The Wellington Dance Academy (formerly known as Paula Hunt Dance) opens in January, 2012, in brand new boutique premises at 186 Thorndon Quay.It will offer a complete programme for the young dancer.
Paula Hunt established her studio over 40 years ago & in partnership with Helen Calman will now focus on those students who are dedicated to dance.
The Wellington Dance Academy has been established for 8-18 year olds passionate about dance. For students interested in a rigorous curriculum in intimate classes with personal coaching, that could culminate in a professional career. Only those students who have demonstrated a strong work ethic will be accepted into the Academy.
The younger students will be offered a position at Time to Dance, www.dancesingact.co.nz within the new Thorndon Quay studio and in various suburbs. Auditions will be offered for those wishing to join The Wellington Dance Academy at the appropriate age.
The Wellington Dance Academy will hold auditions during each year, for those 8 years and over wishing to become a future student.
Students selected to be in The Academy will be offered opportunities to perform classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works as well as sitting various examinations to the highest standard possible. Students interested in performance, will have the opportunity to be prepared for national and international ballet competitions.
Only Classical, Neo Classical & Contemporary tuition will be offered. It is recommended Senior students attend a Pilates class at other Wellington institutions, recommendations can be made.
Agreement with the Terms and conditions is required by all students.
PAULA HUNT – Tutor, Ballet
Paula is Prinicpal and Director of the Paula Hunt Dance Studio & now the Wellington Dance Academy, which has been established in Wellington for the past 40 years.
Whilst teaching at the studio, for the past seven years she has also been the Royal Academy of Dance, Chief of Examiners. Paula began examining for the Royal Academy of Dance in 1985.
Recently Paula has been on the closely involved with the new Vocational syllabus that has been launched by the RAD in December 2010, with great success. Also the new Graded syllabus that has been launched in January 2012.
She founded and directs the annual Wellington Summer School offering a broad spectrum of dance and educational experiences to many students throughout New Zealand.
Paula is passionate about the forward focus of the studio & bringing excellence to dance in New Zealand, at the Wellington Academy of Dance.
HELEN CALMAN – Tutor, Ballet
Miss Helen began learning ballet at the age of eight with Lynne Billing and moved to England to undertake full time training.
Whilst overseas, Helen performed in a number of successful productions and also taught in England and Europe.
Since returning to New Zealand, Helen has been a dance teacher at the Paula Hunt Dance Studios, now the Wellington Dance Academy. Miss Helen is excited at the prospect of developing our new focus Academy for our young aspiring Wellington Dancers.
Miss Helen has undertaken further teaching qualifications, during her time in New Zealand.
The Qualifications include the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate (Distinction) and an Associate in national dance (Distinction) from the I.S.T.D. In 2003 Helen became a Graded Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance and has been appointed to their International Board of Examiners. Now Helen is also a tutor for the Royal Academy of Dance.
ANITA HUTCHINS – Tutor, Ballet, Contemporary
Anita was born in New Zealand. At 16 she moved to London where she attended the Royal Ballet School for two years. On graduating, as top female student, she joined the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Germany, where she danced for three years. She then joined Nederlands Dans Theater II in Den Haag, Holland, for a year before returning to New Zealand.
Back home she went to film school, choreographed, taught, danced for Michael Parmenter and The Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 2006 she won the television contest ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and released a self-produced and directed dance class DVD ‘MOVE-IT’. From 2007-2008 Anita danced with Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds, England. She has recently moved back to Wellington to go to University. In 2012, Anita will undertake a new venture of developing her own production, whilst teaching at the Academy.
