Who We Are
hayley johnson - principal - BALLET & REPERTOIRE & PILATES
I am living my dream - teaching dance and working with children. Imparting my knowledge and inspiring students. Watching them grow in strength and maturity. It's a daily challenge and the workload is hard, but i never regret it.
I believe that every child has their time to shine, maybe when they are 5 or perhaps at 15, but witnessing that is very special. My happiest memories have come from putting students on the stage for the first time - seeing their glow, watching their eyes light up in delight, witnessing their energy and passion - just magic. Come and join us and be part of our very special family.
Never one to sit still I completed all my NZAMD Jazz exams and BBO Ballet exams, including my Solo Seal Diplomas; ISTD National and RAD Ballet Teaching exams during and after my time dancing professionally with “The Northern Ballet Company”. I have gained many scholarships and awards over the years, both for myself and for my students. I have run my own dance school for 32 years, gaining much experience and knowledge. Many of my students have moved on to further their careers in dance both here and overseas, or are now teaching. One is currently dancing with the Royal NZ Ballet.
The most heart warming comments I hear from past and present students : that I have inspired a deep and enduring love of dance in them. And, they always love coming to our Christmas Concerts because they are always so professional, include everyone and are simply amazing.
“Live to Dance…Dance to Live”
Neroli Hunt - deputy principal - BALLET JUNIOR SCHOOL & SILVER SWANS
Neroli began dancing at the age of 4, commencing her training at The Northern Dance Centre in Yorkshire, England. Discovering a love for dance and a vocation for teaching at an early age, she continued her studies at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre in Liverpool where she completed an intensive three year training course. Here, she gained her teaching qualifications under “The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing” in Ballet, Tap, Modern, National and Disco Free Style and Rock and Roll. Before moving to New Zealand in 2001, Neroli obtained her Licentiate Diploma in National Dance - furthering her studies in the teaching of dance.
" People dance for many different reasons...I feel extremely grateful to be able to guide them on their journey, helping to foster their love of dance and sharing in their achievements along the way."
Neroli teaches the adult “Silver Swans” classes. The only requirement to attend these classes is a willingness to try !! They have proved a wonderful addition to the studio and the ladies have performed in the past 2 Christmas productions to rapturous applause. They all adore her gentle coaxing manner and the safe inclusion they feel in our dance studio.
FROM HAYLEY : Neroli has been with the dance school for 23 years and we could not do without her. I value her friendship and her professionalism deeply. She now runs the whole junior school and lovingly nurtures a passion for dance in her small charges. Discipline, fun, creativity, musicality, “feeling safe”, exploration and dance technique are all elements in which we all aspire to teach, but which are absolutely essential in the junior school. Every now and again a real jewel comes into your life. I have found this in Neroli.
EDEN SOUKOTTA - JUNIOR JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY & TROUPES
Our very own “SUGAR PLUM FAIRY” from our 2022 Christmas production
of “The Nutcracker”. Eden has been dancing at our studio since the age of 4.
She has completed her NZAMD Jazz and Contemporary; plus her RAD Ballet
examinations with consistent “Distinction” marks. In 2023 Eden sat & passed her SOLO SEAL awards in both Jazz and Contemporary.
Throughout her dance career Eden has competed in solos, duos, trios and
troupes in many regional & national settings. These include DANCE NZMADE
and PACANZ. She has come away with many awards and trophies. Many of
these successful dances she has choreographed herself and they have been
outstanding. She has danced the lead or supporting lead roles in most of our
studio dance productions.
Further highlights include dancing with the Royal NZ Ballet in their 2018 production
of “The Nutcracker” and winning a scholarship to the Phoenix International Dance
Convention. Eden is keenly involved in dance at Tawa College and has received
several awards for her contributions to dance whilst at the college.
Eden is super enthusiastic about progressing the technique and performance
abilities of her students, while creating a fun and friendly studio environment. She
is really looking forward to taking on this role this year. Many dance studios promote
their senior students to the role of teacher. Personally, I have watched Eden mature
and develop emotionally and develop physically into the fine young lady she is today.
She is passionate, dedicated, loyal and reliable and has a proven track record of
coaching already under her belt.
Eden has a fabulous track record of student accomplishments under her belt & was the choreographer for a successful trio of young ladies who performed regularly on stage in 2024. .
RUTH BISHOP - JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY & TAP & TROUPES
Ruth has danced with our studio since the age of 4. Her list of achievements stands as testimony to her dedication and determination and professionalism.
NZAMD SOLO SEAL JAZZ
NZAMD SOLO SEAL CONTEMPORARY
RAD ADVANCED 2 BALLET
ISTD ADVANCED TAP
ISTD NATIONAL SILVER STAR
NZQA CERTIFICATE IN PERFORMING ARTS Levels 1,2,3
TAWA COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS DUX 2019
BACHELOR OF MUSICAL THEATRE CHRISTCHURCH
Ruth performed as Miss Hannigan in our Christmas production of “ANNIE” at the age of 12; The lead “MARY POPPINS” in 2014 and as the horrible step mother in “CINDERELLA” in 2016. Her performances all reflected her acting ability as much as her dancing prowess.
Since leaving college Ruth has completed the following…
2019-2023
Children’s Party Entertainer - Wish Upon a Star Parties & Crowntastic Events
”COMPANY” performing KATHY with the National Academy of Singing & Dramatic Arts
”CHICAGO” in the ensemble & as understudy, with the National Academy of Singing & Dramatic Arts
”MY FAIR LADY” ensemble with SHOWBIZ Christchurch
2024
”GODSPELL” performing Jesus, National Academy of Singing & Dramatic Arts
Wellington SAINTS 2024 NBL SEASON Dancer / Cheerleader through Society Entertainment
”PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” Jammes, understudy to Carlotta in TOKYO with the Stetson Group
Her goal this year is to teach, which she is desperate to do and to perform in “MAMMA MIA”
in Wellington later this year. We warmly welcome Ruth back into the studio !!
.
STACY MALCOLM - administration
Kia Ora koutou. I live in Titahi Bay but spend a lot of my time at the dance studio with my 3 girls & my baby boy. I love being out walking my dogs, going to the beach, and drinking coffee with friends. If there is a spare moment of time I can be found discovering treasures in an op shop or baking.
I look forward to meeting new faces that join our dance family, and am happy to help via email with any questions you have.
FROM HAYLEY : All three of Stacy’s girls dance with the studio and have enjoyed performing in our Christmas concerts and sitting examinations in Ballet, Tap and Jazz.
Stacy is an ideal administrator with her finger on the pulse of all that is happening and a thoroughly winning way with other parents. Confidentiality and professionalism make her a delight to work alongside and we are very fortunate to have her on our team.