BALLET NELSON - Specialist Ballet Studio
Ballet Nelson offers a nurturing and professional environment for dancers, dedicated to the art of ballet.
With an emphasis on excellence, our classes foster both technical skill and artistic expression. Adriana Harper, former RNZB artist, is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love for dance, helping each student reach their fullest potential. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced dancer, Ballet Nelson's welcoming community provides a space for growth, creativity, and the joy of dance. Our
studio regularly hosts performances that showcase the talents of our students, offering opportunities for them to shine on stage.
Class Enquiries
• We are thrilled to be working alongside Legacy Dance where Adriana
teaches ballet classes from Pre Primary to Grade 3 on Mondays.
Visit - https://www.legacydance.co.nz/ - for more information and enrolment
• For Ballet Nelson classes - Grade 4 to Advanced 2 (Contact [email protected] for class times)
• ADULT BALLET CLASSES AVAILABLE
Monday - Beginner Level 6:00-7:00pm
Tuesday - Beginner Level 11:30-12:30pm
Tuesday - Intermediate Level 1:00-2:00pm
Friday - Intermediate Level 7:00-8:00pm
Onstage with the Ballet Arts Company
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Director - Adriana Harper ARAD & Solo Seal BBO Rts Adriana grew up in the small town of Coromandel where her passion for ballet started at age 4. She was accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance at 16, graduating with a Diploma in Dance and attaining her Solo Seal Award, the highest qualification of the Royal Academy of Dance. She was awarded the Todd Scholarship and a place in the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company as ADRIANA HARPER, where she danced for 11 years appearing in all Company’s full length repertoire and in Tutu’s On Tour since the first tour. She travelled overseas with Company to the USA, UK, Europe, China and Australia. Leading roles included Kitri in Don Quixote, Clara in The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, Concerto, Verdi Variations, Napoli Pas de Six. Little Step Sister in Cinderella and her favourite, Lucy Westenra in Dracula. Since retiring from dancing full time Adriana has been teaching at various schools around Auckland. Mount Eden Ballet Academy, Norris Studios, Dance West, Auckland Academy of Dance and Auckland Academy of Adult ballet. Teaching Preschoolers though to Seniors (65+) RAD ballet, contemporary, jazz, barre fit and conditioning. In 2020 Adriana opened her own studio, Ballet Nelson, formerly The Academy of Ballet Arts. |
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Founder - Louise Hawke ARAD Rts. BBO Rts “It is a privilege to be part of a child’s life. Each day in the studio is a challenging adventure for me, physically, mentally and spiritually. Working with tiny bodies, to win hearts, to install self esteem and confidence, to inspire with love and knowledge the sense of will power that enables the expression of a unique sense of self through dance.” Louise is former Principal dancer of the Royal NZ Ballet, the Hong Kong Ballet and a soloist of the National Ballet of Portugal. She has been Ballet Mistress for the Singapore Dance Theatre and a Guest Ballet Mistress of the Royal NZ Ballet. In Portugal Louise was chosen for principal roles by legendary dancers of the Ballet Russe, Serge Lifar and Leonide Massine. In Hong Kong she danced principal roles for David Bintley, a Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, for Choo San Goh of Washington Ballet and for Jack Carter from Festival Ballet London. Roles included full length Giselle & Cinderella and Grands Pas de Deux from Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Paquita, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, Swan Lake and in Bournonville repertoire in Napoli and Flower Festival at Genzano. After a career in international ballet, teaching at seminars in NZ, HK and Malaysia, training professional dancers in Singapore and undertaking teaching study at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, Louise established the Academy of Ballet Arts in NZ in 2003. Students were consistently chosen for the Associate programs of the NZ School of Dance, gaining a 90% Distinction rate in BBO & RAD exams & competing successfully in festivals across NZ. As artistic Director her Ballet Arts Company staged performances annually for 18 years under the sponsorship of Nelson Pine Industries. |
