Image courtesy of RAD
Photo by David Tett
About First Position Ballet Academy
First Position Ballet Academy is dedicated to providing high-quality classical ballet training in a supportive, encouraging, and inspiring environment. Our ballet classes are held in Waimauku, welcoming students and families from Kumeu, Waimauku, and the wider North West Auckland area.
We believe that strong foundations are the key to confident, capable dancers. Our teaching focuses on correct classical technique, musicality, and artistry, while nurturing each student’s individual growth and love of movement. Discipline and structure are carefully balanced with kindness, positivity, and respect, ensuring students feel both challenged and supported in their training.
At First Position Ballet Academy, every dancer matters. Whether a student is taking their very first steps in ballet or developing more advanced skills, we aim to foster confidence, self-belief, and a genuine joy in learning. Our Waimauku-based ballet classes encourage focus, perseverance, and pride in progress, helping students grow not only as dancers, but as individuals.
We are committed to creating a welcoming studio culture where students feel safe, motivated, and inspired to reach their full potential — whether dancing purely for enjoyment or with future aspirations in mind. Families from Kumeu, Huapai, Waimauku and surrounding communities are warmly welcomed.
Strong foundations begin here.
About Jess (ARAD)
Ballet Teacher - Choreographer
Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher Status
Jess is an approachable and dedicated dance teacher with a particular passion for classical and contemporary ballet. She believes the arts are a vital part of education and essential to developing well-rounded, confident individuals. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Jess is delighted to bring high-quality ballet training to the Rodney area, offering Royal Academy of Dance ballet examination classes for the first time in many years.
Born in Tāmaki Makaurau, Jess trained in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap throughout her school years before relocating to Melbourne to further her dance education. During her studies, she was offered a contract with Black Grace Dance Company and toured in 2007 with Amata, before returning to Melbourne to complete her qualifications.
Jess holds a Diploma in Dance (Performance), Certificate III and IV in Fitness, and a Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies (Distinction) with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Her extensive experience includes working with The Australian School of Performing Arts, touring internationally throughout Europe, America, and Hong Kong as a choreographer for the Australian Girls’ Choir, and working with Aboriginal youth in remote communities across Australia.
Jess is also the proud Co-Director of Auckland’s only youth dance company, The Classical Collab, which provides professional-level performance opportunities for young dancers.
Contact us
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