We offer the following classes
Ballet
NSDS teaches ballet for students from 18 months to adult age. It offers the globally recognised Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet exams (see below for details). We also offer ballet classes for adults, whether you're a complete beginner or have previous experience. As well as this, we run Senior Swans classes and are proudly registered with the Senior Swans program.
Jazz (APDA)
Known for its fast pace, upbeat music, improvisation, and, call and response format, jazz dance originated in New Orleans.
Contemporary (APDA)
Blending various movement styles emphasising freedom of expression and emotional conveyance. It's characterised by its fluidity, versatility, and diverse techniques and inspirations, often drawing from everyday gestures and improvisation.
Musical Theatre
A dynamic art form that brings together music, acting, and dance to tell stories in a way that is emotionally powerful and visually captivating.
Hip-hop
A diverse and energetic street dance style that emerged from hip hop culture in the 1970s, primarily in New York City. Hip hop dance is characterised by its rhythmic movements, body isolations, and improvisational nature, reflecting the free-form spirit of hip hop music.
K-pop
Combining elements of hip-hop and jazz, choreographed specifically to Korean pop music. The choreography often incorporates catchy and repetitive movements that complement the song's lyrics. Engaging in K-Pop dance not only offers a physical workout but also cultivates mental resilience.
Singing
We offer singing lessons for all levels. Whether you want a private lesson or to sing as a group, we offer both.
PBT
We are proud to offer Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) classes as part of our program. PBT is an innovative body-conditioning program that helps dancers improve strength, flexibility, alignment, and core stability. Suitable for all levels, it’s a fantastic complement to ballet training and enhances overall body awareness and control.
Pilates/Reformer
We also offer Pilates classes, including Reformer Pilates, to support and strengthen dancers’ bodies. Pilates is excellent for building core strength, improving flexibility, enhancing posture, and preventing injuries. Our Reformer sessions add resistance-based training for deeper muscle engagement and control. Suitable for all levels, these classes are a valuable complement to any dance or fitness routine.
Please contact us to learn more about what we offer or to find out our current class schedule.
If you’re interested in ballroom classes, we’d love to hear from you - please reach out to the teachers below
Ballroom:
Kingsley and Angela Gainsford (North Shore Dance Centre)
North Shore Dance Centre (NSDC) has something for everyone whether it’s Jazz, Salsa, Dancesport – Ballroom, Latin, New Vogue, Classical Sequence, Lyrical, Wedding Dances or Social Dancing.
Classes are taught in one of three exceptional purposely built studios where our highly qualified staff teach classes in a popular, fun learning environment for you to get the most out of you, or your children’s dancing.
Each year our dancers receive the highest honours in dance examinations and for those that are involved in competition, our ratio of NZ Champions is outstanding. Whether you want a good grounding in dance for your children or yourself, or you aim to reach for the stars, North Shore Dance Centre in Association with Gotta Dance, can get you there.
Email: northshoredancecentre@gmail.com
Phone: 027 471 9442
Peter van der Veek, Rachell van der Veek-Jansen (Ngati Raukawa)
Born in the Netherlands, Peter began competitive dancing at 22. Rachell grew up in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, discovering her love for dance at age four.
After partnering in Europe, the national champions went on to win eight New Zealand Professional titles and perform across Germany, Spain, the USA, Belgium, England, and the Netherlands.
In 1997, they opened a dance studio in the Netherlands offering a wide range of styles. In 2021, Peter and Rachell relocated to New Zealand with their daughter to be closer to their whānau.
Peter is a qualified fitness instructor, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist. Rachell holds qualifications in Ballroom, Latin American, child dance development, and Zumba.
They are proud members of the NSDC whānau and look forward to helping dancers reach their Ballroom and Latin American potential.
Email: pveek60@gmail.com
Phone: 021 661 633
We offer the globally recognised Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet exams, designed for all ages and abilities. These exams provide a clear progression, promoting creativity, technique, and artistry.
Students gain confidence, discipline, and valuable performance experience, while working towards internationally recognised certification. The process nurtures physical fitness, fosters a love for dance, and opens doors for future opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a graded or vocational award, RAD exams helps all students achieve their personal and artistic goals. For more details, visit the RAD website here.
Exam Dates
The RAD Ballet exams are held around the end of August/September each year.
Exam Costs
The cost of exams varies significantly and increases with each grade level. Entry fees are charged annually for each grade, ranging from $79 to $296.
Exam Entry Requirements
• Ensure full exam entry payment is made by the due dates (typically May)
• Purchase the complete uniform as outlined on the uniform page and wear it to class each week.
• Attend weekly classes consistently and practice at home.
• From Grade 1 onward, attend two lessons per week.