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Studio
The Academy of Ballet Arts
After a career in international ballet, teaching at seminars in New Zealand, HongKong and Malaysia, training professional dancers in Singapore and undertaking teaching study at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, Louise Hawke established the Academy of Ballet Arts in NZ in 2003. Louise is a fully qualified registered teacher with both the Royal Academy of Dance and the British Ballet Organisation*.
“Louise's experience with companies and choreographers has enabled her to attain a remarkable amount of knowledge. Louise has a sincere wish to assist in the development of a new generation of dancer & searches for the best in each individual.”
Russell Kerr Q.S.M. Former Artistic Director Royal NZ Ballet.
From inception in 2003 until 2020, the Studio maintained an excellent record of Distinction and High Merit Awards, for every dancer enrolled, in both RAD and BBO syllabus, and in NZAMD Jazz and Contemporary exams.
*Participation in the British Ballet Organisation & the Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus enabled the progression of classical syllabus technique applied with insight on students at the right age and stage of physical development, working like a magical journey. The classical configuration of muscles carefully trained and an elegant style of head and ports de bras taught as enshrined in the enchainements passed down through a century of ballet theatrical tradition. The technical and artistic dimension of classical ballet is clearly expressed within the RAD vocabulary. Those teachers who offer study with BBO &RAD systems guarantee that the results they achieve are based on an international standard of excellence.
The Academy of Ballet Arts places emphasis on classical ballet, pointe, solo variations & competition at national level.
Pre-School & Primary Dance Programme
“An enchanting introduction to the world of ballet using movement, music and the children's imaginations.”
From age of four onwards, this is a special introduction to the dance studio, encouraging learning in a class structure, having fun whilst exploring the basics of ballet and developing early learning skills.
NZ Association of Modern Jazz & Contemporary Dance Syllabus
"Jazz classes & Contemporary dance are included for a well-rounded dance curriculum.”
Students enter NZAMD Jazz & Contemporary Dance exams gaining High Honours and Distinction and consistently qualify for the national finals of NZAMD Scholarships and PACANZ.
Seminars & Intensives
Students take part in the annual Seminars at the NZ School of Dance in Wellington. Dance Intensives are also offered with guest tutors in musical theatre, contemporary dance, acro, drama and for juniors, rhythmic gym, tap, and jazz ballet. For seniors cross training fitness with core pilates, swiss-ball, kickboxing, cardio grit and boxing.
Competitions
Students compete nationally qualifying for PACANZ, AHA Australasian Awards, South Island Ballet Awards. At performing arts festivals all over NZ students consistently win all championships entered in Ballet, including classes of Pointe & Variation, Contemporary & also in Jazz.
South Island Ballet Awards 2018
Marlborough Performing Arts Competitions 2018
