Rachel Compton Dance Studio

It’s time to step into the spotlight 🌟 Dance ENROLMENTS are now open — classes start back the week beginning Monday 9th February! We look forward to strutting with you soon!

Wishing everyone the happiest New Year, I hope you are all feeling excited about all the possibilities, fun & adventures to be had in 2026 🎉

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to say the biggest thank you to our beautiful students and dance families for another unforgettable year. Your trust, support, loyalty are what make this school what it is, and I never take that for granted.

This year was a particularly significant one for me personally, welcoming our sweet Luca into the world. We also officially completed our 18th year as a dance school — something 22-year-old Rachel could never have imagined. It’s incredible to look back and see how far we’ve come together.

This year came with its own set of challenges, from a tough pregnancy to navigating show season with a four-month-old in tow. To my Monday classes especially — thank you. Thank you for celebrating with me, for your care, patience and kindness throughout the year. The little things never went unnoticed (yes, even packing up the stereo), and the love shown to both me and Luca truly means more than you know 💛

These photos capture one of my greatest highlights of the year — seeing you all love on my boy. What a gift that has been.

Here’s to a year of growth, & more dance fun. I’m so grateful for every single one of you. ✨

It’s been two weeks since our dance show and I hope everyone has had time to rest, reflect and reset. I’ve been reflecting with so much love and gratitude. It was another exceptional show — full of creativity, energy, passion and variety. I’m always proud of what we achieve, but this year with a few extra juggling balls (a baby & dance exams in November) I feel an even deeper gratitude for the incredible support that made it all possible.

This was our 18th show, and that still feels so special. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love, surrounded by people I love — it truly is a blessing.

To our amazing teachers — thank you. I genuinely could not have got through this year without you. Your support, flexibility and dedication never wavered, even during unexpected moments. I’m so grateful to work alongside you both.

✨ Mercina — happy 5 years! What a special milestone. You are not only a teacher but a true role model to your students. You came into the year with a clear vision for your choreography & took risks which paid off, take a bow! Your creativity and beautiful choreography shone on stage! Thank you for always putting your heart & soul into teaching & going above and beyond.

✨ Josh — what an integral part of our dance family you are. It’s hard to believe this was your first year teaching. Your choreography, energy and musicality were outstanding, and your passion is undeniable. Watching the pride (and yes, tears!) was something truly special. And Josh, thank you for running show photos with military precision — a first for us getting through every group photo!

Thank you to every dancer, family and supporter. What a year. What a show. 💖🩰

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas 🎄 I hope everyone has had a joyful day filled with lots of laughter, love & fabulous food ♥️

The UFO has landed & rehearsals have begun 🚀

Dance is ART 💙

And that’s a wrap for classes for the year! Thank you all for being a pleasure to teach. See you at the Theatre!!! 🎉🎉

The sweetest little mice I ever did see, and the one in the middle bottom turns the milestone 18 today!! Happy birthday it’s been a privilege watching you grow up over many years, one of the first families to join me 18 years ago infact. You are a delightful young lady & we are lucky to have you in our lives 💖

My phone just gave me this beautiful reminder from 3 years ago today! I am assuming it was from a dance rehearsal before our 2022 show! These girls are so much bigger now, still just as cute though 🥹 And still the same dedicated teacher, Mercina 💖

You should get tickets to our dance show because who wouldn’t want to see this cuteness ☀️

While Act 1 is themed, Act 2 is a great surprise with a mix of music & dance styles to suit everyone’s taste!

Come blast off to space with our astronauts on Sunday 14th Dec, it’s a cosmic must-see 👽🪐🛸

Purchase tickets here - https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/dec/rcds-spooktacular-space-odyssey