Kura Ori Hīteki
We are the only school in New Zealand to provide a co-educational integrated Ballet Academy programme on campus. Launched in 2010, we have established a unique and comprehensive programme which encompasses the entire school – from Pre-school to Year 13. With classes held within the school day, this offers our students a seamless transition from academic class to Ballet studio – with specialised tuition focused on classical technique, development of artistry and musicality, and the joy of performance.
"Ballet is an ephemeral art – it's hard to capture and impossible to hold. In being so, the method of teaching remains as it always has – a passing of knowledge from master to student. I hope to pass on all I can about this beautiful art form to my dancers – giving them every opportunity to strive for their personal best while we endeavour to provide our professional best."
Dr Carolyn CairnsBallet Academy Artistic Director
A unique and comprehensive Ballet programme
The StAC Ballet programme aims to develop the dancer beyond the physical demands of ballet. Learning through this artform, which demands discipline and dedication, also translates into strong character traits such as self-confidence, perseverance, and self-esteem – positive attributes that remain with each dancer throughout their life. Dancers take yearly examinations, enjoy annual productions, and have opportunities to explore other dance genres such as jazz, lyrical, national character, and contemporary. Extension classes such as Pilates and Pointe are also available.
Role models of excellence
For the past eight years we have enjoyed regular visits from the Royal New Zealand Ballet Dance Specialists. Our dancers are privileged to learn repertoire from the current RNZB ballets and to have new pieces of choreography developed and taught to them. Guest tutors are welcomed throughout the year – adding depth to our dancers' experiences. Dancers attend Royal New Zealand Ballet productions, visiting dance event, and professional classes as are available.
St Andrew’s College Old Collegian Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson (OC 2013) is our Patron of the Ballet Academy. Joshua studied at The Juilliard School in New York, was a member of the Houston Ballet, and is now a Principal Dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Throughout his training, and now as a professional, Joshua has maintained close ties with the Ballet Academy, taking classes when visiting home and as a contributing choreographer in our productions. We are thrilled to have him share his knowledge and professionalism with our dancers.
We are proud of all our students, regardless of ballet becoming a professional pathway or a lifelong passion for the artform from dance experience through school. We congratulate those who have departed for full-time training or careers – Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson to the Houston Ballet and is now a Principal Dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Kate Holmes to the New Zealand School of Dance, Harrison Bradley to the Australian Ballet School and Tara Kinajil-Moran and Anika Boet to Brent Street Performing Arts (Sydney). Anika is also a member of the Sydney Dance Company. Becoming our own 'role models of excellence', past students are encouraged to return and share their experiences also.
Ballet Academy curriculum
Available from Pre-school to Year 13, classes are held within the school day, offering our students a seamless transition from academic class to Ballet studio – with specialised tuition focused on classical technique, development of artistry and musicality, and the joy of performance. Dancers take yearly exams, enjoy annual productions, and have opportunities to explore other dance genres such as jazz, lyrical, national character, and contemporary. Extension classes such as Pilates and Pointe are also available.
Performing in a professionally produced production is one of the highlights of the Ballet programme and highly anticipated by our dancers. Having an opportunity to learn the major ballets, such as The Nutcracker, Tales of Beatrix Potter, and La Boutique Fantasque is a vital and valuable part of any dancer's training - giving a real knowledge of its history and a deep appreciation for the art. Performance experiences provide knowledge in stage craft, opportunities for self-growth, and are wonderful for confidence building.
Opportunities and invitations to perform also occur, including Dance Revue (annual Secondary School event), Dancing Like the Stars (Isaac Theatre Royal), Prizegiving (whole school event at The Wolfbrook Arena, ballet highlight piece).
Past productions have included Peter Pan, Hansel & Gretel, Alice in Wonderland, The Sleeping Beauty, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Nutcracker, and many more.
Watch the St Andrew's College Ballet Academy performing The Nutcracker: Waltz of the Snowflakes at the 2024 Prizegiving.
Meet our Ballet Academy Artistic Director
Dr Carolyn Cairns
B.Sc, DipEd(Hons), M.Ed(Hons), Ph.D, ANZAMD
St Andrew’s College is fortunate to have Dr Carolyn Cairns heading our Ballet Academy. With an enviable background in ballet, medical science, and education, Carolyn combines excellence in ballet with a sound understanding of the school dynamic. Dr Cairns trained in Classical Ballet (RAD, BBO), Modern Jazz (NZAMD), and Character National (ISTD). Two of her notable ballet masters were Lorraine Peters (QSM) and Russell Kerr (ONZM, past Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet). She danced with Southern Ballet, its companies, and Dance Arts, winning numerous awards including a student guest scholarship to the New Zealand School of Dance.
Dr Cairns is also a qualified secondary school and special education teacher who has worked in both Australia and the USA. While living in Washington DC she was the Ballet Mistress for Gallaudet University. In San Diego she was the Head Mistress for a small private school. Returning to New Zealand, she achieved her Doctorate in Education specialising in understanding the expert practice of teaching ballet. This research included working closely with international ballet masters within the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Australian Ballet, and its findings strongly informed her professional knowledge and style of teaching.
In 2010 Dr Cairns established the Ballet Academy at St Andrew’s College, bringing this wealth of knowledge into daily practise.
"Dr Cairns is an amazing influence on my children – they love her positivity and amaze me with their confidence. Her expectations are high, and she gets results, but she is supportive to each individual’s needs. Her communication and organisational skills are exemplary."
Patron and Guest Tutor
Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson (OC 2013)
B.F.A. (Dance, The Juilliard School, New York). -
ARAD, BBO (Hons), ABBO (Dist) -
AJDA Solo Seal, Cecchetti Adv, Dip.Dnc Instr. -
RAD.RTS, TC.NZAMD, ABBO
A ballet fees scholarship is available for a new dancer joining St Andrew's College, for Year 7 or 8. The successful applicant receives a 50% reduction in all Ballet term fees for the year obtained. Please refer to enrolment form for full details. Past examination results are required (with achievement at Honours/Distinction or equivalent) or an audition.