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about bcaLaunched in 2020, our first project was Homemade Jam, featuring the choreographic talents of Cameron McMillan, Loughlan Prior and Sarah Knox. Homemade Jam evolved to become our 2021 premiere season Subtle Dances featured in both the Auckland Arts Festival and the Dunedin Arts Festival. In 2022 & 2023 we've gone on to create various projects including Transfigured Night with Chamber Music NZ, Miraculous Mandarin with Orchestra Wellington, Taitoko Kanikani Collective. "This long-awaited premiere season of a new contemporary company, BalletCollective Aotearoa, was nothing short of a triumph". (Jennifer Shennan for Michelle Potter on Dance) turid revfeim | artistic director & producerBCA Artistic Director & Producer Turid Revfeim is a graduate of the National Ballet School (now NZSD). After graduating and touring with the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB), she headed to Europe where she spent four years as a soloist with the Theater der Stadt Koblenz in Germany, and danced at the prestigious Bayreuther Festspiele each summer from 1982-86. Turid re-joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 1986, and was promoted to soloist in 1993. She completed a Bachelor of Arts while dancing with the company, and in 1997 worked as rehearsal assistant and stage manager for the Eric Languet Dance Company.
Turid retired from dancing in 1999, becoming Artistic Coordinator with RNZB. The company has performed four of her works; ‘Si Supieras’ in 2004 & 2005, ‘Three over Four’ and ‘Bernarda Alba’s House’ in 1999, and ‘Kleines Requiem’ in 2000. In 2003 she was appointed RNZB Ballet Mistress, making her mark in the role for eleven years. Most recently, Turid Revfeim authored ‘New Zealand School of Dance: 50 Years 1967 – 2017’, which was published in 2017 to mark the School’s 50th anniversary, and is a Classical Tutor at NZSD. |
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Elora Battah | DANCE EducatorBallet - I love that the grace and discipline taught through ballet continues outside the studio and into life itself. In this way, it can also frame our perspective of the world in being able to focus on both the minute details and the greater picture.
My favourite ballet is the Nutcracker - very nostalgic. Collect(ive) - As a child I would always collect snowglobes as a memento of my travels. Aotearoa - What I love about Aotearoa is that even in the big cities you are never far away from some of the most breathtaking nature on the planet. One of the most spectacular places I have been to is Lake Tekapo. As it is a dark sky reserve, the view of the galaxy is unmatched. And during the summer they have the most gorgeous flowers lining the lakeside. Home - I was born and raised in Wellington. Training - I started ballet at 3 years old at Mary Rodgers Ballet Academy. At 12 years old, I had the opportunity to perform in a professional production of ‘Annie’ in Wellington, which inspired me to pivot my interest more towards musical theatre. Most recently, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Film at Victoria University of Wellington. Highlights - Throughout my life, the highlight has been being able to take on so many different roles and opportunities within the entertainment sphere both as performer, creative, and crew member. It is such an honour to be able to chase so many dreams at once, and continue learning with each experience. Favourite Jam - ‘Fine Line’ by Harry Styles, there is something so calming about it. Photography: Olivia Melhop, Alex Rabina |
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CALLUM PHIPPS | DANCERBallet - There’s something truly amazing about performing on stage, after each performance I still keep being inspired, if that’s performing myself or watching a performance. As a boy my mother would take me to see musicals and stage shows in Sydney, after being inspired from them I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life.
My favourite ballet would have to be Petite Mort by Jiri Kylian Collect(ive) - At the moment I’ve started a collection of vinyls, I love nostalgic music even before my time. Aotearoa - I love living in Wellington but my favourite place would have to be the Coromandel. If you love beaches it’s a must for summer time; grab a kayak and venture into the caves, it’s a beautiful experience. Home - I grew up in Newcastle, Australia. Training - I started learning ballet at Newcastle Dance Academy and then moved to Wellington to train at the New Zealand School of Dance. Highlights - I danced Lead Male in Round of Angels which is a ballet choreographed by Gerald Arpino and I performed this at the New Zealand School of Dance 2019 Graduation Season. It was one of the most amazing pas de deux pieces I have ever danced. Ballet Collective Aotearoa is my first step on my professional journey and I’m excited for what’s in store! Favourite Jam - Space Jam ..... Looney Tunes is my favourite. Anything from Bobby Darin or a good Bebop album, now that’s my jam. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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LISALOTTE POLDERMAN-CHARLES | DANCERBallet - I love ballet because of the incredible intensity and beauty that it embodies. From a young age, I have been drawn to movement, feeling a euphoric sense of fulfilment when pushing myself physically while still capturing the art and beauty in each movement. Ballet offers a unique blend of rigorous physical challenge and artistic expression, which is why it resonates so deeply with me. My favourite ballet is Akram Khan’s Giselle.
Collect(ive) - I collect lip balms and nail polish. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is undoubtedly Tōtaranui Beach in the Abel Tasman; its beauty is unparalleled. Home - My parents are from Europe and the West Indies. They fell in love with Aotearoa and moved to a town outside of Christchurch called Darfield. That is my home. Training - I trained at Malvern Ballet School before going full-time at Convergence Dance Studios, later joining their youth company, the New Zealand Youth Ballet Company. Highlights -Some of my highlights include working with and performing the soloist role of Loughlan Prior’s neo-classical piece titled 'Ripple and Wrinkle' and choreographing a piece for the New Zealand Youth Ballet Company. Photography: James Burchell |
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kyoka takahashi | DANCERBallet - I love how ballet constantly challenges me both mentally and physically. It requires rigorous discipline and hard work which never leaves me bored or underwhelmed. Ballet encourages me to explore my limits and express myself through its blend of artistry and athleticism. The fact that you cannot achieve perfection in ballet is what makes this art form so captivating to me.
Collect(ive) - I collect anime merch. Aotearoa - Anywhere in the South Island where you can observe the aurora australis. Home - I was born in Japan and moved to Aotearoa when I was 5. Training - I trained at Southern Ballet, Convergence Dance Studios, and New Zealand Youth Ballet Company. Favourite Jam - I don't really have a favourite music but I like listening to podcasts. |
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lyndon foley | DANCERBallet - I love dance for how it makes me feel, the way it sets me free and helps me to connect and communicate with others. I love how it can be used to tell stories, or just help us feel our feelings. I also just love dancing with friends!
Collect - I like to collect things I can use and don't just sit on a shelf, so I mostly collect things like fun socks and cute earrings! Aotearoa - My favorite place in Aotearoa so far has to be Taranaki! Some of my favorite memories are from biking/walking along the waterfront with my family. Home - I was born in Auckland and grow up in Whangparāoa. When I was 9 my family and I moved to Taranaki, where I lived till I moved to Pōneke at 16. Training - I started dancing at the age of 4 and never stopped! In 2018 I got into the associate program at the New Zealand School of Dance, I then continued on into full time training in 2019, graduating as a classical major in 2021, but I decided to continued on to graduate again as a contemporary major in 2022. Highlights - The biggest highlights of my dance journey so far, has to be the amazing people I've had the privilege to make art with (in and out of school), just to name a few; Holly Newsome, Jeremy Beck, Tabitha Dombroski, Sarah Foster-Sproull and Lucy Marinkovich. Thank you for being awesome humans!! Photography: James Burchell |
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amelia chandulal-mackay | DANCERBallet - I’ve always loved the ritual and challenge of class – the feeling of really working and pushing your physical boundaries. The intrinsic focus that ballet requires provides a sort of paradoxical freedom that has really helped me through life’s challenges.
And, of course, performing is something really special. Combining the music and artistry with the physicality of ballet and being able to bring that all together to share with an audience is such a privilege we have. My favourite ballet is the Royal Ballet’s Zeitgeist with Natalia Osipova – everything about it is incredible Collect(ive) - I’m always on the lookout for a suspenseful psychological thriller! Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa would probably be Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel. Aside from being incredibly beautiful, it reminds me of a carefree childhood and comes with such a sense of nostalgia (in the best way possible) Home - Whanganui is my home Training/Professional Engagements - I primarily trained with my mum at the Whanganui Ballet and Dance Academy until I was seventeen, then at Ecole Vocational Ballet and Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching in Sydney. I then did a year as a trainee with Orlando Ballet and a year in the Ailey School scholarship program in New York City to experience more modern-based training. My professional experience was in Milwaukee Ballet II and Oklahoma City Ballet Studio Co. I took a few years away from ballet after returning to NZ and have come back on a freelance basis, which I really love. Highlights - A highlight as a young dancer was attending ABT summer intensive. It was a wonderful confidence boost for me and solidified how much I wanted to dance. Later, I had some wonderful performance opportunities in the US that I’ll always hold close to my heart. Recently, I’ve loved getting involved in the freelance ballet scene here in New Zealand and working with Lesley Bandy, Mary-Jane O'Reilly, Meaghan Rowe, and BCA of course! Favourite Jam - (musically speaking) it’s Max Richter! Give me a piece of Max Richter music and I’ll get a uni assignment finished so much faster! Photography: James Burchell |
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alina kulikova | DANCERBallet — Ballet has opened countless doors for me. It’s given me a stage to express who I am, a canvas for my emotions, and the freedom to travel to some of the most remote, breathtaking places. Through ballet, I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
My favourite ballet is MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet. There's something magical in the way MacMillan and Balanchine shape music into movement. Their choreography isn't just danced—it's felt, lived, and breathed. Both have been profound sources of inspiration for me as a dancer. Collect(ive) — Travelling is a passion of mine. On each trip, I collect small tokens—souvenirs, postcards, or local artwork—that capture the essence of the places I visit. Aotearoa — My second home, where I built a new life and formed friendships that are dear to my heart. It's a land filled with places that resonate deeply with me. Home — The deep Russian north, where winters are long and snowy, forests stretch endlessly, and wild berries grow in abundance. Training — At age 11, I was scouted to begin professional ballet training at The Komi Republic State School and College of Arts. Highlights — Performing iconic classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker across the globe, including in the U.S., Great Britain, Europe, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Favourite Jam — I love exploring new cuisines and trying to cook them myself. I’m also an avid fan of K-pop and K-dramas! Photography: James Burchell |
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james burchell| DANCERBallet - Ballet gives me the chance to inhabit many different personae. It allows me to escape the troubles of everyday life and share that escape with others. My favourite ballet is Frederick Ashton's Two Pigeons.
Collect (ive) - I suppose I collect plants. Recently, however, I have observed exponential growth of this collection without having actually collected anything. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa would have to be the South Island. I couldn't be more specific as the whole country has my heart. Home - I grew up in Dunedin, moving to Wellington when I was 18. Training - I attended the Bennett School of Ballet and Jazz, before moving to the New Zealand School of Dance. Highlights - I loved performing excerpts from Ihi frENZy, choreographed my Mark Baldwin, to music by Split Enz, while still at NZSD. Favourite Jam - I couldn't possibly decide, probably something that could offset a breakfast, and complement a roast. |
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BJORN ASLUND | DANCERBallet - I really love ballet because of its aesthetic sensibility, accompanied by the practice and discipline, which I believe make really strong and diverse dancers. This particularly excites me when it is coupled with other disciplines and practices. I really love Ekman’s work, particularly “Play” I feel he has a great scope of the direction classical ballet can be pushed in to keep it relevant to new generations of audiences. I am also a big fan of Loughlan Prior’s Hansel & Gretel, I love the way he brought camp to audiences in New Zealand.
Collect(ive) - I wish I could collect art, but I really don’t have the wall space for it now. Aotearoa - I love the severe and breath-taking beauty of nature. I honestly couldn’t tell you where my favourite place is though, there are so many fantastic and beautiful places. All for utterly different reasons. I am very grateful and feel at home in Wellington. Home - Kia ora, my name is Bjorn Aslund. I was born in Karlstad Sweden and raised in Northland New Zealand. My heritage is Malaysian Chinese and Swedish Norwegian, with a bunch of Scottish and English thrown in. I feel like I could come from anywhere. Training - I started training with Elizabeth Russell at the Northern Dance Academy when I was 9. In 2016 auditioned and was successful in my application the New Zealand School of Dance where I spent the ensuing three years training to attain a Diploma in Dance Performance. I chose to train at the school because I believed it would teach me how to be a better dancer, and along the way I figured out how to be. Highlights - My career highlights so far have been working on a development with Legs on the Wall, and being able to further develop my work “Plato’s Atlantis” for the 2020 fringe festival show “ Situations in Play”. These have both been eye-opening experiences and have allowed me to further my practice as a performer and person. It has been fantastic to be able to explore aspects of myself in my work and express that. Favourite Jam - I am hanging out for LG6 to be released and I am really vibing the Blade Runner soundtrack at the moment. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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TABITHA DOMBROSKI | DANCERBallet - I love ballet because of the discipline and the constant strive for perfection. It pushes you to the limit physically and mentally; it takes years and years of practice to reach that effortless movement quality and freedom. But mostly I love the people you to meet and the places it takes you.
Collect(ive) - I always end up collecting jars wherever I go. I always fit as much kiwi peanut butter (Pics and Fix n Fogg) as I can into my suitcase. I always get my mum to send me some and when I get visitors they bring me some ha ha! Then I wash and keep the jars to store nuts, seeds and tea! Aotearoa - My favourite city is Queenstown, for its picture-perfect scenery and all the adrenaline-pumping activities (I've bungy jumped twice!) Another favourite place is Mt Taranaki; it has such a good energy surrounding it. Climbing it is very hard but it's also the most rewarding thing. Home - I am from New Plymouth, but grew up in Wellington. My maunga is Taranaki and my awa is the Waiwhakaiho. Training - I started my training at Extreme Dance, and I moved to Paula Hunt (at the age of 10) when I decided to ballet seriously. I was part of the Scholars and Associates programmes at the New Zealand School of Dance, which led me to train there full timed complete my certificate. I finished my training in Germany at the John Cranko School, because I wanted to push myself and to explore the dance world in Europe; that is my dream. Highlights - My biggest career highlight is having three of my own choreographies performed at the Stuttgart Opera House. I was the first student to have a choreography performed in ten years, and the first student ever to have three! Favourite Jam - My favourite jam is Black Doris Plum jam! It's soooo good, especially on fresh homemade scones :) Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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william keane jung-ying fitzgerald | dancerBallet - DANCE! Dance for me gives me the means to express myself, where all else fails or falls short. My favourite works are Infra by Wayne McGregor and The Lady of the Camellias (the Marcia Haydee version) by John Neumeier
Collect(ive) - I collect books. I love reading and I love the physical sensation of a book. The way they inhabit a space creates a warmth, but also an electric energy. The worlds they contain; it's endless and all waiting to spill forth. They're alive. My favourite book right now is Insomniac City by Bill Hayes - so intimate and tender, everyone should read it. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is the carpark at the Waitomo caves. Go at night, bring a blanket, lay down with those you love and bask in the stars - some of the darkest skies I've ever seen. Home - I'm from all over. Of Chinese/Malaysian and 2nd fleet Australian convict comes a motley-looking, racially ambiguous, boy from Newcastle, Canberra and Wellington. I'm definitely a water baby and promote the cathartic energy of salt water. Training - Kim Harvey School of Dance gave me love, support, encouragement and inspiration. New Zealand School of Dance gave me strong technique in both classical and contemporary dance. Highlights - Dancing 'The Main Guy' in William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated; becoming a part of such a long-standing and living legacy is awesome! Favourite Jam - I'm not a huge jam person. I prefer raspberry over strawberry. I really don't like strawberry jam. Fig is nice. Musically (right now) Lonely Cities by Tigertown and (all time) Softly We Go by Evenings. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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ABIGAIL BOYLE | DANCERBallet - I love ballet because of the constant strive for perfectionism that never comes. It is an evolving art form that connects athleticism and artistic expression. It ticks all the boxes for me.
My favourite ballet is Swan Lake. Collect(ive) - I don't really actively collect anything but I have noticed that all the shoes I own sparkle. So I guess I'm attracted to shiny shoes - maybe that's the ballerina in me? Or maybe I just like sparkle. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is Wanaka. Home - Auckland, North Shore. Training - I trained at North Shore Ballet Academy, International Ballet Academy and the New Zealand School of Dance. Highlights - Any one of those fabulous moments performing when time stands still and I am just being; coexisting with the audience and colleagues in something that is so special and will never be recreated. Favourite Jam - I prefer chutneys! Music jam? Anything upbeat or that places me in a good mood with interesting lyrics, and I try to stay away from mainstream stuff. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Medhi Angot | DANCERBallet - I love ballet because it has to be precise and requires a lot of discipline. My favourite ballet is "La Bayadere" by Rudolph Nureyev.
Collect(ive) - I don't collect anything as such, but I like to collect beautiful memories. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa; I have yet to discover it. There are still a lot of places I haven't been. I'd really like to go to Waiheke Island and Coromandel. Home - I am from Lamballe, a small city in Brittany in FRANCE! Training - I trained at the Paris Opera Ballet School from 1996 until 2003. My first ballet teacher thought that I was talented enough to audition for the Paris Opera Ballet School and that I would learn much more in Paris. Highlights - Dancing my first Principal role in a full length ballet. It was Basilio in Don Quixote. I had just turned 23, and when I took a bow after my first show, I knew that dancing as a Principal was what I wanted to do. Favourite Jam - I love singing! And strawberry jam. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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honor christian-slane | DANCERBallet - Ever since I can remember, music has always made me want to dance. My favourite Ballet would have to In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, by William Forsythe and/or any ballet performed by Natalia Osipova; for instance her performance in Flames of Paris is just phenomenal.
Collect(ive) - I collect vintage clothes, but more specifically vintage jackets. But I can honestly say I am not a huge collector in general. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa would easily be Wellington. This is the place I feel most at home and established. Wellington is the city where I realised exactly what I wanted to do with my dance career. Home - I grew up in the heart of Westmere, Auckland. Training - I began training at the Philippa Campbell School of Ballet from the age of five to sixteen. I will always be grateful to Philippa Campbell and Joye Lowe for their incredible training and mentoring. I recently graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance as a classical major with a Diploma in Dance Performance, 2019. Highlights - A highlight in my career so far would have to be when I went to the Prix De Lausanne to represent NZSD in the Choreographic Project, 2019. It was this experience that made me realise I wanted to pursue a contemporary ballet career. Favourite Jam - My favourite jam isn’t… I don’t hate it and I don’t love it. But my favourite music jam at the moment would be Sunflower by Mall Grab. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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CAITLIN HALMARICK | DANCERBallet - I love ballet because it enables communities to be brought together to experience art and be exposed to entertaining narratives, as well as thought-provoking abstract ideas all through the capitalisation of movement of the body, and music.
My favourite ballet is Chroma by Wayne McGregor. It's such a physical, athletic ballet, but also can be interpreted many different ways with its exploration of ideas. Collect(ive) - I love collecting rings with semi-precious stones in them that I usually buy from markets. I really enjoy markets so they remind me of a good day and they're also beautiful. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is definitely Wellington. It's such a great city with a mixture of a forward-focussed arts scene, a strong financial district, a lot of university students and families (which keeps the place lively), nature areas, and a free spirit which values self-expression. Home - I was born and raised in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, but I consider Wellington to be my second home. Training - I trained at The Conlan College in Sydney in their full-time programme for three years, before moving to New York City at age 16 to train at American Ballet Theatre's JKO school for a year. After that I trained at the New Zealand School of Dance, where I graduated in 2019. Highlights - I performed at American Ballet Theatre's Fall Gala in 2016 at the David H. Koch Theatre in Lincoln Centre, NYC. I also performed one of the solos in Stanton Welch's The Ladies at Houston Ballet's Summer Intensive in 2017, however, as Homemade Jam is my first professional gig being a part of Ballet Collective Aotearoa is definitely my career highlight. Favourite Jam - Any jam from Ricardo's Tomatoes. It's a tomato and strawberry farm just outside of Port Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia where my family go all the time for summer holidays. They make all their own jams. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Layne Hampson | DANCER InternBallet - My favourite ballets are ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘In the Middle Somewhat Elevated’.
Collect(ive) - I collect tickets to concerts or festivals I’ve attended because they remind me of good memories. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is Wellington because it’s where I have all of my closest friends and the opportunity to dance in such amazing environments like the Ballet Collective Aotearoa. Home - I grew up in Lismore, Australia. Training - I trained at Karen Ireland Dance Centre from the age of 4-17. I moved over to Wellington in 2018 upon acceptance into the New Zealand School of Dance. I am currently in my third year at the school now. Highlights - Some of my dance highlights include having the opportunity to attend the Ballet Cymru summer school in Wales. Performing the allegro soloist in Concerto Barocco in the New Zealand School of Dance graduation season. And now joining the Ballet Collective Aotearoa on internship. Favourite Jam - I’m not really a jam kind of person but any song by Tame Impala is my jam. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Timothy Ching | DANCER INTERNBallet - My favourite ballet would have to be Don Quixote - performed by American Ballet Theatre. I love ballet because it gives me a way to express myself without words and use movements that are physically and emotionally demanding.
Collect(ive) - I collect playing cards, as it is one of my hobbies to learn cool cards tricks. I also love the intricate design of different playing cards and I love supporting fellow artists (like card designers & illustrators) and their works. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is the New Zealand School of Dance because that is where I get to study my passion and make friends. It also gives me a place where I feel safe to practise and develop my artistic potential. Home - Singapore. Training - After competing in the AGP (Asian Grand Prix) in 2017 I was offered a place to study at the New Zealand School of Dance full time. I thought that the School would be a great place to aid me in further improving my technique and ballet training. Also I thought that NZ would be a beautiful place to live in. I started training at the New Zealand School of Dance in 2018; I am a classical ballet major. Highlights - My highlights: I competed in in the AHA (Alana Haines Awards) 2019 and obtained a scholarship to the Huston Ballet Summer School Intensive. I was chosen to perform in the 2020 Chinese New Year Festival in Wellington. I was given the opportunity to perform "Handel - A Celebration" choreographed by Helgitomasson, staged by Betsy Erickson in the 2019 NZSD Graduation Season. Favourite Jam - Any rap or chill song with a good beat and vibe to jam to. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Dominic burrows | DANCER INTERNBallet - My favourite ballet is Don Quixote. It was the first ballet I ever saw and I love the energy and happiness the ballet shows. I love ballet for the discipline and the art form. I love painting a picture with my movement.
Collect(ive) - I collect hobbies! I'm always trying to find something new and fun to experience, ranging from American football to playing the ukulele. Some of my favourite hobbies are: American football, painting, ukulele, kendo, drums, singing, and dancing. Aotearoa - Any mountain range in the South Island - those are my favourite places in NZ - but The Remarkables mountain range is my absolute favourite. I've made so many memories climbing those mountains and I can't wait to climb them again! Home - I was born in Invercargill, located at the very bottom of the South Island. Training - I have been training at the New Zealand School of Dance and am about to complete my third year there. Highlights - My careers highlights have been dancing with world-famous choreographers, representing NZSD in parliament, and getting the opportunity to dance every day :-) Favourite Jam - My favourite jam is the homemade grape jelly my Nanna makes from my family's grapevine. It's the best jam I've had! My favourite music jam is mxmtoon's Fever Dream ft. Shawn Wasabi; always makes me happy and it's always stuck in my head! Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Eloise Moore | DANCER INTERNBallet - My favourite ballet is Carmen! I’m also in love with Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated.
Collect(ive) - I didn’t think I was much of a collector but now that I think about it I have loads of baggy merchandise tees from bands that I’ve seen! Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa is Wellington because everyone I love and care about lives here. Home - I grew up the country town of Inverell, Australia, then moved to Sydney in 2015. My family now lives in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland whilst I study here in Wellington. Training - I first starting dancing at Craze Dance Academy in Inverell. At the age of 14 I left home and moved to Sydney to continue my classical ballet training at The McDonald College. In 2018 I was accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance and decided to make the move overseas. I am currently in my third and final year of study at the New Zealand School of Dance. Highlights - In 2017 I was lucky enough to perform on stage with The Australian Ballet in their Sydney season of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as an extra role. Favourite Jam - Anathoth Raspberry Jam Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Kit Reilly | DANCERBallet -I love ballet because it teaches you discipline and has given me an incredible foundation of movement and mind body connection. The athleticism and artistry which comes with it has shaped who I am as a dancer, no matter which style or creative direction I take.
My favourite ballet would have to be “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated.” I remember first seeing this when I was at NZSD and it literally had me in a state of absolute wonder and amazement. I am really drawn to highly physical work and this piece demonstrated exactly that. Collect(ive) - I collect workout routines because I have a low key addiction to the gym. I also unfortunately collect all my receipts which drives my friends crazy when they see my wallet being overflown with paper! Aotearoa - Definitely would have to be where I am from, Waiheke island. As I was born and grew up there and it holds such a special place in my heart. My parents still live there and it fills me with so much indescribable joy every time I step foot on the island. The community there is and has been so supportive of me and it feels like a huge family. Home - I am from Waiheke Island, just outside of Auckland City. Training - I trained at RMDA and Devonport School of Dance while growing up, and then when I was 16 I moved to Sydney Australia to study full time ballet at Alegria Dance Studios. At 18 I moved back to NZ to study at the New Zealand School of Dance as a Contemporary major where I graduated with a Diploma in Dance Performance. Highlights - In my third year at NZSD I travelled to NYC and Shanghai to be a part of the Metamorphosis International residency led by Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich. This was such an incredible eye-opener to a really intensive method which has literally changed my approach to dance and how I move. After graduating from NZSD I performed in the Rambert Dance Company Installation in London and this was super inspiring as it is one of my dream companies to be in. My most recent highlight is creating my first full length choreographic work, Utopia #9 which I developed at Wellesley Studios and premiered at Tempo Dance Festival. This gave me the opportunity to collaborate with my closest friends, explore my creative visions and compose a full music score to accompany it. Favourite Jam - Strawberry! And it is so good when spread on top of peanut butter! And music Jam? Well I am definitely a crazy Lana Del Rey fan so pretty much anything she makes I will listen to on repeat for the rest of eternity. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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nicholas tredrea | DANCERBallet - I enjoy the challenges that ballet has put in front of me. The constant changes in my relationship with it, and the ability it has given me to access the extremities of my body.
My favourite ballet is "In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated" by William Forsythe. Timeless. Collect(ive) - I'm trying to collect an empathetic mind set. Empathy has allowed me to think more deeply and connect more with others. Aotearoa - Tairua, I spent much of my childhood here and hold many memories that will never be forgotten. Home - Greenhithe, Auckland. Training - I trained at WAAPA, in Perth, Australia. During my time here, a housemate told me about Rambert School in London, U.K. After working in Australia, I decided to further my studies for an additional year of training in London. Highlights - The opportunity to be performing as we speak. I feel very privileged to be working with a lovely collective of dancers for this project here in New Zealand. Due to COVID19, all live theatre work has ceased to resume in London since March of last year. This is my first time since COVID19 hit that I've had the chance to move, partner, create and be with other dancers in a space together. Favourite Jam - 'Ungodly Hour' by Chloe x Halle Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Sarah Davies | PhotographerBallet -My favourite ballet is After the Rain by Christopher Wheeldon. This 9-minute piece was chosen to be a part of the New Zealand School of Dance Graduation season 2018, where I first saw it. The music instantly drew me into the world of the two lone dancers on stage. I love the integration of technical movement alongside more experimental contemporary ballet to portray this sombre story. To me it was about mutual loss and grief, yet instead of falling into the sadness, the couple instead find a strength in each other. It was a piece like I’ve never seen.
Collect(ive) - When I was a child, I used to collect coins and notes. Living in Dubai with my family I was very fortunate to have visited some amazing countries. My father also used to travel a lot for work and he (as well as other family members and friends) would bring me back coins from his travels. Some of the countries include France, Jordan, the USA, Norway, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. I love thinking about the journey of how the money has travelled from person to person. More recently, I have taken an interest in collecting old books, especially those centred around education and dance. I love to read and observe how language was used in the past and how world views have changed since the book was published. Aotearoa - Whakapapa Village in the north island. With a quick trip up to Mt Ruapehu and a view of Mt Ngauruhoe, it is easily Number 1 on my list. Going on treks around the outskirts of the village, the breathtaking views of green, grey and red natural terrain left me speechless and immensely grateful to call this beautiful country my home. Untouched nature definitely has a special energy; an almost transcendant aura about it, and I love being able to feel this around me. The rocks, flowers and rivers of Whakapapa were a big photographical inspiration to me, documenting the beauty of such a place. Many of the photos I took hang in my room and are included in my online photography portfolio. Home - I was born here in NZ, but moved to Dubai when I was 7 to be closer to my dad who was working in the military at the time. I spent almost 11 years there, finishing my school certificate. I moved back to NZ to Kapiti, before moving to central Wellington to study. I feel lucky to call two countries home, and for all the opportunities and experiences the Middle East gave me, but I am happy to be back in NZ, living in the amazing city of Wellington! Training - I trained at the New Zealand School of Dance as a contemporary major, graduating in 2019. I worked a lot with the media department during my time there, and have always had a passion for photography that I pursued alongside my time at the school. I consider myself self-taught, but I did learn the basics through some community taught classes and back in high school art. I’m looking to expand my knowledge and experience in the field. Highlights - My career in photography has only just begun, so I would have to say working here at the Ballet Collective Aotearoa! The people are incredible, the creativity is high and the energy is exuberant. Favourite Jam - My favourite jam would definitely be “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon. It’s a classic, and forever my favourite jam to dance to. Photography: Sarah Davies, Sarah Kaye Photography |
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Sophie Ryan | PHysiotherapistBallet - was the second language I ever learned to speak. It was what brought me to dance and was my passion for many years. However, nowadays, I more frequently converse in the language of Brazilian Zouk, a contemporary form of social / partner dance.
Collect(ive) - I am not much of a collector of things per se... but I do try to "collect" precious memories, and meaningful connections with the delightful kindred spirits I have met throughout my life's journey so far. I also like to collect and capture a moment with a photograph, when I am inspired. Aotearoa - My favourite place in Aotearoa would simply be Wellington. Five years ago I chose to return to live here, after nine years away, and I haven’t looked back. Home - Aotearoa is my chosen home over the past 17 years, since moving from Australia to train at NZSD. I love both Australia and New Zealand, but the spirit and culture within Aotearoa holds a very special place in my heart. I made it official in 2018, becoming a dual citizen of both countries. Ethnically I am half Thai, a quarter English and a quarter Welsh. An unusual mix that has lead me to be mistaken as Italian or even South American, in the past. Training - I trained at the Kim Harvey School of Dance in Canberra, Australia, from my very first ballet class, until I left for New Zealand. Following that I completed the three year Diploma in Dance Performance at NZSD, graduating as a contemporary dance major. After a break, during which I performed professionally, I recommenced study at the University of Auckland with a Certificate in Psychology and then completed a four year Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from AUT. As a physiotherapist, I am continually undergoing professional development and I am lucky to have been able to observe and learn from dance physiotherapists Susan Simpson and Jane Woolley at NZSD, Lisa Howell in Sydney, Australia, as well as having had opportunities to observe the physios and health team at the Australian Ballet company and the Queensland Ballet. Highlights - It is always wonderful to be invited to come back "home", and so teaching at the New Zealand School of Dance, my alma mater, and having the opportunity to help the students, while knowing exactly what it feels like to be one of them, will always be very special to me. My role as dance conditioning tutor enables me to use all of my background, knowledge and skills in one place, which has been very fulfilling. Favourite Jam - Strawberry, alongside crunchy unsalted almond butter. Delicious. Photography: Brendon Hooker and Massey University |
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