Student Life

Thriving as a whole person

At NZYBC, we believe that great dancers are made not only in the studio but also in the way they are cared for outside of it. Student life here is designed to support you holistically, body, mind, and spirit, so you can thrive in your training and in life.

Academic Support

We understand that dance is just one part of your journey. NZYBC supports students to continue academic studies (NCEA, Te Kura, or other distance learning) alongside full-time training. Supervised study times and staff support ensure students can keep their future options open while pursuing their passion.

Accommodation & Safe Living

For students relocating to Christchurch, we provide guidance with homestay placements and safe living arrangements. Every international and domestic student living away from home is supported by:

  • Vetted and supportive homestay families.

  • Orientation programmes to settle into life in Christchurch.

  • 24/7 emergency contacts for peace of mind.

  • Regular wellbeing check-ins from pastoral staff.

Parents can feel confident knowing their child is living in a secure, nurturing environment.

Wellbeing & Hauora

Your health and wellbeing are our top priority. We use the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of hauora (holistic health) to ensure every dancer is supported across four key areas:

Taha Tinana (Physical Health): Regular physiotherapy, access to sports medicine experts, strength & conditioning, and nutrition support.

Taha Hinengaro (Mental Health): Performance psychology modules, counselling support, and mentoring to help with resilience and confidence.

Taha Whānau (Social Wellbeing): Belonging in a safe, nurturing community where every dancer feels valued and connected.

Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing): Respecting identity, values, and belief systems, and encouraging students to bring their full selves to their art.

Community & Belonging

NZYBC is more than a school — it’s a family. From shared meals and rehearsals to backstage laughter and touring adventures, you’ll form friendships that last a lifetime. Our culture is built on:

  • Whanaungatanga (Relationships): Building trust and unity as a dance family.

  • Manaakitanga (Care): Looking after each other in every aspect of life.

  • Excellence & Joy: Celebrating both hard work and the fun of the journey.

Performance Opportunities

Life at NZYBC is full of chances to perform, grow, and shine:

South Island Tours — bring dance to schools, festivals, and communities.

Main Stage Productions — classical and contemporary repertoire in professional venues.

Corporate & Cultural Events — opportunities to perform in diverse, real-world settings.

In-House Showcases — safe spaces to test new choreography and build confidence.

These experiences build not just technical skills but also stagecraft, professionalism, and joy in performance.

A Day in the Life

Your week at NZYBC might include:

  • Morning ballet and contemporary classes.

  • Afternoon workshops in choreography, history, or psychology.

  • Conditioning and cross-training.

  • Evening rehearsals for tours or productions.

  • Supervised study or downtime with peers.

“At NZYBC, I always felt seen and supported — as a dancer and as a person.”
— Former Student

What’s online?

NZYBC Student Portal

Our secure online Student Portal gives every dancer access to everything they need in one place. Students can view their weekly timetables, access course content and assessment resources, and keep up to date with tour schedules and performance details. The portal also provides direct access to the staff directory, pastoral care support, and a simple booking system for private lessons, competition coaching, photography, or video recording sessions.

It’s designed to keep students connected, supported, and fully equipped for success — both in the studio and on stage.

  • Each module (401–411) as a clickable card.

    Inside each:

    Module description, learning objectives, assessments, resources.

    Upload area for assignments.

    Feedback & grades (moderation transparency).

  • Updated class resources and links to content on drives. Including Zoom sessions and assessment material.

  • Personalised weekly calendar view.

    Term planner (exam weeks, tours, performances).

    Integration with Google Calendar / iCal (export option).

  • Details of upcoming productions and tours.

    Rehearsal schedules.

    Travel/accommodation logistics.

    Packing list + health/safety notes.

  • Notices from staff (auditions, guest tutors, schedule changes).

    Performance photo/video galleries.

    Student newsletter archive.

  • Faculty & admin staff profiles (photo, role, contact link).

    “Book an Appointment” button for:

    Private lessons

    Pastoral care check-ins

    Academic support

  • Private Lesson Requests (choose staff, timeslot, purpose).

    Performance / Competition Services:

    Rehearsal studio time.

    Professional photography sessions.

    Video recording sessions.

    Costume or Pointe Shoe fitting appointments.

  • Pastoral care team info.

    Wellbeing check-in forms.

    Anonymous reporting tool (for bullying/harassment).

    Emergency contacts (24/7).

  • Student Handbooks (Domestic & International).

    Policies (Complaints, Appeals, Privacy, Fee Protection).

    Forms (Leave Request, Travel Permission, Injury Report).

FAQs

  • You must first be enrolled with NZYBC to access. Then use your student email and password to log in at [portal.nzybc.co.nz]. If you forget your password, click “Reset Password” on the login page.

  • Your weekly and term timetables are in the Timetable tab of the Student Portal. You can also export your schedule to Google Calendar or iCal so you always have it on your phone.

  • Tell your tutor immediately. You can also log your injury in DSP and book an appointment with our physiotherapist. If you need time off, submit a Leave Request form via DSP.

  • Yes. We support students to continue their NCEA or distance learning (e.g., Te Kura). Talk to the Academic Dean if you need help balancing dance training and academic study.

  • Go to the Student Support section of the portal. You can book a meeting with our pastoral team, access counselling services, or use the anonymous reporting tool if you need to raise a sensitive concern. Your wellbeing is always a priority.

  • Use DSP. Download the JAWS Agreement for multiple sessions. Choose your tutor, timeslot, and the purpose (e.g., solo coaching, exam prep, or competition rehearsal). You can also book photography and video sessions here.

  • Notify your tutor as soon as possible and log the absence through the portal. Missed assessments may be rescheduled if you have a valid reason (e.g., illness with a medical certificate).

  • All NZYBC policies are available in the Resources section of the Student Portal, including Complaints & Appeals, Privacy, and Health & Safety. If you need to make a complaint, you can do so through the portal or directly to staff.

  • On-campus: Speak to any tutor or staff immediately.

    After hours: Call the NZYBC emergency line (listed in Student Support).

    Life-threatening emergency: Call 111.