Our Vision
The Dance Well Centre was established in 2014 with a vision of inspiring people through dance. Based around the idea of affordable, quality dance education, The Dance Well Centre aims to keep costs affordable in order to make classes as accessible as possible, while providing a safe and nurturing environment with experienced and inspiring teachers.
At The Dance Well Centre our goal is to build students' self esteem along with their practical knowledge of how to be healthy and creative dancers. We know that students come in all different shapes and sizes, skills and abilities and we encourage our students to strive for excellence at their own pace. We believe that dance enables us to connect more deeply with who we are, and that through dance we can become more fully ourselves. We are passionate about dance and the joy, energy and transformation it can bring to people's lives. |
Our Values
At heart of our teaching lie our core values:
Integrity Compassion Respect Creativity 
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Our Teaching Philosophy
We take a dynamic, innovative and fun approach to dance, combining practical exercises with performance opportunities, goal setting, and opportunities for students to explore their own ideas about movement. The aim of this is to help students move beyond learning a syllabus to take ownership of dance and more responsibility for themselves and their bodies as dancers.
Our approach to dance education is based on the New Zealand Curriculum and encompasses a holistic view of dance as an art form. Starting with beginner classes (all the way through to our senior classes) we introduce and discuss the elements, history and science of dance, helping to develop students' dance knowledge. We present dance as a way of getting to know yourself better and developing self confidence, encouraging students to explore dance at their own pace and in their own ways.
Classes at The Dance Well Centre are lively and dynamic, focused on helping our dancers grow as individuals, while also working together as a team.
Our approach to dance education is based on the New Zealand Curriculum and encompasses a holistic view of dance as an art form. Starting with beginner classes (all the way through to our senior classes) we introduce and discuss the elements, history and science of dance, helping to develop students' dance knowledge. We present dance as a way of getting to know yourself better and developing self confidence, encouraging students to explore dance at their own pace and in their own ways.
Classes at The Dance Well Centre are lively and dynamic, focused on helping our dancers grow as individuals, while also working together as a team.
Our Programme Structure
Junior School
Our Junior School takes students from age 2 through until they enter the senior school. Classes in the Junior School focus on building students’ love of dance, creative expression and physical awareness of their own bodies (proprioception). Students may take creative movement classes (this is usually in preparation for contemporary or lyrical) or junior classes in jazz, ballet or contemporary from age 8/9.
Evolve Programme
Our Evolve Programme is a unique programme designed especially to meet the needs of students ages 10+ who are new to dance or a returning after break. Students take technically appropriate level classes with their age group peers. Students are part of this programme for 2 - 3 years before moving up to the Senior School. The Evolve Programme aims to build self-confidence, independence and give students a creative outlet through dance in a supportive class setting. It establishes basic technique and prepares students for the technical challenges of the senior school. Jazz, ballet and contemporary styles have an option to sit assessments/exams and/or performance medals.
Senior School
The Senior School is for students generally age 11+ who have graduated from the Junior School or 13+ who have graduate from the Evolve Programme and are dancing at an intermediate - advanced technical level. Note that students may be in both Evolve classes and Senior School classes at the same time, depending on their needs. The Senior School focuses on extending the technical foundation established at lower levels and focusing on artistry and self-expression. At this level students may have additional performance opportunities and be involved in choreography. Jazz, ballet and contemporary styles have an option to sit exams and/or performance medals. Lyrical classes may sit Star Levels.
Our Junior School takes students from age 2 through until they enter the senior school. Classes in the Junior School focus on building students’ love of dance, creative expression and physical awareness of their own bodies (proprioception). Students may take creative movement classes (this is usually in preparation for contemporary or lyrical) or junior classes in jazz, ballet or contemporary from age 8/9.
Evolve Programme
Our Evolve Programme is a unique programme designed especially to meet the needs of students ages 10+ who are new to dance or a returning after break. Students take technically appropriate level classes with their age group peers. Students are part of this programme for 2 - 3 years before moving up to the Senior School. The Evolve Programme aims to build self-confidence, independence and give students a creative outlet through dance in a supportive class setting. It establishes basic technique and prepares students for the technical challenges of the senior school. Jazz, ballet and contemporary styles have an option to sit assessments/exams and/or performance medals.
Senior School
The Senior School is for students generally age 11+ who have graduated from the Junior School or 13+ who have graduate from the Evolve Programme and are dancing at an intermediate - advanced technical level. Note that students may be in both Evolve classes and Senior School classes at the same time, depending on their needs. The Senior School focuses on extending the technical foundation established at lower levels and focusing on artistry and self-expression. At this level students may have additional performance opportunities and be involved in choreography. Jazz, ballet and contemporary styles have an option to sit exams and/or performance medals. Lyrical classes may sit Star Levels.
Exams/Level Presentations and Performance Opportunities
Students may have the opportunity to present their levels in Jazz and Contemporary or to sit exams in Ballet. These will always be optional at TDWC but can be a good way for students to see progress in their learning. Additionally, or instead, students may choose to sit a Star Level or a Theatre Award, which is a performance based assessment. We encourage students to make the best decision for them.
Every year we have a performance showcase in Term 3. Every student is involved in this, and there is an opportunity for students to audition for lead roles or smaller ensemble parts.
Every year we have a performance showcase in Term 3. Every student is involved in this, and there is an opportunity for students to audition for lead roles or smaller ensemble parts.
