Welcome to NZYBC

The New Zealand Youth Ballet Company (NZYBC) is more than a school - it is a company, a community, and a launchpad for the next generation of professional dancers.

We are proud to be:

The only official Youth Ballet Company in Aotearoa.

The South Island’s only tertiary provider dedicated exclusively to pre-professional ballet and contemporary dance training.

A place where artistry, wellbeing, and opportunity come together to prepare young dancers for the world stage.

Our Vision & Mission

“Whakamaua te pae tata kia tina”

Take hold of your potential so it becomes your reality.

Our passion is to see the love of dance nurtured in our students, developing them into healthy, inspiring dancers who will carry New Zealand’s artistic legacy forward.

We are committed to:

  • Fostering dreaming - because every career begins with a vision.

  • Prioritising wellbeing - creating a holistic environment where dancers thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

  • Equipping dancers with technical mastery and the confidence to perform at their highest level.

  • Creating pathways to real opportunities in professional dance, teaching, choreography, and creative industries.

  • Our Accreditation

    We are a Registered Private Training Establishment (PTE) under the Education and Training Act 2020.

    Our programmes are NZQA-accredited and include:

    New Zealand Certificate in Dance (Level 4): foundational pre-professional training.

    New Zealand Diploma in Dance (Level 6): advanced touring and performance-focused training.

    We are proud to comply with NZQA’s ongoing requirements for quality assurance, including:

    Participation in External Evaluation & Review (EER).

    Transparent self-assessment and continuous improvement.

    Independent oversight of student fee protection through the Public Trust.

  • Our Commitment to Care

    As a registered provider, NZYBC fully upholds the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice

    This means:

    Every learner’s wellbeing and safety is paramount.

    International students are provided with accommodation support, orientation, and 24/7 emergency care.

    Parents and families can trust that NZYBC’s policies and practices prioritise student success, cultural identity, and safe learning environments.

  • Our Leadership

    NZYBC is led by Artistic Director Olivia Russell, supported by a team of experienced faculty and guest tutors including internationally acclaimed choreographers and dancers. Our coaches and mentors are credible artists in their own right and hold qualifications and experience far above the students they teach, exceeding NZQA standards.

    Behind the stage, NZYBC is governed by Convergence Dance Studios Ltd (CDS) and supported by an Advisory Board that includes industry leaders, Māori consultation, alumni representation, and student voice.

  • Our Values

    Moemoeā | Dreaming — Enabling dancers to see themselves achieving their goals.

    Hauora | Wellbeing — Safeguarding the physical, mental & emotional, social, and spiritual health of every student.

    Whakamana | Empowerment — Equipping students to grow in mastery, confidence, and artistry.

    Whanaungatanga | Belonging — Building a family-like environment where every dancer feels seen, valued, and supported.

Audition Now -

Dreaming of it?

Audition Now - Dreaming of it?