Dance Central, situated in Taupo within the Central North Island, was established in 1986 as the Dale Boddy Academy of Dance. Carrying forward the legacy, Carissa Yeoman took ownership in 2016, and in December 2020, Iggy Gloy assumed leadership. Iggy, who had been part of the studio since 2007 as both an adult dancer and a teacher.
Under Iggy's direction, Dance Central continues to embody the values of HEART and SOUL, PASSION and INTEGRITY, HONESTY and AUTHENTICITY, FOCUS and DEDICATION, PERSEVERANCE and RESILIENCE, WARMTH and LOVE, HUMBLE GRATITUDE, and REMARKABLE AWESOMENESS. As the principal, Iggy is committed to maintaining the high standards set by her predecessors and ensuring overall excellence in the studio.
Dance Central produces exceptional dancers and nurturing students passionate about the performing arts. The studio fosters a love for dance in all its students, whether they pursue dance careers, cherish memories of their time at Dance Central, or remain lifelong dance enthusiasts. The commitment to providing the best possible experience is evident in the diverse and skilled dance teachers who focus on technique, performance, personal motivation, and confidence building.
Iggy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Born in South Africa, Iggy started her training in Classical Ballet at the age of 3, eventually completing RAD Grade exams and Vocationals up to Advanced level. Her journey led her to Dale Boddy Academy of Dance, now Dance Central, where she expanded her training to include Contemporary and Jazz dance. Iggy holds an AJDA Junior Certificate in teaching, a Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies from RAD, and a Certificate in Progressing Ballet Technique, emphasising her commitment to safe training practices.
As well as her dance achievements, Iggy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a postgraduate diploma in higher education. She is a passionate advocate for dance, directing, choreographing, and performing in numerous shows during her university years. And in her time as a secondary school teacher, she continued to inspire students, assisting them in pursuing pathways in both dance performance and academia.
Iggy's mission is to instill a passion for dance in her students, guiding them toward success, whether it be a dance career, mastering technical skills, or fostering a lifelong appreciation for the art. Her belief that dance is ageless, timeless, and brings happiness resonates in her teaching philosophy, and she feels fortunate to share this joy with others at Dance Central.
Behind Dance Central...
Ms. Iggy Gloy
Principal + Director of Dance Central
Step Inside Our Studio
Our two dance studios are well-equipped with mirrored walls and barres, in a creative space made for skill development. Our newly upgraded floors provide a safe and stable platform, supporting dancers' bodies and minimising the risk of injury. Parents can comfortably observe classes from dedicated viewing rooms, and our welcoming waiting room offers a space for dancers and parents to connect between sessions. In addition we also provide changing rooms and restroom facilities for our dancers.
Meet our Talented Teachers
Caitlyn is a former Dance Central student. She started her dancing when she was 5 and continued until the age of 17. She trained in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary which was her passion. Recently she discovered a new love for Hip Hop.
Caitlyn understands the demanding yet incredibly enjoyable nature of Dance. She also knows that a dancer can be faced with numerous hurdles on their journey. Caitlyn has battled health issues that have prevented her from being able to dance and being active. She has managed her condition and is able to to start dancing and teaching again!
Caitlyn MacRae
After 13 years of dancing in Taupo, Grace moved to Australia at the beginning of 2021 after successfully auditioning for EttingshausensPro, a full time dance school in Sydney. Gaining both a Cert IV and Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance. Grace has always had a huge passion for both teaching and choreographing, having experience in Taupo studios as well as teaching in Sydney, under the guidance of Natalie Ettinghausens & Jo Bolden at Ettingshausens Dynamic Arts. Grace is very excited to begin at Dance Central and bring all her knowledge learnt overseas back to her home town!
Grace Bilbie
Shaz started dancing at Dance Central at the age of 3. She studies Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet. Shaz has completed a range of examinations in RAD Ballet, APDA Contemporary and APDA Jazz. She is also part of the Senior Performance Team and Open Ballet which compete nationally. "Dance is easily one of the best things about life. It lets me express myself and allows me to be me. I can tell different stories and show different emotions through Dance. I've been part of the Dance Central family for more than 13 years and I wouldn't change it for the world.”
Shaz Corin-Goldsmith
Hi, I’m Sophie! I started dance at the ripe age of five, and continued with my passion until I was seventeen. I’ve been dancing at Dance Central throughout the entirety of my dance years, and was lucky enough to teach in my final year at the studio. Throughout my many years of dance I completed Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary syllabi to the highest level, alongside being in the advanced performance team for five years. Some of my most memorable dance moments were performing Auckland’s Christmas in the Park, She Shine’s On New York Dance Tour, and PACANZ. Currently, I am studying a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am fortunate enough to continue my studies online in 2024 and relocate back to Taupo. I can't wait to be back in 2024, seeing everyone’s smiling faces, and incredible talent.
Sophie Howell
Charlie has gracefully stepped into our Dance Central teaching faculty with a wealth of experience. She has successfully completed RAD Grades, Vocational and Discovering Repertoire Exams, APDA Contemporary L10 and APDA Advanced 2 Jazz. She also enjoys choreographing and competing. Charlie teaches APDA Musical Theatre, APDA Jazz and RAD Ballet at various levels.
Charlie Barnett
I started dancing at the age of five and have absolutely loved it ever since—I wouldn’t change a second of it for the world! I have previously completed up to Grade 7 in Ballet, and I am currently pursuing Level 8 in contemporary and hip hop, Level 3 in intermediate jazz, and I am also part of the senior hip hop team and captain of the senior performance team. I love competing and choreographing. I am currently teaching hip hop and thoroughly enjoy it. I have been part of performance teams for five years, progressing from junior to intermediate and now to senior. I have been fortunate enough to attend PACANZ twice and have also qualified with my team to travel to Christchurch for competition. I am so excited for this year and can't wait to see what else Dance Central has in store!"
Sophia Blewett
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.
Emily Ede
