Dance Studio
Gisborne, New Zealand
Offering tuition in Modern Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre and Ballet Classes
What Makes Us Special
We use two well known and respected syllabi which ensure a safe progression through training towards your dancers goals. Whether it be competitive recreational or professional your child's aspirations are supported in a fun and friendly environment. To ensure the quality of teaching, we limit our classes to just 12 students.For Jazz and Contemporary dancers the JDNZ syllabus starts at 5yrs and offers annual examinations with both constructive feedback and awards which are presented at the end of year show.For Teen Ballet the RAD Repertoire syllabus is both engaging and challenging, with dancers learning real ballet dances from real well known ballets performed by professional companies.We also offer competition teams for those who wish to perform more frequently, and experience the fun of being a part of a social team.Our studio mission is to offer high quality dance training in a safe and supportive environment where dancers of all ages, sizes and abilities feel comfortable, and have the confidence to achieve their dreams, both in and out of the dance studio.
About
Started in 2020 by Anita Zwart, On Pointe Dance Company is focussed on using safe and effective techniques to teach Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Lyrical Dance. Anita is a Qualified Royal Academy of Dance teacher who also teaches at Nadine Antoinette School of Dance. In fact the first studio used for our classes is the very same. Anita is also passionate about safety, and uses her experience and expertise as a Sports Physiotherapist to guide her teaching style.Soon after OPDC's inception, Halaena McKeauge joined the studio as a teacher. Halaena has danced in Gisborne since the age of 4, training in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.On occasion, to cover illness or holiday leave, classes may also be taught by Ella Saunders. Ella is a recent graduate of Nadine Antoinette School of Dance and is currently completing her Royal Academy of Dance Teaching qualifications.
Our Studios
On Pointe Dance Company operates from two venues.Our Mangapapa Studio is shared with Nadine Antoinette School of Dance, and is located at 351 Ormond Rd. Entrance to this studio is through the waiting room at the back of the building. There is plenty of off street parking.The Waka Kura Bus delivers students from Gisborne Intermediate, GGHS, GBHS, and Campion College to the Ormond Rd studio immediately after school. There is also an Ilminster Intermediate Bus that also goes to this studio.We are also situated at Campion School in their purpose built dance room with full length mirrors, heat pump and non-slip sprung floor. Off Street parking is at the main entrance of the school, a short walk from the dance room. (Red arrow on image)Dancers must have appropriate dance shoes for class and street shoes can not be worn in either studio.
Privacy Statement
We collect personal information from you, including information about your:
name
contact information
We collect your personal information in order to:
ensure your childs safety and contact you in the case of an emergecy
Providing some information is optional. If you choose not to enter any contact details, we'll be unable to provide your child with dance classes.
You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, please contact us at onpointedanceco.gisborne@gmail.com.
Classes
Jazz Dance New Zealand Syllabus Classes
This group of classes offers a logical progression of exercises and exams that take your dancer from beginner through to advanced level. The syllabus comprises of 16 levels with an annual optional exam and logical progression.
The minimum age by the end of the calendar year required to sit the exam is as follows;Pre-Junior - 5 years
Junior - 6 years
Pre-Grade - 7 years
Grade 1 - 8 years
Grade 2 - 9 years
Grade 3 - 10 years
Grade 4 - 11 years
Grade 5 - 11 years
Grade 6 - 12 years
Pre-Major - 13 years
Major - 14 years
Intermediate 1 - 15 years
Intermediate 2 - 16 years
Advanced 1 - 16 years
Advanced 2 - 16 years
Solo Diploma - 17 yearsFrom major level onwards, the previous exam must be sat before the next one can be entered for.
Competition Teams
Junior- Ages 8-11 years.
Intermediate- 12+
Senior- By Invitation onlyStudents will learn a group dance and perform it at local dance competitions 3 times per year as well as our end of year concert. Returning students will also have a bonus dance to perform at the competitions which includes students from all 3 competition teams of the previous year.New enrolments only accepted prior to March of each year. It is a pre-requisite of this class that students also be enrolled in a Jazz or Ballet syllabus class (exams optional).
Private Competition Tuition
Selected students only. Must be a member of a group competition team if aged 8+. Parents and students may express interest but selection is at the teachers discretion subject to availability.
Private Classes
Private classes in any style can be arranged subject to availability.Fees are $70hr/$35 1/2 hr per class.
2024 Year Outline
Term Dates
2024 Dates
Term 1: 6th Feb-11th April.
No classes 27th and 28th Feb or easter Friday (9 Classes)
Term 2:- 29th April- 5th July. No Classes 4th/5th June and 28th June (9 classes)
Term 3: 22nd July- 27th Sept. No Classes for 1 week during ballet exams. (9 Classes)
Competition Dates
Braemar Dancing Competitions
1st-3rd June 2024 (Kings Birthday Weekend)Gisborne Ballet Group Competitions
10th-11th August 2024Gisborne Competitions Society
28th-30th September 2024
Printable PDF Calendar
Current Timetable (2024)
Contact
Please complete the form below
Class Fees
Group classes are priced as belowOne Class per week: $120 Term
Two Classes per week: $220 TermIf one of the classes taken is a 45 minute syllabus class (Grade 1 and below) there is a $20 discount on the above pricesIn order to take advantage of the above bundle pricing use the following codes when enroling for classes via Omnify:
2classes - $20 discount when booking 2 classes
3classes- $50 discount when booking 3 classesSpecial Class Fees:
Private competition classes (15mins): $135 Per term.
Private Classes $70hr/$35 1/2hr one off. $60hr/$30 1/2hr weekly.Fees are payable online at the time of booking.
Classes are non refundable in the event of illness or injury.
Information for Parents and Students
Stage Makeup For Senior Male Dancers
Recommended Products for your Makeup Kit
Total Cost: Approx $130
(prices correct as of 5/5/23)Primer: $25.50
ELF Power Grip PrimerFoundation: $17
ELF Flawless Finish Foundation Purchase in a colour that matches your dancers skintone or if between shades, slightly darker.Setting Powder: $7.50
ELF Finishing PowderContour: $17
ELF Contour PaletteBlusher: $6.50
ELF "blushing"Brows: $7
ELF Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Or
ELF Bite Sized Brow:EyePrimer: $7
ELF Shadow LockEye Shadow: $7.50
Elf Bite Sized "I Love You a Latte"EyeLiner: $10
ELF No Budge Retractable EyelinerLipstick: $25
O face Satin Lipstick "No Doubt"
Stage Makeup For Senior Female Dancers
Recommended Products for your Makeup Kit
Total Cost: Approx $135
(prices correct as of 5/5/23)Primer: $25.50
ELF Power Grip PrimerFoundation: $17
ELF Flawless Finish Foundation Purchase in a colour that matches your dancers skintone or if between shades, slightly darker.Setting Powder: $7.50
ELF Finishing PowderContour: $17
ELF Contour PaletteBlusher: $6.50
ELF "bright pink"Brows: $7
ELF Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Or
ELF Bite Sized Brow:EyePrimer: $7
ELF Shadow LockEye Shadow: $7.50
Elf Bite Sized "Cream and Sugar"EyeLiner: $10
ELF Intense Ink Eyeliner
OR:
ELF No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
And: White EyelinerMascara: $15
ELF Big Mood Mascara "Black"Lipstick: $7.50
ELF SRSLY Satin Lipstick "Pepper"
AND:
ELF SRSLY Satin Lipstick "Taffy"You will notice this list differs from those products used in the video, that is because most have since been discontinued.Individual Brushes:Foundation Brush $17Powder Brush $13Contour Brush $7.50Blush Brush $12Packing Eye Brush $4.50Blending Eye Brush $3.20Brush sets:
Foundation + Eyes $38.50Powder, Blush + Contour $32
Simple Theatrical Stage Makeup
Hyena from The Lion King
Hairstyles for dance
How to do a Donut Bun
How to do a Messy Bun
Join Our Competition Team
Our group competition teams at Junior and Intermediate levels are open entry. These classes have a focus on team building, dance technique and fun. Our senior competition team is by invite only and thus is a little more competitive. Students for this team are chosen from the existing competition teams. New students who have prior dance experience may audition for this team but selection is at the discretion of the studio director.All teams have a one hour weekly class, and there are three competition performances per year, and for all teams there is no pressure to win, just to do their best. We do require an 80% attendance rate for competition teams, however this is to ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for their performances. We encourage dancers to attend and enjoy school camps and other events throughout the year. In recognition of this, the competition team does not run in term 4, allowing students time to enjoy summer and rest from the competition schedule.
Solo competition classes are available only to students by invitation. Solo competition students must be enrolled in a group competition class if they are 8 years or older, and are also required to attend a once weekly conditioning class, or at least one ballet syllabus class weekly at Nadine Antoinette School of Dance.While selection for solo competition classes is via invitation, we do encourage you to reach out to your teacher and express your interest. Desirable attributes include dedication, reliability, sportsmanship, a positive attitude in class and demonstrating improvement. Ballet training is an advantage, and older students will usually be offered available spaces first. We usually take new solo students in terms 1 and 4. Solo students are required to be responsible for their own costumes, take care of CD copies of music and submit these on time, and ensure they practice and retain new choreography week to week. Solo students are free to cancel or scratch any individual items they wish at their discretion, we just ask that you notify us prior to competition so that we are not expecting you backstage.
Terms and Conditions
Attendance
Students who are part of a competition team must have a minimum attendance average of 80% in these classes. Students who fail to meet this minimum may face expulsion from the competition team. No refund will be given.
Uniform
There is no set uniform for classes. Dancers are expected to arrive appropriately groomed, with their hair secured away from the face. We recommend activewear such as leggings or shorts with a top that is easy to move around in. Hoodies, trackpants and denim are not acceptable attire. For Jazz Classes, students should also have Jazz shoes. These can be purchased online or found second hand in the shoe exchange at the studio in mangapapa.
Fees
Fees are set each year and can be found on our fee schedule page. Terms Fees are due by the friday of the second week of each term.
Failure to pay fees on time may result in students being barred from attending class until a payment plan is arranged.
Soloists
Classes for competition soloists are offered at the discretion of the Studio Director. This is a programme with limited spaces which invloves students being taught a dance of custom choreography to compete in the local dancing competitions.It is a requirement for soloists that students are a part of their relevant age group competition team.Term fees for solos are available in our fee schedule.Soloists are responsible for the management of their own music files, and for ensuring they have brought their music to competitions.Costumes, props and any other gear required are to be sourced and purchased for by you. You have significant freedom over your costume, as long as it is appropriate for the dance style.
Child Safeguarding
We are aware of our responsibilities as mentors and teachers in your childs life. As of 2023, all teachers are police vetted prior to employment. In addition to this, we are extremely careful to ensure that through our words and actions, we uplift and encourage your child to succeed, not just in dance, but all things.We welcome all feedback, both positive and negative, as we seek to constantly improve.
Ballet Classes
We recommend dancers wishing to take ballet classes enrol at Nadine Antoinette School of Dance for ballet classes specifically.
Advantages to this include coordinated timetables, ensuring students who take ballet classes will not have any clashes with OPDC classes. Ballet training is desirable in any students who wish to join our competition soloist programme.For students too young to enroll in ballet classes, we offer a preschool dance class, for ages 3-4yrs.Nadine Antoinette School of Dance is a school offering Royal Academy of Dance syllabus classes and exams, as well as private competition tuition. It is the studio where both OPDC teachers started their education and is also the studio site that we use on fridays.
More information, and an enquiry/waitlist form for Nadine Antoinette School of Dance can be found linked below.
Thank you
We will be in touch.
A Beginners guide to Dance Costumes
At OPDC costuming for your solos are your responsibility. But before you can start planning your costume you need to know the style of dance you are doing. If you aren't sure, ask your teacher. Below is a general guide of the features of each style and some photo examples taken from various sites on the internet. It is not hard a fast rules, but to be used as guide.
Classical Ballet
Girls traditionally perform in a tutu. Usually a flat pancaked "flying saucer" tutu, however bell shaped and long romantic tutus can also be worn. A platter tutu should have a tulle circumference of the dancers elbow to finger tips, when measured at the hips. A tutu can be decorated in a variety of ways. A classical ballet solo can also be performed in a leotard and skirt like you would wear in ballet class. Boys should wear dance tights and a shirt underneath a decorated bodice or a decorated jacket. Black ballet shoes for boys, pink for girls and girls should also have ribbons. Long Hair must be in a classical bun
Barefoot
Barefoot dances are, as the name suggests, performed in barefeet. The use of Toe Undies onstage will often result is disqualification by some judges. Girls perform in a dress with a single layer, light and flowy skirt which is sheer, and usually mid thigh or longer, while boys dance in a shorty-tard. Mid drifts should be covered. Decoration is usually subtle with sparky elements creating some sort of flowing design. Accessories such as wings, scarfs, and ribbons may also be used. Hair must be secured away from the face, and a classical bun is common, but some pieces may be loose and flowing, so other common styles include a low pony, and half up do.
Demi-Character
A Demi Character dance tells a story and as such the costume may be whatever it needs to be in order for the character to be recognisable. It is important the dancer can move well in the costume, and as such Demi-character costumes are often made with stretchy fabrics, even if the movie characters costume would most certainly have not been. Ballet shoes are usually worn, however they can be painted any colour, and jazz shoes are not uncommon either. Senior dancers may wear pointe shoes.
National Character
A National Character represents a country and has steps taken from the traditional folk dances of that country. As such the costumes are inspired by the traditional clothes of that country. Many countries have both peasant and court sub-styles, with the court style costumes being more lavish and formal. Some countries also have Gypsy sub-styles. Accessories such as spanish clackers, or a tamborine may be used. Petitcoats are worn under most ladies national costumes and getting the right colours is extremely important. For this reason, the costume is usually selected before the dance is choreographed, and second-hand costumes are highly sought after. Character shoes or character boots are usually worn, but flat ballet shoes are worn for tarantella styles.
Modern/Jazz
Modern or jazz styles are far more gitzy than any ballet costumes, usually incorporating sequins. glitter or some other type of sparkle. Skirts are far shorter, and 'Tutus" are very different from ballet tutus. Shorts or biketards can be worn by girls. Fringe or feathers can be worn, however any pieces that fall onto the stage must be cleaned up for the next dancer.
Costumes can be one pieces, or multiple pieces. The mid drift may or may not be shown, and dance tights may or may not be worn.
Within modern dance there are different subsets of styles including Classic Jazz, Modern, and Modern funk. Depending on the style Jazz shoes or Jazz boots may be worn.
Elements of a Jazz costume is often found at standard clothes shops.
Hair is secured back and usually in a messy bun, ponytail or braids.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance is usually performed in a unitard or leotard. Sometimes with a short skirt. Boys and girls often wear similar clothes in this category, and it is not uncommon for men in professional companies to wear skirts. Sparkle and glitter is almost non-existent in these costumes.
Contemporary dance is usually performed barefoot, but toe undies may also be worn.
Lyrical
In Lyrical dance we return back to more feminine silhouettes. Costumes in this category have more flow to them with skirts becoming longer for ladies and shorty-tards returning for boys. Unlike with a barefoot costume, skirt fabric is heavier, sometimes has multiple layers and is not always sheer. 2 pieces and cutouts are common.
Lyrical dance may be performed barefoot, in Toe Undies or in Lyrical Half shoes.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre dances take their costume inspiration directly from the stage show or movie that they are emulating. The recreation needs to be close enough that not only the character but the scene is recognisable to anyone who has seen the show. Theatrical makeup or a wig may be required depending on your character.
Shoes are often jazz shoes, but may be chorus shoes.
Gallery
2020
2021
2022
2023
Shop
Please note: there may be a backorder wait period for some sizes.
Please email onpointedanceco.gisborne@gmail.com to advise size selection.
Items purchased will be provided to your child at their next class.
Dancewear
Slip on Jazz Shoes - $50
Leather Upper with a rubber heel. Elasticated side inserts. These shoes may be worn for Jazz classes and competition teams. Some sizes may be on backorder.Size Chart: (Measure heel to tip of big toe)
27- 18cm
28-18.5cm
29- 19cm
30- 19.5cm
31- 20cm
32- 20.5cm
33- 21cm
34- 21.5cm
35- 22cm
36- 22.5cm
37- 23cm
38- 23.5cm
39- 24cm
40- 24.5cm
41- 25cm
42- 25.5cm
43- 26cm
44- 26.5cm
45-27cm
Studio Merch
Hoodie- $50
Made from 100% combed ring spun cotton. Lightweight, perfect for layering over dancewear on your way to and from the studio. Unlined hood with grey contrast drawcord. Double-needle stitched neck, sleeve and bottom hem. Semi fitted style.
Available in Adults Sizes onlySize Chart (measured lying flat):
Small (W 46cm, L 71cm)
Medium (W 51cm, L 74cm)
Large (W 56cm, L 77cm)
XLarge (W 61cm, L 80cm)Please Note: Some sizes may be subject to a short backorder waiting time
T-Shirt $30
Made from 100% ring spun breathable cotton.
Available in Adult and Child sizes.
Adults Sizes are semi-fitted style.Size Chart (measured laying flat):
Childs Small (W 43cm, L 56cm)
Childs Medium (W 46cm, L 60cm)
Childs Large (W 48cm, L 64cm)
Childs XLarge (W 51cm, L 67cm)
Adults Small (W 46cm, L 71cm)
Adults Medium (W 51cm, L 74cm)
Adults Large (W 56cm, L 77cm)
Adults XLarge (W 61cm, L 79cm)Please Note: Some sizes may be subject to a short backorder waiting time
OPDC Dance Bag $35
100% Cotton Canvas bag with zip closure. Double handles, interior pocket. 21L capacity
