Commitment.
Focus.
Fun.
40 Years of Experience
Our Philosophy
Dance is the study of form, and it can be applied to many aspects of life. There is no doubt that dance helps with the efficiency of movement in everyday life. A dancer is an ultimate athlete as they must execute their movements without obvious effort - and yet the effort is immense.
Additionally, it is the deeper benefits of the social and psychological aspects that are not initially seen.
To be an achiever in life, one must first learn discipline, and the ability to apply oneself. Dance helps to develop the ability to practice regularly to reach a level that will make an impact, or change the status quo, to propel one forward in life, and gain the skills & confidence to fulfill one's personal goals. To possess the stamina to carry on when it counts, in spite of fear, tiredness, or self-doubt.
In dance class, a student learns about themselves, their expectations, limitations & disappointments, followed by determination. These attributes are important life skills.
Within the studio, the student learns to work with others and to take on board direction, in a healthy and positive way.
With dance comes creative artistic expression. The expression of large emotions and the freedom and space to do so; to interpret a story physically in partnership with music, where one becomes intuitive with the sound, its rhythm, and its feel.
Whether or not the intention is to be a prima ballerina or a bus driver, dance gives a lifetime structure of emotional, physical, and mental well-being that will see one through to old age.
Staff
Nancy Holland-Schroder
Director
Nancy trained at The Nesta Brooking School Ballet and General Education London (Scholarship) and went on to study at The Arts Educational Stage School London (Scholarship) in all Dance genres, Acting, and Singing, followed by Theatre Directing with Raymond Hawthorne in NZ.
She has had Lead Acting /Dance roles in Theatre and television which include;
Mercury Theatre The Crucible, Carousel, Amadeus
Court Theatre Daughters Of Heaven, Gypsy, Wind In The Willows, Private Lives
ATC Travesties
Summer Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Theatre In The City Blood Wedding
Silo A Kind Of Alaska
National Tour Shirley Valentine
Shortland Street
Hercules
Street Legal
To date, Nancy is the Studio Owner and Artistic Principal of The Auckland Academy of Dance, and Artistic Director of The Stage Co. - Directing and producing professional productions for over 10 years from Shakespeare to Pantomime.
Teachers
Katie Proffit-McKinney
Senior Ballet CBTS, ARAD, PBT Registered.
RAD-qualified Teacher CBTS, ARAD
PBT Registered Teacher
Pattan Academy of Dance - RAD Advanced & NZAMD Syllabus, Ballet & Jazz
Diploma in Classical Ballet - Australian Ballet School, Melbourne
Bachelor of Performing Arts, majoring in Contemporary Dance. Katie has danced with​ Sydney Opera House, Melbourne State Theatre, as a company Member of Black Grace, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and been a freelance RAD Ballet teacher across Auckland RAD Ballet.
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Samantha Keighley
Ballet CBTS & ARAD
Samantha's dance training was completed at the Auckland Academy of Dance in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Pre-School to Advanced 2 Ballet all with Distinction. Auckland Academy of Dance Contemporary to Level 6 with Honours & Distinction. Auckland Academy of Dance Jazz to Solo Seal level with Distinction. Competitions in Ballet and Jazz including Alana Haines.
She has obtained her RAD certificate in Ballet CBTS & RAD. With well Over 10 years of freelance teaching across Auckland, Samantha is a sought-after leading teacher and expert on the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.
Danielle Timbers
Senior Jazz
Danielle trained with Momentum Productions, Diamond Entertainment, Auckland Academy of Dance, Jazz Dance - NZ- Solo Seal Diploma, RAD Ballet / Contemporary Syllabus, and JDNZ Hip Hop Syllabus. As a professional dancer she has been a Commercial and Contemporary Dancer for Diamond Entertainment, Momentum ProductionsRoyal Caribbean Cruise lines, Moulin Rouge, SkyCity Cheer Team Cheerleader (Dance Captain/Dancer for the NZ Warriors & Breakers, XFactor NZ Season Dancer, All Blacks’ Performer, Season Two Hearts Performer, Tempo Dance Festival 2015-2016 and Fringe Dance Festival 2017-2019. She has also worked extensively as a freelance teacher and choreographer across Auckland.
Daniel Cooper
Ballet + Contemporary Teacher
Daniel was trained at the prestigious New Zealand School of DanceAs a Dancer, he has performed in Billy Elliott (older) for Auckland Theatre Company (ATC), Douglas Wright's 2002 season of Inland, Black Grace Dance Company (4yrs), Atamira Dance Company, Okareka Dance Company. He has choreographed for
Black Grace, Stars in Their Eyes, Montanan Sunday Theatre, Okareka Dance Company, Atamira Dance Company and The World of Wearable Arts. Daniel is a freelance teacher across New Zealand, including
Dance Educator Royal New Zealand Ballet
Independance, Atatmira Dance Co., Raising the Barre,
Okareka Dance Co., WOW, UNITEC and Auckland Academy of Dance
Justine Butcher
Pre-School, PrePrimary and Primary Dance
Justine's training includes Auckland Academy of Dance (since aged 3), Keri Edley Modern Dance Jazz - Advanced with Distinction, Pre School training with Jill Arkley. As a dancer, Justine has competed in both ballet and jazz including national and international competitions. With over 25 years of Pre School teaching experience, she thoroughly enjoys teaching the younger students. Justine specialises in Pre School dance but also covers all levels of jazz and ballet.
Maria Wrassky-Bulmer
Hip Hop Teacher
Training
Professional Development
Josh Cesan, Andrew Cesan, Indigo Sagala, Christa Albert, Kiel Tutin, Todd Williamson, Identity Dancecrew, The Bradas Dance Crew, Kayla Paige, Jane Strickland, Ginny Sc- Ahill, Tracey Rogers, Matthewmoore, Rebekah Shoonbeek
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Pre-Professional Development Training - Momentum Productions (2017) Pro-Development training - Momentum Productions (2018/20)
Adult Development Programme - Nzx Next (2020/21)
Summer Jam Dance Camp - Singapore (2017)
Fair Play Dance Camp - Poland (2019)
Shay Program - Amsterdam (2022)
Professional
Music Video
Tia Lee (Leeyufen) Music Video -
Kiel Tutin
Chaii - PinapplePizza - Music Video - Kiel Tutin
Navvy - Rock Bottom - Music Video - Kirsten Dodgen
Jarna - True Colours - Music Video
Hana Morris, Riley Bourne
Jarna - I’m Fine - Music Video
Maria Wrassky, Nate Peace Jarna
Do Mi Dirti - MusicVideo - Maria Wrassky, Nate Peace
Television
Jess B - Hidden Valley Lesh
Rita Ora Rwc Opening Ceremony
Todd Williamson, Lance Savali
Jess B - Listen In
Jess B - L.A.B. Summer Tour
Jess B - Listen In New Zealand
Jess B - Festival Amsterdam
Jess B - Shapeshifter Spark Arena
Jess B - Six60 Tour Akl/Wgtn
Jess B - Rhythm And Vines
Jawsh 685 -Aotearoa Music Awards 2020 Kirsten Dodgen
‘The Exceptional Squad - Pango Productions
Nzx - AimsOpening Performance - Kiel Tutin
Caci Girls - Momentum Productions - Kayla Paige
Vospertron Australias Got Talent - Idco Skycity
Breakers - Momentum Productions Dance Team - Kayla Paige
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Theatre
Nzx - Collide - Kiel Tutin, Todd Williamson
Momentum Prod - Chromatic Kayla Paige, Andrew Ceasan
Momentum Prod - Autonomy
Momentum Prod Duality
Momentum Prod Synthesis
More Than Moves - Spotlight
Jacob Yar
Tempo Dance Festival - Fresh, Youthdance
Indigo Sagala