DancePointe Academy

New Zealand to introduce the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) in their curriculum. The academy provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where students of all ages are encouraged to participate according to their abilities and enjoy all aspects of dance.

DancePointe Academy is located in Porirua, in the northern suburbs of Wellington. While the majority of students come from areas such as Khandallah, Johnsonville, Newlands, and Churton Park, there are also students who travel from Karori, Ngaio, Wadestown, and Aro Valley to attend ballet, tap, and jazz classes at the academy.

The 2023 timetable has been set, and parents are encouraged to contact DancePointe Academy for the exact time their child's level class will be held. In addition to ballet classes, the academy also offers Progressing Ballet Technique classes for children aged 7 and above in their scholars programme. Tap and jazz classes are also available, and students are encouraged to take advantage of the package offered to receive a well-rounded education in dance.

One unique feature of DancePointe Academy is their Scholars programme, which allows students to participate in competitive dancing without the extra expense of private lessons. This programme aims to provide more children with the opportunity to experience performing outside the annual concert. The academy also prepares vocational dancers for full-time study.

DancePointe Academy takes pride in its founding patrons, Sir Jon Trimmer and Lady Jacqui Trimmer, who have a rich legacy in New Zealand ballet. Both have danced with prestigious companies such as The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Australian Ballet, and Danish Ballet. Lady Trimmer also served as the Ballet Mistress for RNZB for many years. Their guidance and input have been invaluable to the academy.

Sharon Vanesse, the Principal of DancePointe Academy, brings her expertise as a former dancer of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Staatstheater am Gartnerplatz in Munich. Her vision for the academy is to impart the feeling of freedom and elation experienced when one loses oneself in dance. She believes in the motto “Dance like no one is watching” and is dedicated to sharing that joy with children at DancePointe Academy.

In addition to ballet, Sharon Vanesse is also a teacher of jazz, tap, contemporary, and Progressing Ballet Technique. She holds ARAD Solo Seal, BBO RT RAD (Silver Swans Reg), and PBT RT qualifications. Dance has been a part of her life since the age of 3. 5, and she is thrilled to include an Adults Beginners Ballet Class in the academy's timetable.

It brings her joy to see how adults have embraced and responded to learning this beautiful art form, proving that it's never too late to start.

Zoe Gilmore, another talented teacher at DancePointe Academy, is qualified in ballet, jazz, and tap. She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Dance & Theatre Arts from NZ Performing Arts Auckland. She has received training from Dance Masters International, RAD Ballet (Advanced 1), NZMD Jazz (Advanced 1), NZMD Contemporary (Level 6), and ISTD Tap (Advanced).

DancePointe Academy is committed to providing a quality programme of classical ballet classes following the RAD and BBO syllabi, as well as offering tap, jazz, and contemporary dance styles. They strive to inspire a love and appreciation for dance in all their students.