DIRECTOR

Tracey Wright trained in RAD ballet and American jazz with Jeannie Mark in Blenheim.  During this time she developed an enduring love of dance and Jeannie’s teaching style and rapport with her students inspired Tracey to study for her RAD Teacher’s Certificate, thus realising a long-held dream.

Once qualified, Tracey taught in Blenheim for some time before moving to London.  There she was a tutor at the Italia Conti Performing Arts School, coaching a number of extremely talented students in ballet, jazz and musical theatre.

On her return to New Zealand, Tracey taught at the Auckland Academy of Dance before opening her own school, Ponsonby School of Dance, in 2001.

TEACHER

Eve began her dancing journey at the age of 4, where she was introduced to dance at Victoria Phillips Academy, under the tutelage of Corinne Yee. Throughout her student years Eve studied; Jazz, Commercial, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet and Musical Theatre, and danced competitively in Solo and Group competitions across New Zealand and Australia.

In 2017, Eve moved to Perth to teach dance full time, and to further her training as a choreographer. She worked with her students in WA on syllabus and competition work, before returning to Auckland in 2020.

Eve is an examiner and contributing choreographer for the Asia Pacific Dance Association (APDA), having devised the Commercial Jazz options and some other exercises and amalgamations for the JazzAddict and Encore Theatre Dance syllabi.

Eve worked closely on the 2023 release of the Lucidity Contemporary syllabus updates, choreographing new exercises and composition options for examinations.

Eve works extensively as a choreographer, training her students for competition and performance work, and regularly hosting training workshops on both sides of the Tasman.

TEACHER

Tim has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap, Commercial and Contemporary.

In 2013, Tim moved to Sydney to train full time at Brent Street Studios, and completed a Certificate IV in Dance.

Tim is an examiner for the Asia Pacific Dance Association and contributing choreographer for the Jazzaddict, Lucidity and Encore Theatre Dance Syllabi.

Tim loves to see his students flourish and strive to be the best that they can be.

TEACHER

Jill Arkley – ARAD, Life RTS and Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance London.Jill began her dance career in Tauranga under the guidance of Nancy Algar-Rowe, an examiner for the RAD. At the age of 16 she was awarded the John Todd Scholarship which allowed her to study at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington for two years. Upon graduating she returned to Tauranga and then moved to Queensland where she first opened her own Dance Academy.

On returning to New Zealand and moving to Auckland Jill established the “Auckland Academy of Dance” where she was Director for nearly 30 years.

Jill feels very privileged to have a career that she is so passionate about and loves to see the enjoyment and love of dance in her pupils. It has also been tremendously rewarding to have been a part of many dancers lives and future careers.

TEACHER

Hannah began her dance training at the age of 5 in Palmerston North, studying Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and Hip Hop.

She was a finalist in several National Competitions including PACANZ, NZAMD Scholarship Awards, RAD 14+ Scholarship and the National Ballet Award.

At 16 she studied full-time as a Classical Major at the NZ School of Dance in Wellington.

Hannah has been teaching at Ponsonby School of Dance for over 10 years now, between raising her 3 young children.

TEACHER

Jess began her training at Ponsonby School of Dance when she was eight years old, and has been a teacher since 2011.

She gained her Asia Pacific Dance Association (APDA) Advanced Teacher Certificate for the Jazzaddict syllabus.

Jess loves having the opportunity to help children of all ages build confidence and develop a passion for dance.

TEACHER

Maria has over 8 years of experience in teaching a wide range of dance styles. Specialising in Hip Hop and street styles, she has taught the RBM Street dance syllabus, APDA Urban Ignition Syllabus, and NZAMD Jazz and Hip Hop Syllabus. She has taught all over Auckland sharing her knowledge and craft with many dance crews and advanced/intermediate classes.

She is a working professional dancer signed with 3wj+boy and has trained under Identity Dance Company, NZX, and Momentum Productions. She has traveled internationally to further her development as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher, attending dance camps, workshops, and classes in cities such as Los Angeles, London, Europe, and Australia. She has received training in street styles, commercial dance, jazz, heels, contemporary, and freestyle.

Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work closely with numerous New Zealand and international artists, including Rita Ora, Jess B, JujuLipps, Chaii, and Tia Lee. She has collaborated with these artists on live performances and music videos, gaining valuable experience in the industry.

In addition to her dance qualifications, she is also a qualified Pilates teacher and is currently studying a Diploma in Sport, Recreation, and Exercise at Unitec. This ongoing education allows her to continuously expand her knowledge and provide exceptional instruction to her students.

TEACHER

Lauryn has been dancing since she was 5 years old and is trained in many genres including ballet, jazz, commercial, contemporary, lyrical, acro and musical theatre.

Lauryn’s extensive competition experience has awarded her with top placings at various national and international competitions including PACANZ, Showcase Finals Australia, Evolution Finals Australia, Showstoppers LA, USA and Intrigue Dance, Pittsburg, USA.

During Lauryn’s dance career she had the opportunity to work with prestigious choreographers including Wil Sabin, Paris Cav, Cooper Terry, Brodie Rochelle and Darlyn Perez.

Lauryn’s professional work includes Christmas in the Park, Media-works and Momentum’s production of Chromatic and has worked as an assistant at Brodie Rochelle workshops.

Lauryn is excited to work with the extremely talented dancers at PSOD and share her experience and love of the craft.

TEACHER

Lauren is a qualified and registered Royal Academy of Dance Teacher, having completed her RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies. In 2018 she completed her Certificate in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and holds a Certificate in Fitness Instruction (AUT 2014). She achieved her RAD Vocational Exams up to Advanced 1 with Distinction and received the top mark in Australasia for Asia Pacific Dance Association (APDA) JazzAddict Solo Seal in 2015.

Lauren is an examiner for the Asia Pacific Dance Association. She has choreographed for the Encore Theatre Dance syllabus and was heavily involved with the development of the Lucidity contemporary syllabus and in 2021, choreographed 2 new Composition options.