RAD NZ Summer School 2026

Our January Summer School was a vibrant celebration of dance, bringing together more than 200 participants aged from eight to seventy-plus for an inspiring and joy-filled week.

The six-day Vocational Course welcomed 75 dedicated students, who were inspired by guest ballet and repertoire tutor Lisa Pavane. Her depth of professional knowledge and artistry left a lasting impression, with students speaking enthusiastically about how much they had learned.

Our five-day Grades Course engaged 52 students in a dynamic programme that extended beyond ballet technique and repertoire to include creative, contemporary, musical theatre, character and ribbon dancing — ensuring variety, challenge and plenty of enjoyment.

Fifteen dancers took part in the Tīaho course for students with disabilities and differ-abilities, exploring the theme “under and over” and presenting a heartfelt performance at the end-of-week studio sharing.

A special milestone this year was the first-ever Silver Swans Summer School in New Zealand. Twenty-five dancers from across the country participated in daily ballet, repertoire and musical theatre classes, and enjoyed a memorable visit to the Royal New Zealand Ballet to observe company class.

Our 3.5-day Teachers’ Course featured seven half-day sessions led by Lisa Howell, Hilary Kaplan and Hazel Boot, alongside daily warm-up and stretch classes. In total, 36 teachers attended 185 sessions in person, with a further 20 teachers joining online for 39 sessions — a strong reflection of our community’s commitment to professional development.

Across the week, studios were filled with inspiring teaching, focused and fearless dancers, new friendships and shared achievement. We are immensely proud of the growth, confidence and joy that emerged throughout Summer School 2026, and extend our sincere thanks to every tutor, student, teacher and family who helped make it such a success.

Photo: Evan Li.