Which Class | Dance for Life Academy

I have NEVER danced before

BALLET INITIATION COURSE: You have no ballet experience? Our Initiation Course is perfect for total beginners and introduces you to the world of ballet! We teach you methodically over the course of two 5 week sessions (PHASE 1 & PHASE 2) the very basics of ballet that will lay a firm foundation to develop your ballet technique. After this course you will be ready to enter any of our Beginner Ballet classes.

I have under 6 month ballet experience

BALLET BEGINNER SYLLABUS: These classes follow the prestigious Cecchetti Grade 2-3 Syllabi complimented by aspects of Royal Academy of Dance and IDTA syllabi for variety. This will create a sound foundation in basic ballet steps. Musicality will be developed along with a strong technique.

I have 6-12 month ballet experience

BALLET PROGRESS 3: These classes follow the prestigious Cecchetti Grade 3 Syllabus complimented by aspects of Royal Academy of Dance and IDTA Syllabi. You can expect to develop musicality, dynamics and a strong technical foundation. At the end of the year, you may choose to sit the Grade 3 DFLA Assessment.

I have 18 months ballet experience

BALLET PROGRESS 4: These classes follow the prestigious Cecchetti Grade 4 Syllabus complimented by aspects of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus for variety. In this level the basic ballet steps are expanded and developed; this level introduces pirouettes en dehors, demi grand rond de jambes, sissones and chaines. At the end of the year you may choose to sit the Grade 4 DFLA Assessment.

I have over 2 years ballet experience

BALLET PROGRESS 5: These classes follow the prestigious Cecchetti Grade 5 Syllabus and a strong technical foundation is required. Pirouette en dedans will be introduced in these classes as well as development of musical interpretation. At the end of the year you may choose to sit the Grade 5 DFLA Assessment.

I have over 3 years ballet experience

BALLET PROGRESS 6: These classes follow the prestigious Cecchetti Grade 6 Syllabus and a strong technical foundation is required. This level will see an increase in advanced repertoire including fondues au milleau, sissones over & under, demi contretemps and Grand allegro: Grand Jetes en Tournant. At the end of the year you may choose to sit the Grade 6 DFLA Assessment.

I have 4+ years of ballet experience

BALLET INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED: These classes are ‘open’ and focus on developing dancers’ own musical interpretation and furthering advanced ballet techniques and repertoire. It is advised dancers attend 2 classes per week unless they are a returning advanced dancer.

Pre-pointe & beginner pointe

Student must be working at a grade 5 level + teacher assessment for suitability is needed.

Lyrical & contemporary

Contemporary dance with a neo classical style. Ballet training required.

Adult jazz

No experience needed…more free moving & funky!

Floorbarre & BarreFlex

Floor barre: Mat work using ballet and Pilates inspired movements to condition the body and lengthen the muscles.

Barreflex: This class focuses on ballet conditioning and stretching. 30 minutes of intense basic barre technique and 30 minutes of flexibility work. Will suit any dancer from beginner to advanced.

BarreFit

No ballet experience required. High intensity strength & flexibility fitness class…the best, most stimulating work out you’ll ever do!

″Open″ Ballet classes

These are freely choreographed classes, with less repetition , utilising steps learned in the technique classes across 2 levels. Challenges the mind through “dancey” combinations promoting fluidity of movement & a strong sense of dance.

Testimonials

Passionate and experienced teachers

DFLA has a friendly environment and fantastic, passionate and experienced teachers with serious approaches to dancing. They set the ‘barre’ very high and challenge us each time.

Yulia Vugman

Kind, positive

Welcoming, kind, positive - all my dealings prior to my first class and during, have been like this. I'm really looking forward to continuing my journey of ballet, after a 30+ year break from this style of dance.

Suzi McMaster Wallis

Good for the whole body and mind

I would highly recommend this adult ballet learning studio. I have never danced in my life and am slowly getting my head around the terminology and positions. The classes are nice and small with friendly likewise women. It helps with any balance issues and very good for the whole body and mind.

Jan Baxter

Super bunch of ladies

Just joined today and cant wait to go back for more. A super bunch of ladies, a most welcoming class and an excellent tutor.

Judy Cook

None compare to AAAB

I have taken ballet classes in London, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Auckland but none compare to the classes at Auckland Academy of Adult Ballet. The programme of initiation classes through progression to advanced level means that everyone in the class is at the same level. There is no intimidation or feeling like you are not good enough to be there, and Kathy's caring approach to correct technique is really amazing.

Ros JH

Lovely friendly small class

I've joined an adult ballet class after a 25 year break and loving it. This is a lovely friendly class in a spacious dance studio in Onehunga.

Rebecca Girvan

So accepting, caring

I love DFLA - so accepting, caring and yet with an expectation that we will push ourselves to bring out the dancer inside!

Niki Harre

Encouraging and experienced tutors

Come and try it ! Wonderful experience and special rates for the first two trial classes....beautiful, encouraging and experienced tutors. You will love it!

Hilary Weeks

learn REAL ballet technique

I really ❤️❤️ 😍 DFLA. This is a real ballet school where you learn REAL ballet technique. Every class is a REWARDING experience and the atmosphere is AWESOME. The teachers are FAB. They know how to teach adults properly and prevent injuries. The music is INSPIRATIONAL. I get to dance with FANTASTIC classmates. Everyone - all ages and shapes - are made to feel WELCOME. I returned to ballet after a 35+ year break and am doing better than when I was a kid!! HAVE A GO!

Steph Clout

Slightly nervous as a beginner

I love my dance classes! I never danced as a child and was slightly nervous as a beginner but I am improving and gaining confidence. Definitely noticed how toned my legs are since starting!! Thanks

Zoe Larner Smith

Diverse coaching options

"I can’t imagine coming back to dance any other way. So many diverse coaching options, genres and choreographers to suit your needs. Kathy's studio is empowering for women who have a love for the art and encourages women to have courage on their dancing journey."

Sasha Large

I found a teacher who is hyper-vigilant

“I did class this morning and the only question I had afterwards was how soon I could do another. For once I've found a teacher who is hyper-vigilant about our posture and not merely intent on getting a workout for herself.”

Rose Hepozden

Magical breakthrough!

"I started adult ballet classes ( the first time) around 1992 after a lifetime of longing to do so, and being labeled a ‘klutz’ by my family. I had always been the shy, ‘grey, invisible middle child’s growing up, and being extremely self-conscious. Nearly 8 years later, my teacher organise a show where we performed for invited family and friends only – people who came to see us succeed. For me, it was the most magical breakthrough to stand up and be seen, and my confidence made a quantum leap – I even decided I loved performing!!"

Sheri Suckling

Best time of my week

"Ballet is the best time of my week when I can leave the stresses of life at the door and totally focus on my body! Doing adult ballet is amazing, not scary or intimidating at all especially with such a kind caring teachers"

Elizabeth Cullen

dance academy