Alison's Studio of Dance is a vibrant dance studio in New Plymouth offering dance training in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, stretch and contemporary classes in a positive, encouraging environment. We are passionate about teaching dance and believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn. We have over 30 years experience offering classes for children from 2 years up to high school age. We also offer adult classes in ballet and jazz. Our students are offered grades and medals examinations, yearly seminar, competition solos, performing opportunities and our End of Year Concert.
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 excellent 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.
All pictures posted on this website are pictures of our wonderful students.
Tatiana Harris - "It's a dancing school any Mum would want for her child. The classes are so thoughtfully organised for all ages. Alison is a fantastic teacher, caring, inspiring, flexible, sharing her passion for dance with the students. Kids learn a lot and really enjoy it. Many-many thanks!"
TAKING ENROLMENTS NOW FOR TERM 2 2024 -
10% OFF ALL NEW ENROLMENTS
FIRST LESSON FOR NEW ENROLLED STUDENTS - FREE TRYOUT
USE OUR 'CONTACT' PAGE to enrol or if you have any questions
Meet and Greet with Teachers
We believe in meeting all new students at the studio before their first lesson. Our ‘Meet and Greet’ gives new students the confidence to come into the studio and begin their lessons without any worries or tears. We feel this is particularly important with our younger students aged between 2 and 5, and also with older students who may be shy or anxious. At ‘Meet and Greet’, students meet their dance teacher and are shown around the studio, with particular attention to the studio they will be taught in.
BALLET SHOE HIRAGE: Younger ballet students are also fitted for ballet shoes at this time through our shoe hireage system.
Classes offered ...
Please consult our timetable for additional information - Timetable and Fees are attached to the bottom of this page.
Mini Movers (2yrs)
Our popular Mini movers class for 2 years is now back in our timetable Mondays 9.30-10.00am or Wednesdays 9.30-10.00am. Parents join in with their child for this fun movement class designed specifically for 2 years. Anastasia delights in teaching this class.
Fun Preschool Movement (ages 3 and 4)
A class catered for preschool children to learn all the basic movements in a creative manner. Tutored by either Alison or Anastasia, this class is a great start for girls and boys wishing to learn dance. Skills such as co-ordination, posture, listening, and focus are all taught in a fun environment. An excellent 'fun' introduction to dance classes.
Ballet (ages 5 and up)
Ballet classes start with our 5-year-old Preprimary classes and continue through the full range of ballet grades up to Advanced II. We teach the IDTA Ballet Syllabus, which has recently been updated with beautiful music and the latest teaching techniques. Creative and free expressive movement is a part of the syllabus which allows students to express themselves in class whilst developing musicality.
Jazz (ages 5 and up)
Jazz classes start with our 5-year-old Juvenile Jazz I class and continue through to Advanced II. Students thoroughly enjoy our newly updated NZAMD Jazz Syllabus, which incorporates different styles such as Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical.
Hip Hop (ages 7 and up)
Our fabulous hip hop teachers - Anastasia and Enya - both love creating and teaching our fabulous hip hop classes. We offer classes in 3 age ranges - 7 and under 11 - 11 and under 13 - 13 years and over. Both Anastasia and Enya are constantly choreographing new routines for these classes, and students are offered the opportunity to sit a medal test during the year.
Tap (ages 7 and up)
Our fun tap class is choreographed and taught by Selene, who consistently challenges students with new material in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Students are offered the opportunity to sit team medal tests during the year.
Stretch
Stretch classes are offered to students as an optional extra to help develop flexibility, while at the same time teaching good techniques for stretching, leaping, and core strength development.
Adult Ballet
Our Adult Ballet class is taught in a relaxed, unpressured environment perfect for beginners to returning students and everyone in between. Adult Ballet is taken by Alison - who constantly tailors her choreography to the students' abilities. Pointe work is offered in Adult Ballet for those who have developed the necessary technique, but is not a requirement. Students are also offered the opportunity to sit medal tests during the year.
Adult Jazz
Our Adult jazz class is a fun, unpressured class perfect for beginners to returning students and everyone in between. Adult Jazz is tutored by Enya - who constantly tailors her choreography of jazz dance routines to the students' abilities. A fantastic way to keep fit and continue your love of dance as an adult.
Performing - Examination Opportunities
Alison’s Studio of Dance offers optional performance activities as well the opportunity to sit medals and grades throughout the year. Students are actively encouraged to participate in these opportunities, but they are not requirements.
ANNUAL SEMINAR
Our annual seminars are unique to the studio. Expert tutors are brought in from outside of Taranaki to guide students through a ‘day of dance’. Held each year in Term 1 the seminar incorporates a different theatrical aspect, such as the making of props and costumes, singing, and face-paint. Every seminar has a different theme – previous seminars have included ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, and ‘The Lion King’.
EXAMINATIONS AND MEDAL TESTS
These are offered in all classes for ballet, jazz, hip hop and tap. While not mandatory, these can be an enjoyable experience with encouraging examiners. Students who sit these exams can receive certificates and medals in reward for their hard work. There are three exam sessions a year – medal tests (performing dances either solo or in groups), jazz grades and ballet grades.
END-OF-YEAR CONCERT
This is our annual finish to the year. Every student has the opportunity to perform on stage in costume for their families. Our concerts also have themes, such as Disney and Musical Theatre.
COMPETITION WORK
Competition work is offered to those who would like to perform on stage, either solo or in a duo. This work is done in private lessons. All solos are choreographed to suit the ability of individual students. Performing solo on stage can be very rewarding for students, building self-confidence and presentation skills.
Please note – all students featured in pictures on this website are students from Alison’s Studio of Dance.
Preprimary Ballet class (5 yr old ballet) performing their class dance 'Off to the Beach'