Our Instructors
Emily
Director / Recreation & Bookings Instructor
Like many little girls, I started dancing in a tutu at the age of 3 and I have never looked back. After training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, tap and hip hop, I started teaching at the age of 17. Thirty years later, I still love to teach. I have danced professionally as a cheerleader for the Paul Kelly Crusaders Cheerleaders, performed onstage in various productions and promotional events, featured in dozens of Bollywood films and music videos, owned and operated another successful dance studio and much more. During this time though, I discovered that what I enjoy most is teaching little ones.
There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing the exhilaration and sense of achievement on a child’s face when they master the skip or the two feet jump. The way they light up when given an opportunity to perform gives me that same feeling of achievement. The fact that I have an opportunity to make my passion my career, allows me to foster that same passion in the students I teach. I genuinely love what I do and I like to think that is reflected in my classes. Give me a space, music and children to teach and I am truly happy.
Ella
Recreation & Bookings Instructor
I began my dance journey at the age of 5, with hip hop, jazz and ballet. Over the next ten years, as my love of dance expanded, I trained in more styles, completing NZAMD (Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, American Tap) Glenn Wood Tap and IDT syllabi. During high school, I spent 2 years studying dance full time with a focus on competitive dance, in both Australia and New Zealand. I have danced several times for events such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and for The Crusaders. I have also performed in several musicals including Cats and Beauty and the Beast.
My teaching experience started when I was 15 as volunteer work for a primary school, I continue to teach these kids today and it is from watching these kids grow and find joy in dance that I found my love for teaching. My goal as a teacher is to create a positive and safe environment for the kids to explore movement, to grow and most importantly to have fun. My classes at Pitter Patter are truly the highlight of my day. It brings me so much joy, watching their little faces light up at the beginning of class, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my Pitter Patter journey holds.
Jaime
Recreation & Bookings Instructor
For as long as I can remember I have always been dancing. When I turned 5 my parents put me in my first ballet class and I never looked back. Over the past 15 years I have trained in both ballet and jazz, through the BBO, IDTA and NZAMD Dance Syllabi.
As I became older I realized I could combine my passion for dance with my love of teaching children and I began teaching dance at my local dance studio at age 16. Since then I have gained my Pre Associate 1 IDTA teaching qualification and have gained experience teaching exam work, choreographing for performances as well as continuing my own training in both ballet and jazz. I continue to explore my passion for teaching at University where I am currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at a Primary School level. My dream is to become a qualified Primary School teacher while continuing to teach dance of course!
I love the energy and joy that children bring to the dance studio. For me, there’s nothing better than seeing a child come out of their shell and become more confident, not only with their dancing but in all aspects of their life. I love being able to be part of that process and am so excited to be part of the Pitter Patter family!
Emma
Recreation & Bookings Instructor
I grew up dancing to the infectious tunes of Hi-5 and The Wiggles alongside my two younger sisters. At age four I started Jazz and later added Contemporary at age 11. I dedicated six years to NZAMD examinations, earning my NZAMD Solo Seal Diploma in Contemporary (2020) and Jazz (2021). In 2019, I was fortunate enough to assist teach in jazz classes at my local dance school before officially starting my teaching journey in 2020-2021.
I’ve also served as house prefect, fostering house spirit among 200 girls; as well as Head Choreographer for the School Dance Club in 2020 and 2021. Beyond dance, I’ve enjoyed coaching tennis for tiny tots aged 2 and beginner teens at my local tennis club, alongside my ongoing commitment to childcare at a Napier Holiday Programme for over two years. I am thrilled to join Pitter Patter and cannot wait to inspire and be inspired by young dancers as we explore the captivating love of music, rhythm, and dance.
Julia
Recreation Instructor
Dance has been my passion for more than 21 years. I discovered my love for it as a teenager, when I began taking my training more seriously. I grew up on the Kapiti Coast in Wellington, where I trained in a wide range of dance styles. During my early years, I achieved high distinctions in Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary, and was honoured to place in the top 12 in New Zealand in the NZAMD National Finals for both Jazz and Contemporary. My Passion for dance took me to Ettinghausens Pro in Sydney, Australia, where I had the privilege of learning from some of the country’s leading choreographers. Since then, I’ve been grateful to work professionally in the industry, appearing in commercials, live performances, and podium work.
Teaching has been close to my heart since I began at 16. I’m deeply dedicated to supporting young dancers not only in developing their technique, but also in growing as individuals. My goal is to create a positive, encouraging environment where students can discover who they are, challenge themselves, and step outside their comfort zones. Above all, I aim to inspire each dancer to fall in love with the art form and reach their full potential.
Amy
Bookings Instructor
Hi my name is Amy and I have been dancing since the age of 4. My background training is in ballet, jazz, American tap and hip hop. I am a member of the NZAMD as a qualified tap & hip hop teacher. In 2001 I set up a performing arts school in Nelson & was the director of that for 10 years. During that time, my favourite classes to teach were the preschool classes.
I love seeing the enthusiasm of young children when they begin dance classes. My passion is to foster a child’s love of dance, their freedom to express themselves and to nurture the individual talent and gift of each child. Dancing has been my passion my whole life and I love that in my job I get to share that passion with others.
Nicole
Bookings Instructor
As a kid playing dress ups was one of my favorite things to do, whether it was putting on my princess dress and dancing around the lounge, or sliding on a mermaid’s tail and swimming around the garden. Growing up didn’t stop my love for playing pretend! Being a party host and instructor for Pitter Patter means that I can encourage kids through dress up and dance to use their imagination and go on some awesome adventures!
I have trained in many styles of dance which include Jazz, Musical theatre, Ballet, Contemporary and tap. In 2017, I moved to Christchurch from the Bay of Islands to pursue a career in musical theatre and graduated as a NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts) graduate in 2019. I was selected in 2020 to work with Disneyland as a host, but returned due to Covid and am lucky enough to be doing what I love right here in Canterbury.
Working with children brings me so much joy, seeing the kids smiling faces and watching their imagination, creativity and confidence take flight.
Lexi
Relief Instructor
Dance has been a central part of my life for over 14 years. I have trained in many styles including jazz, ballet, heels, acro, contemporary, hip hop and musical theatre. Over the years, I have developed a strong passion not only for dancing, but also for teaching and mentoring young dancers. I hold my NZAMD Jazz and Contemporary qualifications and have completed my AADT (associate acro dancer teacher), allowing me to continue developing my skills and knowledge within the wider dance community. I am passionate about creating a supportive and encouraging environment where dancers can grow in both confidence and technique. Notable milestones include an NZAMD Contemporary Scholarship (2023), NZAMD Solo Diplomas in Jazz and Contemporary (2025), PACANZ Modern Soloist Nomination (2025) PACANZ Troupe Nominations (2023, 2024, 2025).
I aim to create a welcoming and supportive space where dancers feel confident, inspired, and encouraged to grow. My focus is on helping each dancer find their own voice, express themselves, and fall in love with dance. My goal is for every young dancer to leave class feeling proud, motivated, and excited to keep moving. I’m so excited to be a part of the Pitter Patter family.
Aoi
Relief Instructor
From a young age, my motivation for dancing came from watching the cartoon character Angelina Ballerina, a young mouse who loved to dance. As I watched her twirling around on the TV screen, I knew I wanted to dance en pointe around the room with a ribbon in hand. When I was 7, I went to my first class and developed a passion for the art of dance. I can’t imagine my life without it. After doing ballet for 6 years, I added Contemporary, which helped to expand my dance knowledge.
I became a teacher after graduating high school and it has truly been a blessing to see how my students accomplish new steps, make friends with their classmates, and most of all come to love the art of dance. I aim to give my students life skills and tools they can use in ballet and everyday life, as well as help them see the beauty of ballet. Most of all, I strive to have my students enjoy every moment and have fun. It is an honour to teach children and I can’t think of doing anything else.