Bridie Connors-Schwartz (SENIOR TEACHER)

Bridie received her primary ballet training at Draper Academy of Dance in Pukekohe, before participating in her first U.S summer intensive program, “Performing in New York” with Ajkun Ballet Theatre, at the age of 15. 

Following PINY, Bridie joined the company on scholarship as a full-time trainee / Junior Artist. With AjkunBT, she performed the company’s vast repertoire, and toured New York and Italy. While in Italy she was invited to take company classes with Teatro Alla Scala, in Milan. She was later promoted to Senior Company Artist rank at AjkunBT and guest performed with other NY based ballet companies such as Albany Berkshire Ballet, Nomad Contemporary Ballet, Victoria Ballet Theatre and New York Theatre Ballet, along with teaching children’s ballet during her 10+ years living in NYC. 

Additionally, Bridie found her other passion in Pilates after being formally introduced to it as a dancer, using Pilates to help strengthen her technique and prevent injury. She gained her comprehensive Pilates certification in New York, taught by Romana trained instructors. After NYC, Bridie and her music composer husband spent 3 years in Los Angeles where she danced with Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre as a company dancer, and performed in many choreographic festivals. Bridie taught adult ballet and conditioning classes at Ballet Bodies, and was a Senior Pilates Instructor at Equinox Hollywood.

Having returned to New Zealand with her husband in January 2021, Bridie is thrilled to be now sharing her passions and experience in Ballet and Pilates with the Dance For Life Academy dancers.