more and register:

The programme focuses on the principles of movement, incorporating the definitions of technique as required in ballet, while embracing musicality and artistry. Classes are small and the ballet training is supported by allied subjects. The level of technique and the frequency of classes increase annu...

07/09/2026

Today is World Physiotherapy Day, and we’re celebrating two very special members of the health team - physiotherapists Susan Simpson and Jane Woolley. 💙

Dancers are high-performance athletes, and preparing for a professional career requires our students to understand, strengthen and care for their bodies. Susan and Jane provide specialist support in injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Their work helps students develop the healthy, sustainable practices and physical resilience needed for a long and successful career in dance.

Ngā mihi nui, Susan and Jane, for everything you do! 👏