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!

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. 

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! 

My name is Nathanael, and I’m from Taupo. Dance has been my passion for over 10 years, and I love sharing that energy with others in a positive environment where they can build confidence and knowledge. My strengths are in Dancehall, Voguing, and Baile funk, and I’ve recently fallen in love with Jazz. I’ve had the pleasure of choreographing for both non-competitive and competitive Hip Hop groups across the North Island and internationally. I’m excited to have joined the DC team—the vibes are incredible, and I can’t wait to keep creating and growing with such an amazing crew!

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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I started dancing in Australia at TJS when I was little, and that’s where my love for dance began. After moving to New Zealand, I danced at Dance HQ before joining Dance Central, which has become my second home.

I dance Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz, with Lyrical and Contemporary being my favourites. I compete in solo competitions and am also proud to be part of the Juno Troupe group. Performing on stage is my favourite thing,  I love the feeling of being under the lights and giving everything my best.

Dance is truly my passion, I honestly live for it. Having a little sister who loves dance as much as I do makes it even more special. I really enjoy helping with the little kids’ classes and supporting them as they learn and grow. Seeing their excitement reminds me why I love dance so much.

I’m so excited to keep improving, performing, and making more memories at Dance Central this year! 

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.