Description

The New Zealand School of Dance full-time training programme prepares dancers for a career in professional dance performance. The school offers two-year and three-year intensive training programmes in classical ballet and contemporary dance for students between the ages of 16 and 20. Dancers major in contemporary dance or classical ballet, while maintaining a strong grounding in both subject areas.

The New Zealand School of Dance Certificate in Dance Performance is a two-year course designed to prepare students for a performance career in dance. The first year focuses on the foundation of classical ballet and contemporary dance technique. It also introduces a range of allied subjects, both practical and academic. In the second year, students continue to refine their technical strengths, develop performance skills and dance in regular performances.

The classical programme consists of classical ballet technique, contemporary dance technique, pas de deux, classical variations and pointe. Separate men's classes focus on the physical strength, power and brilliance of male dancing with particular emphasis on elevation, pirouettes and batterie.

The contemporary programme consists of contemporary dance technique, classical ballet technique, contemporary repertoire, partnering, yoga, choreographic practice and improvisation.

Students who have completed the Certificate in Dance Performance may do an additional year of study to complete the New Zealand School of Dance Diploma in Dance Performance. The third year focuses on performance skills, offering students a range of diverse experiences both within the School and externally.

Secondments and professional placements are an important part of the final year of training, providing the opportunity for students to work with a dance company for a period of up to ten weeks. Dancers gain industry knowledge and contacts through these secondments which often lead to professional contracts.

Highlights

NZSD students have the opportunity to go on secondment with professional companies and choreographers. Secondments in recent years have included Australian Dance Theatre, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Leigh Warren and Dancers, West Australian Ballet, Daniel Belton and Good Company, Dance North, TasDance, Singapore Dance Theatre, Raewyn Hill, Human Garden Productions, Footnote Dance, Java Dance Company, Shaun Parker, Sarah Foster, Expressions, Sydney Dance Company, Queensland Ballet.

There are opportunities for classical students in their third year to train at other dance institutions for a several weeks. New Zealand School of Dance partner schools include Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Australian Ballet School, Canada's National Ballet School, Royal Ballet School (UK), Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy, San Francisco Ballet School.

Second and Third year students have the opportunity to perform in the New Zealand School of Dance Graduation Season and the annual Choreographic Season. Third year contemporary students also choreograph for the Choreographic Season. First Year students usually have the opportunity to perform at end of term studio performances and in the World of WearableArt show.

The New Zealand School of Dance Certificate and Diploma sit at Level 6 and level 7 respectively on the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework. Level 7 being equivalent to an undergraduate degree, allowing the possibility of postgraduate study and many career pathways.

Most graduates of the New Zealand School of Dance enter careers in dance performance, with on average 80% of students gaining contracts within six months of graduating.

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

• Dance

Cost in US$:

3997 tuition fee

Program Fees Include:

This includes the annual tuition fee, pastoral care fee and student services levy. Uniform and insurance costs are additional and will be advised.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

New Zealand School of Dance's Mission Statement

The New Zealand School of Dance offers professional training to exceptionally talented young people in an inspirational environment.

Year Founded

1967