New Zealand School of Dance

Garry Trinder is in Hong Kong this week, serving as President of the Jury for the Asian Grand Prix . The opportunity provided him a chance to revisit Hong Kong Ballet , where he was Artistic Director from 1985 to 1991.

The Company tours to Beijing next week with ROMEO AND JUILET, starring Chun Wai Chan.

📷 Garry with Artistic Director Septime Webre

✨ FROM NZSD TO EDINBURGH ✨

We’re incredibly proud of 3rd Yr students Lydia Chapman and Andie French, who recently performed in EVERYBODY’S GOT A BOMB at Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Riley Fitzgerald Productions.

Created by NZSD alumnus Riley Fitzgerald, the work also featured NZSD alumnae Aylish Marshall and Kia Jewell, alongside a powerful cast of eight women.

Congratulations to Riley on taking this exciting work to the international stage, and to Lydia, Andie, Aylish and Kia for being part of it! 🌏✨

📷 Left to right: Andie French, Aylish Marshall, Kia Jewell, Lydia Chapman & Riley Fitzgerald

⏳ Only 2 weeks left to apply to audition for 2027 Full-Time Training at . Applications close Friday 28 August.

Choose from Classical Ballet or Contemporary Dance and immerse yourself in an environment designed to challenge, inspire and help you reach your potential. Build your technical foundation, explore choreography and creativity, gain valuable performance experience and develop the professional knowledge needed for a career in the industry.

Auditions will be held in:
📍 Wellington - 19 September
📍 Melbourne - 1 October
📍 Sydney - 3 October
📍 Brisbane - 4 October

Digital auditions are also available for applicants unable to attend in person.

For more information and to apply to audition, visit:
nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/how-to-apply

📷 3rd Yr students, Lydia Chapman and Alistair Gorton by Stephen A'Court Photographer

Today we celebrate the 95th birthday of former , Anne Rowse, ONZM.

Happy Birthday, dear Anne, Empress of the land of Sylphs and Swans, maker of dancers, architect of a dynasty. Today, is about you and our wish to rejoice in your world and your place in it, one heroic woman who has contributed so much to dance in New Zealand Aotearoa.

📷All pictures from the archives -
1. Portrait 1981/82
2. Teaching class 1981/82
3. Anne with Mary-Jane O'Reilly and Sir Patrick O'Dea 1988
4. Anne with Fennella Bathfield 1983
5. Anne with Russell Kerr ONZM QSM in Christchurch by Kerry Ferrigo 2014

Garry Trinder is in Bangkok this week, between judging the Japan Grand Prix International Ballet Competition and the Asian Grand Prix.

Last evening, Garry was invited by Bangkok City Ballet Artistic Director, Masako Hirata, to attend the Company's performance in memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirit The Queen Mother.

“A Tribute to the Royal Legacy” was accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

Become the best version of you 🌟 Apply to Study Full Time at NZSD in 2027!

Many of our graduates have gone on to have luminous careers in dance, thanks to world-class training and opportunities all available when you choose to study full-time at NZSD.

Registrations to audition are open through to 28 August.

Auditions will be held in New Zealand, Australia and online.

For more information and to apply, go to our website: nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/how-to-apply

📸 Stephen A'Court Photographer

We’ve recently enjoyed hosting a visit from Wendy Tian, who won a short-term tuition scholarship to through her participation in the Claudia Dean Scholarships, earlier this year.
A memorable experience for all 🩰

Grow as an artist and a person 🌟 Apply to Study Full Time at NZSD in 2027!

Many of our graduates have gone on to have luminous careers in dance, thanks to world-class training and opportunities all available when you choose to study full-time at NZSD.

Registrations to audition are open through to 28 August.

Auditions will be held in New Zealand, Australia and online.

For more information and to apply, go to our website: nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/how-to-apply
Link in bio 🔗

📸 anyaxdown by John McDermott

📢 Registrations are now open to audition for the 2027 NZSD Associates Programme.

The Associates Programme, in partnership with Royal New Zealand Ballet, identifies ballet and contemporary dance students who have the talent for a career in dance performance.

Complimenting students’ regular dance training, the programme provides valuable experience and training for dancers considering a future in professional dance or aspiring to train full-time at the School.

⏳ Applications close: Monday 28 September 2026
📅 Audition date: Saturday 17 October 2026
📍 Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre (Wellington)

Find out more and register: nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/courses/associates-programme

📷 ATPhoto