Karen commenced her dance training at age three under the tutelage of instructors Audrey McRae and Leanne Umbers in Taupo.  She successfully completed examinations in Ballet and Jazz, achieving Solo Seal, and attained Level 6 in Hip-Hop through the NZAMD.  

Her extensive competitive dance career throughout the North Island yielded numerous awards, fostering discipline and perseverance. This rigorous training prepared her for full-time study at The New Zealand School of Dance as a Classical dance major at age sixteen, followed by a year of intensive Contemporary and Choreography training at The London Contemporary Dance School in London.

Karen's professional experience includes performances on TVNZ Lotto live broadcasts, Fringe Festivals, musical theater roles, and collaborations with internationally recognized dancers and choreographers. She holds a Royal Academy of Dance Certificate, earned with Distinction after three years of dedicated study, and has accumulated over twenty years of teaching experience in New Zealand and Australia.

Following six years of owning her own dance studio, she now prioritizes a balanced lifestyle, cherishing time with her husband and nine-year-old son, Liam. Karen is excited to assist all students in achieving their full potential and realizing their dreams in a fun and positive environment at DC. 

Kathryn brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion for dance education. Trained across all dance styles, she has been teaching since 2019, choreographing for both recreational classes and competitive dancers.

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Kathryn competed extensively across the North Island in solos and troupe competitions, including PACANZ. In 2022, she achieved 100% and the Highest Mark in the Asia-Pacific region for her solo seal APDA contemporary exam. Kathryn has taught at dance studios in Taupō, Tauranga, and Taranaki where she has choreographed for classes and competition teams, bringing fresh ideas and a creative approach.

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Alongside her dance experience, Kathryn has completed three years of study towards a Primary Teaching degree in Tauranga. She is passionate about working with children and creating an encouraging environment where every student can grow in both confidence and ability.

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Kathryn is excited to join the team at Dance Central and looks forward to sharing her knowledge, creativity, and love of dance with all of her students.

Hi, I'm Caitlyn! I’ve been involved with dance for over 15 years, from a young age, I knew dance was my true calling.  I’ve had the privilege of learning various styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz and teaching at Dance Central for the past 5 Years.

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I’ve learned so much from the incredible instructors I had growing up, these experiences have shaped me both as a dancer and as a creator, inspiring me to blend technical precision with creativity in my choreography.

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One of the things I’m most proud of is being part of the Dance Central community. It’s an environment that is both encouraging and uplifting, where everyone is empowered to push their limits and celebrate their growth. I’m lucky to be a part of a place that fosters such a fabulous learning environment. 

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Whether in the studio or on stage, I aim to create an atmosphere where dancers feel supported and inspired to express their love for dance. Dance has always been a source of inspiration for me, and I’m super excited to share that with you all at Dance Central!

Holly is a former student of Dance Central. Since starting dance at the age of 4 it has always been a massive part of her life. Her love for dance and inability to sit still led her to be enrolled at the Dale Boddy Academy of Dance, now Dance Central, up until the age of 17. She trained in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary and was also a part of the Performance Team.

Since returning to Taupo, Holly has rekindled her passion for dance through her work at schools. Witnessing and encouraging the talent and passion within students has allowed her to connect with another side of dance that is just as profound.
She believes in the resilience and practice it takes to be involved in dance and is excited to see what her journey at DC brings!

"Dance is a universal form of communication that allows any and everyone to express themselves without saying a single word".

I started dancing at the age of 2 years old, and ever since have grown and developed such a strong love and passion for dancing.

My journey as a dancer so far has taken me all over New Zealand as a competition soloist, and to the United States twice, competing in World Of Dance and HipHop International as a crew member and also have been lucky enough to Podium at Pacanz Troupe Finals.

Over the years I have received distinction in all genres of my dance exams. 

As I grow as a person and a dancer my goals continue to also develop; one being sharing some of my passion and knowledge with other dancers. I have been blessed with the opportunity to jump on the DC train as a teacher and dancer for 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store! 

I started dancing at Dance Central when I was four, and I am still actively involved as both a dancer and a teacher! I train in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Additionally, I am a member of the Senior Hip Hop team, the Monarch Team, and the Combined Team. This year, I will also be competing in solo competitions.

In 2022, I received an APDA Top Tier award for Jazz. I have successfully auditioned and performed as a child extra with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 'Hansel and Gretel' (2019), 'Sleeping Beauty' (2020), and 'Giselle' (2021).

Ballet is my favourite genre. This year, I am working on RAD Intermediate, APDA Intermediate 3 Jazz, APDA Contemporary Level 8, and APDA Hip Hop Level 8.

My dance journey has been incredible! I have enjoyed many successes in dance, but I have also faced significant injuries that once threatened to end my dancing. However, my love and passion for dance, along with the resilience and positive mindset it has instilled in me, have helped me overcome these obstacles and recover from my injuries. Dance is both a sport and an art that truly allows you to express yourself and let go.

I began my dance journey at Dance Central when I was three, since then I’ve become a confident dancer in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of the Dance Central competition family.  

I was a member of the very first Dance Central Mini team back in 2020 and have been a member of DC competition teams ever since.  This year I have been selected as captain for the Nexus Team.

In 2024 I got the opportunity to choreograph a Year 4 & 5 DNZM group which was such a fun experience and sparked a love for teaching. I am so grateful to be part of the Dance Central Teaching Faculty, assisting Miss Grace in Jazz and learning to become a teacher.

I am so excited to see what this year at Dance Central brings!

My dance journey began when I started Ballet and Tap in England as a preschooler and have loved it ever since. More recently, I discovered I love Jazz too. I have completed both APDA and RAD Vocational exams in 2024.

Inspired by teaching Y3 students a Jazz dance for DNZM, I realised I really enjoy working with younger children and helping them through dance. My passion for dance is driven by hard work and determination. As a student teacher, I’m looking forward to this amazing opportunity at DC!

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Bella has been part of the DC family since the age of 8, growing up within the studio and developing a genuine love for all styles of dance. She is particularly passionate about Jazz and Contemporary, where she enjoys both the technical challenge and the opportunity for expressive movement.

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Now a senior member of the Nexus team, Bella brings a wealth of experience, strong technique, and a positive, energetic presence to every class she is part of. Her journey as a dancer has naturally evolved into a passion for teaching, and she thrives when working with younger students—encouraging their confidence, nurturing their skills, and helping them discover their own love for dance.

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Bella is stepping into the role of Teacher Assistant, where she supports Miss Grace in Jazz classes. In this role, she plays an important part in creating a supportive and engaging class environment, offering guidance to students while continuing to grow her own teaching skills.

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Bella is a valued and inspiring member of the DC team, known for her warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication to both her own dancing and the development of others.