Dance Studios & Dance Schools in Christchurch: Beginner to Advanced Classes
The dance culture in Christchurch is as colorful and varied as the city itself. Whether you are a fan of elegant ballet, hip-hop, salsa, or musical theater, there is a dance studio in Christchurch for you. Dance has a long history in Christchurch, whether it is a local performance or a national championship competition, and Christchurch dance studios offer classes for all levels of dancers, from beginners to advanced dancers. In this guide, we will highlight some of the most popular dance studios in Christchurch, sorted by dance style/genre, and provide you with essential information about each dance studio. Let’s take a look at the dance scene in Christchurch.
Multi-Style Dance Schools (All Ages & Styles)
These dance studios provide an assortment of dance styles all under one roof. They are an excellent means of learning a variety of styles, ranging from ballet to hip-hop. They also provide a platform for kids, teens, and adults to learn together. Some of them have annual shows, while others have students participate in exams or competitions.
| Studio | Styles Offered | Adult Classes? | Class Schedule | Pricing | Competitions | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Lee School of Dance | Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre | Limited (mainly youth classes) | Weekly classes (term-based) | Term fees (contact studio for rates) | Yes – comp teams & hip-hop crews | annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz – Ph: 03-354-6228 |
| Silhouette Studios NZ | Ballet (BBO), Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Acro/Cirque | Limited (primarily ages 3–20) | Weekly programs (multiple levels) | Term fees (vary by program level) | Yes – in-house comps & squads | silhouettestudios.co.nz – Ph: 027-355-2153 |
| Jeté Studio | Acro, Ballet, Contemporary, Heels, Hip-Hop (adult classes) | Yes (adult beginner & intermediate) | Weekly classes (kids & adults separate) | Term enrollment (contact for fees) | Not focused on comps (performance-oriented) | jetestudio.co.nz |
| Euphoria Dance Studio | Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, “Aero” Dance | Yes (all ages 4+ welcome) | Classes Mon–Sat (by age/level; term-based) | Contact for term fees (first class free) | Yes – crews compete in hip-hop & dance comps | euphoriadancestudio.co.nz – Ph: 022 566 2549 |
| Flow Dance Academy | Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Acro, Musical Theatre | Yes (5yrs through adult) | Weekly classes (after-school & evenings) | Term fees (free trial class offered) | Limited – focuses on exams & performances | flowdanceacademy.nz – Avondale, Christchurch (contact via site) |
| Expressions Dance Company | Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Performance Co. | Yes (adult tap, hip-hop, contemp) | Weekly classes (term schedule) | ~$160 per 9-week term (1 hr class) | Yes – occasional comps via Performance Company | expressionsdance.nz – Ph: 027-462-5797 |
| Studio 42 Performing Arts | Musical Theatre (tap/jazz/acting), Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet | Yes (adult classes for all levels) | Weekly classes (no exams, no comps) | Term-based tuition (request info pack) | No – performance-focused, no comps | studio42.co.nz – Locations: Shirley & Richmond, Chch |
| That Dance Studio | Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Preschool Dance, Musical Theatre | Yes (beginner & advanced adults) | Weekly classes (after 3:30pm & evenings) | See price list (term fees) | Not emphasized (annual showcases instead) | thatdancestudio.com – (Contact via website) |
Helpful Tips:
- Multi-style dance schools can be a great alternative for families with children and adults who want a convenient, “one-stop” dance solution. For instance, Anna Lee has several locations and provides classes from preschool dance to advanced hip-hop teams.
- Most of these schools operate on the standard New Zealand school term calendar (8-10 weeks per term), with costs typically paid per term. As a rough guide, a 1-hour per week class can cost around NZ$160 per term (depending on the school and type of class).
- Schools vary in their emphasis and opportunities. Some schools, like Studio 42, are more focused on performance and personal growth rather than competitions. Others, like Anna Lee and Silhouette, offer exam and/or competition opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing these.
- It is always best to check with the schools directly for the most up-to-date class information and costs. Additionally, you may also want to inquire about trial classes, as most schools offer free or low-cost trial classes to help you find the best fit.
Hip-Hop & Street Dance Studios
Christchurch has a lively street dance culture, with specialized dance studios for hip-hop, urban choreography, breakdancing, and street dance. Such schools may also promote a “crew” spirit among their students. Beginners, even adults, are more than welcome to join – no need to feel apprehensive, as classes are usually structured from beginner to advanced levels.
| Studio | Specialty | Adult Classes? | Training Focus & Schedule | Pricing | Competitions | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swarm Studios | Hip-Hop Dance (crews & open classes) | Yes – Adult beginner class (“ABC”) | Focus on hip-hop foundations & choreography; classes for kids, teens, and adults (weekly evenings) | Term enrolment (contact for fees) | Yes – competitive crews (audition-based) | swarmstudios.co – Christchurch (multiple crews) |
| Legacy Dance Studio | Hip-Hop (community-focused) | Yes – classes from preschool to adult | Beginner-friendly hip-hop basics; weekly classes (multiple beginner levels) | Term fees (contact for rates) | Limited – no formal comps, but performance crew for community events | legacydancestudio.co.nz – (Contact via website) |
| Ace Dance Studios | Hip-Hop (competition squads) | Yes – all levels welcome (youth & adult) | Intensive crew training; multiple classes weekly at central city studio (Phillipstown) | $$ – Contact for fees (studio offers comp/travel opportunities) | Yes – “only hip-hop company in Chch” specializing in competition training | acedancestudios.co.nz – 430 St Asaph St, Christchurch |
Highlights
- Swarm Studios is hip-hop-oriented and has an Adults Beginners Class (18+). This is a great option if you are learning dance as an adult and are looking for something fun and dynamic.
- Legacy Dance Studio is famous for its friendly, family-like environment. They are very accepting of beginners, and most of their classes are geared towards helping new students gain confidence in basic hip-hop moves.
- Ace Dance Studios is more competition-oriented. They advertise themselves as Christchurch’s only hip-hop competition dance studio, with teams competing in local and international competitions. This studio would be best suited for dancers who enjoy performing, training hard, and competing.
- Swarm Studios or Legacy Dance Studio would be a better option if you are looking to dance for fun, fitness, or personal enjoyment. Ace Dance Studios would be a better option if you are interested in competitions and stage performances.
Latin & Ballroom Dance Studios
Enjoy partner dancing? Christchurch has great dance studios for Latin American dances such as salsa, bachata, cha-cha, kizomba, and Ballroom/New Vogue dances. These dance studios provide organized lessons for beginners (no partner necessary) and lively social dance scenes. They also provide training for competitive dancers who perform exceptionally well at national and international competitions.
| Studio | Styles & Programs | Adult Classes? | Class Schedule & Format | Pricing | Competitions | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salsa Latina Dance Centre | Salsa (LA/linear), Bachata, plus Cha-Cha, Kizomba, etc | Yes (100% adult focus) | 8-week beginner courses (start regularly; e.g. Salsa & Bachata); social dance nights & workshops ongoing | First class FREE for Salsa & Bachata; then casual or concession cards available | Yes – home to champion teams & dancers (multiple NZ & world titles) | salsalatina.nz – 461a Colombo St, Christchurch (Ph: 03-379-3130) |
| Latin Fire Dance Studio | Salsa, Bachata (partner & shines), Latin performance teams | Yes (all levels adults; kids program too) | Beginner courses for Salsa & Bachata (monthly start dates); performance team practices; social parties | $80 for 6-class card (concession); first beginner class free | Yes – numerous national/international Latin dance awards | latinfire.co.nz – Ph: 027-222-6900 (Studios: Mt Pleasant & CBD) |
| Brazilian Beatz | Brazilian Zouk, Samba, and Latin fusion styles | Yes (adults only) | 4-week beginner series (e.g. Zouk or Samba fundamentals) – once a week courses | NZ$83 for 1-month pass (early bird) | Not competition-focused (social dancing & workshops) | brazilianbeatznz.com – (Central Christchurch |
| Ballare Dance Studio | Ballroom & Latin American (waltz, tango, foxtrot, jive, etc), New Vogue/Sequence | Yes (kids through seniors) | Weekly group classes (beginners start Feb/July); practice/social dance evenings (Wed nights) | Term courses (enroll in beginner class); private lessons available | Yes – “Home of Champions,” students compete locally and internationally | ballaredance.co.nz – Ph: 03-365-5583 (301 Brougham St, Sydenham) |
Insights: Salsa Latina and Latin Fire are the best dance studios for salsa and bachata in Christchurch. Both have multiple champion teachers and a great social atmosphere. Salsa Latina is famous for its well-organized teaching system (with levels and even online tutorials) – beginners get a free first class and can move through levels with the same attention to detail and care as at the championship level. Latin Fire also offers a free first class for beginners and has students who perform in teams; Latin Fire teams have won many championships in NZ and Australia. For those who are interested in Brazilian styles of dancing, Brazilian Beatz offers Zouk and Samba lessons – a great way to learn Latin dancing with a Brazilian flavor, in a friendly central-city dance studio. And if traditional ballroom or sequence dancing is your thing (or your next date-night activity), Ballare Dance offers a refined setting to learn waltz, foxtrot, tango, and more. Ballare teaches students from 4 to 100 years old, but their beginner social classes are mostly comprised of adults of all ages –some dancing for fun and exercise, while others are training seriously for competitions. Don’t worry if you don’t have a dance partner; all these dance studios change partners or can match you up with one.
Insights
- Salsa Latina and Latin Fire are well-known in Christchurch for their salsa and bachata classes.
- Salsa Latina is recognized for its effective teaching system, with well-defined levels that assist beginners in learning step by step. They also provide online lessons, and new students are usually treated to a free first class.
- Latin Fire also provides a free first class for beginners. The dance school has a performance-oriented and competitive environment, with teams of students who have won championships in New Zealand and Australia.
- If you are looking for Brazilian dance styles, Brazilian Beatz provides classes in Zouk and Samba. It is a good choice if you are interested in Latin dance with a Brazilian twist in a casual, city-center setting.
- If you enjoy traditional ballroom or sequence dancing, Ballare Dance offers classes in waltz, foxtrot, and tango. Their beginner social classes are primarily for adults of all ages who enjoy dancing for recreation, health, or competition.
- Don’t have a dance partner? No problem. These dance studios will either switch partners during class or assign partners to students.
Ballet & Contemporary Academies
For those who are interested in classical dance, Christchurch has reputable academies where you can pirouette to your heart’s content. These academies focus on ballet and contemporary dance, and they often follow examination syllabuses (RAD, BBO, etc.), producing productions that are beautifully staged. While the majority of students are children and teenagers, there are also classes for adults, and it’s never too late to begin or return to ballet.
| Studio | Focus | Adult Classes? | Programs & Exams | Pricing | Competitions | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Ballet School | Classical Ballet (RAD & BBO syllabi), Jazz & Contemporary | Yes – beginner & open adult ballet | Graded classes (ages 3 to advanced); Royal Academy & BBO exams; annual productions | Adult Ballet: $25/class or $225/term (senior 50+ “Swans” class also) | Not focused on comps (emphasis on exams & recitals) | southernballet.co.nz – Ph: 03-379-7219 (108 Carlyle St) |
| Convergence Dance Studios | Ballet, Tap, Modern combo – technique-centric training (city & Rolleston) | Yes – adult ballet & tap classes | Strong technical focus for hobbyists or pre-professionals; adult classes in ballet, tap, etc. (evenings) | Term enrollment (multiple class levels; see schedule) | Limited – training-oriented (performances and personal goals) | convergence.dance – Ph: 027-563-7471 (190 Montreal St) |
| Bosman Ballet Flow | Adult Ballet only – all levels & ages | Yes – exclusively adults | Recreational ballet classes for adult beginners through advanced (no exams; tailored pacing) | $– Moderate (contact for class rates) | No formal comps (adult hobbyist focus) | bosmanballetflow.co.nz – (Adults’ ballet club, Christchurch) |
Highlights
- Southern Ballet is one of the well-established ballet schools in Christchurch, known for its high training standards and pleasant dance studio environment.
- They provide a number of adult ballet classes, including a Beginner Adult Ballet class, an Open (intermediate) evening class, and a daytime “Senior Swans” class for those 50+ years young. These classes are ideal for adults who want to resume ballet or try it for the first time.
- The cost is quite reasonable. Adult classes cost about $225 per term for a weekly class, with a casual drop-in rate of about $25 per class.
- Convergence Dance Studios provides adult ballet classes on Monday evenings. They also provide other adult-friendly genres, including tap and modern combo classes, making it a convenient option for those who like to mix and match.
However, for those who seek a strictly adult setting, Bosman Ballet Flow is the only one of its kind: it is a studio exclusively for adult ballet students, where complete beginners are encouraged to join alongside more experienced dancers in an exclusively adult setting. This can be a great alternative if taking a class with teenagers isn’t your thing. Although these ballet schools are focused on ballet, they don’t place much emphasis on dance competitions (which isn’t their goal anyway), but the personal fulfillment and artistry you will derive from them are second to none.
Wrapping Up: Find Your Dance Home in Christchurch
The dance scene in Christchurch is very diverse and welcoming – there really is something for everyone. The studios listed above are just some of the most active and popular dance studios in Christchurch, each with its own unique character and strengths. When selecting a dance studio, think about what you are interested in (hip hop rhythms or ballroom glamour, for example), what you want to get out of dancing (fun, fitness, performance, or competition), and what atmosphere makes you feel at home. Most dance studios offer trial classes or open days – be sure to take advantage of these to give a few classes a go.
Most importantly, remember that dance is a journey. Whether you are an adult who hasn’t danced since school, or you are finally taking that first ballet class at 30, the dance studios of Christchurch are ready to welcome you with open arms (and possibly open jazz hands.). So step out of your comfort zone, put on those dance shoes, and join the fun – you might just find a new passion and a new family on the dance floor. See you in class.