Our Mission & Philosophy

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".

Having started dancing at the age of three it has always been a massive part of my life. I trained in a range of styles and completed many ISTD examinations in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz dancing. 

I have always loved Tap dancing and feel as though this is the one style where I feel I excelled the most. I am incredibly excited to spread my passion and love for Tap dancing with everyone and Dance Central Taupo. 

As well as dancing from a young age I also studied dance at College and University in the UK and have always dreamed of teaching dance one day. I have experience in Personal Training and love passing on my knowledge to other like minded people. 

I am excited to be apart of Dance Central Taupo and hopefully share my love and passion for the amazing discipline that is tap dancing.

Hi, I’m so excited to be starting my dance teaching journey here in Taupō! Originally from the UK, I graduated from Liverpool Media Academy in 2024 with a BA (Hons) degree in Dance Performance.

Dance has always been a huge part of my life, and I love how it brings people together, builds confidence and allows everyone to express themselves creatively. My training has covered a variety of styles, including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary and commercial dance, alongside acting, singing and musical theatre.

Throughout my dance training, I completed examinations with both ISTD and RAD syllabus. My training has given me a strong foundation across a range of dance styles, and I’m particularly passionate about contemporary and commercial dance.

I love sharing my passion for dance with others and helping dancers develop their technique, creativity and confidence. My aim is to create a fun, friendly and supportive environment where every dancer feels welcome, is encouraged to challenge themselves and, most importantly, enjoys every moment of dancing!

I can’t wait to meet my students, share my love of dance and become part of the wonderful dance community here in Taupō.

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!

Since the age of two, dance has been where Cara has felt most like herself. It has been her voice, her creative outlet, and the way she tells stories through movement.

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Throughout her dance journey, Cara has developed not only strong technical skills but also determination, confidence and an enduring passion for the art. She has competed in solos and troupes across New Zealand while dedicating herself to years of disciplined training. Cara is currently completing the final stage of the RAD ballet syllabus, working towards her Advanced 2 examination.

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After joining Jazz and Contemporary at the age of nine, Cara has continued to achieve outstanding results across multiple examination systems. Her accomplishments include NZAMD Contemporary examinations and Solo Seal, APDA Lucidity Levels 9 and 10, and exceptional NZAMD and APDA Jazz examination results. In both 2023 and 2024, she travelled to Wellington to attend the NZAMD National Scholarship Awards for Jazz and Contemporary.

In 2025, Cara expanded her training internationally, travelling to Los Angeles and New York to participate in workshops at Millennium Dance Complex, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center, learning from some of the world's leading choreographers and educators.

Today, Cara is excited to fulfil the dream she had as a young dancer by joining the teaching team at Dance Central. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation, sharing her love of dance, and helping every student discover the same confidence, joy and sense of belonging that dance has given her.

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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