Meet our team ...
Alison Patterson (IDTA Licentiate Ballet, Associate Freestyle, Licentiate Modern. Registered IDTA and NZAMD dance teacher)
Alison has always had a deep love of dance. She began lessons at the age of 9, learning ballet, jazz, and tap and competed at local competitions. She has performed in many local theatre productions as both a dancer and a choreographer and has over 30 years teaching experience.
As well as passing on her love to dance to those attending her dance studio - Alison has also trained students who are now professionals. Foremost is Reece Riddick who is the only 'kiwi' to perform at Moulin Rouge, Paris (3 solos) and also Elly Bisson - a star performer at The Dust Palace, Auckland.
‘Alison’s Studio of Dance’ was established in New Plymouth in 1992. Alison has successfully passed her IDTA (International Dance Teachers’ Association) teaching exams in ballet, freestyle and modern, as well as her NZAMD (New Zealand Association of Modern Dance) in jazz. Her latest professional achievement is an appointment as an IDTA New Zealand examiner.
Alison believes that, ‘dance is for everyone, from little ones to adults – so let’s get dancing!’
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Selene Patterson
Selene started dancing at at the age of 3. She has trained in ballet, jazz and tap - gaining Advanced 2 Ballet and Advanced 2 Jazz. She has assisted with classes at the studio since the age of 12 and performed in dancing competitions from age 5. Selene has recently returned from university where she gained her Bachelor of Arts Classical Studies with First Class Honours. She was also awarded Victoria's University's highest honour - Medal for Academic Excellence. Selene's latest achievement is gaining her Bachelor of Education degree and she is now qualified to teach Dance at NCEA level. Selene tutors our tap class and Advanced 2 Jazz - as well as private coaching for competition solos.
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Keira Hills-Wilson
Keira is a passionate and energetic dancer who loves creating a positive space where students can build confidence, express themselves, and enjoy movement. She is currently in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), and her university dance papers have helped her to see dance through a different lens.
Keira has trained in hip hop for over 10 years, competing across New Zealand in solo, varsity, and megacrew divisions. She holds her NZAMD Hip Hop Solo Diploma and has taught dancers of different ages through studios, schools, and competitive crews.
Keira will be taking the hip hop classes and she can’t wait to share her knowledge and passion while helping students develop their own unique style.
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Phoebe Leigh
Phoebe started dancing at age 4 and competing at age 5. She has trained in many dance styles - training with RNZB (ballet), TYCD (contemporary) and one on one with Jennifer de Leon. Phoebe has also trained in hip hop with Tansi Productions and has competed in the World Hip Hop Championship.
Phoebe has gained her RAD ballet and also her NZAMD ballet, contemporary and hip hop exams. She has been teaching and choreographing from age 13.
Phoebe has a huge passion for dance and choreography and plans to make it her career. She is currently studying full time as a personal trainer and has learnt from this how to take care of dancers' bodies.
Phoebe is our senior contemporary teacher and is excited to share her love of contemporary dance.
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Student Trainee Teachers
Several of our wonderful Trainee Student Teachers assist with or tutor some of our younger classes - passing on their love of dance as well as being inspiring role models for our students.
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All of the teachers at Alison’s Studio of Dance have a passion for dance and love to pass on that passion. We focus on teaching good technique and the joy of dance, building self-esteem and confidence along with hard work, co-operation, patience and focus in a creative and rewarding environment.
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Facilities
We have two beautiful studios equipped with full-length mirrors and barres, as well as an excellent waiting room and changing area for the students.
