We are an academy looking to train everyone in dance.
![We are an academy looking to train everyone in dance. The Academy Dance and Performing Arts Studio in Papamoa Bay Of Plenty New Zealand.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66285096e5509b724bd3b767/66285096e5509b724bd3b894_About%20Us%20Page.jpg)
Meet our teachers who make it happen.
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Hannah has been part of the studio for 11 years, working for Gillian Moore for 10 years, upon her retirement she took over the reins as director in 2023. Originally from the UK, Hannah trained professionally in all genres of dance at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks. She went on to work as Dance Captain on board P&O Cruise ships for many years managing the Headliners Theatre Company. Hannah has featured in adverts, including the Playstation 3 sing star advert as well touring shows around the UK as a dancer and singer. Hannah has an associate degree in Modern dance and a diploma in Anatomy with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) along with teaching certificates for Acrobatic Arts and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Hannah has a huge passion for dance and the performing arts and loves sharing her knowledge with her students.
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Kaitlyn has been involved in the Arts since the age of 3. She has 15 years of classical RAD dance training and is fully qualified in NZAMD Modern Jazz and American Tap, training at Gillian Moore School of Dance. Kaitlyn has competed all over the country notably at PACANZ and NZAMD Scholarships with her Tap dancing. Kaitlyn then went on to study Stage and Screen Arts full time in Wellington (Te Auaha) gaining her a Diploma in Stage and Screen Arts and a Degree in Applied Arts (Performing Arts.) During her studies Kaitlyn performed in multiple shows at Wellington's BATS theatre, Te Auaha’s House theatres, Whitireia Performance Centre, WOW and TVNZ’s ‘Mistress Mercy’. After study Kaitlyn went on to directing full school musical productions with Gobsmacked, along with choreographing local Musicals in Tauranga. Kaitlyn is now a Registered NZAMD Teacher and certified Acrobatic Arts instructor.
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Amanda has been with the dance studio since the age of 4, starting dance with just ballet increasing to all dance styles over her 14 years of dancing. Originally planning to study at the University of Otago after her final year of dance, Amanda realised she couldn’t bear to leave the studio and realised she wanted to pursue ballet teaching instead. Amanda is currently working towards achieving her Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance and hopes to achieve it at the end of this year. Amanda loves to teach, and seeing the students improve and flourish throughout the year is super rewarding to see.
Lets get in touch
![Now directed by Hannah Robson, The Academy in Papamoa, NZ, prides itself on being able to provide dance for all levels and abilities. Our teachers are fully qualified to ensure safe practice in our studios.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66285096e5509b724bd3b767/66285096e5509b724bd3b834_417A0414Surf_4.12.22-2.jpg)