Our Instructors
Emily
Director / Recreation & Onsite Instructor
Like most 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. Twenty years later, I now have a list of experience as long as my arm. 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 Rhythm Nation Dance Ltd and much more. During this time though, I discovered that what I enjoyed most was teaching the 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.
Jayshri
Recreation & Onsite Instructor / Party Host
I grew up dancing and singing around the living room as soon as I started walking. My passion for dance stemmed from watching Bollywood movies as a child and I started my formal training in Kathak (classical Indian dance) and Bollywood dance at the age of 8. I then went on to choreograph and perform at family and school functions. Throughout high school, I had the opportunity to lead, choreograph, teach and empower a variety of people with my dancing. Through teaching, my passion for working and learning from others grew. So I continued my passion for performing, and completed a 3-year degree in Performing Arts at NASDA (National Academy for Singing and Dramatic Arts), where I have extended my dance training in Jazz, Tap and Ballet.
It is an honour to be able to work with young children, and with each class, I look forward to seeing what I can learn from them. I love watching the confidence of each child grow throughout the term. It brings me so much joy to be able to facilitate a positive learning environment, where the children can experiment, dance and play!
Ella
Recreation & Onsite 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.
Nicole
Party Host / Relief 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.
Dana
Recreation & Onsite Instructor
Like many girls, I loved dressing as a fairy or princess and dancing around. My mom noticed my passion for dance and started me in ballet at 4. My love for performing arts grew, and I began taking classes in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, singing, and drama, occasionally fitting in ballet. Over time, I performed in various shows, including JDNZ lyrical and Jazz, and explored aerial sling, silks, and hoop.
I grew up next to my parents’ childcare center, spending a lot of time with the children. In high school, I worked with special needs students, planning activities and supporting them with circus skills. I also spent two years as an assistant dance instructor at my school. These experiences were rewarding. Watching the kids’ excitement and “dance jitters” brought back my childhood joy. I’m excited to expand my teaching journey and join the Pitter Patter team!
Amy
Onsite 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.
Megan
Onsite & Relief Instructor / Party Host
I started dancing at the age of three, like many young girls. I took baby ballet classes, and l remember the joy of running around the room being butterflies. I fell in love with ballet and eventually explored other styles of dance. I have trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre as well as Ballet. After years of doing productions and performing in dance shows, I decided that I wanted to have a career in entertainment and performance. I am currently in my second year of at NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts) studying for a Bachelors in Music Theatre. Within this course, I am expanding dance further while training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre.
Growing up with my mum working in Early Childhood Education, I was surrounded by a love and appreciation of children. From a young age, I have enjoyed being in the presence of children. Watching a child’s smile grow as they realise they learned a new skill, seeing children become friends through dance class and discovering their joy while dancing, is magical. I love helping to create a comfortable, joyous space for kids to explore movement, meet other children and have fun. Having these magical moments and being able to combine it with my love of dance is a dream come true.
Lucia
Recreation & Onsite Instructor
I was singing and dancing long before I could walk or talk, so my parents enrolled me into Soundstage, a local performing arts school in my hometown, Nelson when I was five years old. The second I walked into my first dance class, I fell in love with the arts and have never looked back. I took a real shine to musical theatre, tap, and jazz, and later fell in love with ballet as well. I now study musical theatre at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts, and am looking forward to earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theatre.
I love dance and what it can do for young children. Dance has allowed me to grow in confidence, and develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, independence and creativity, and that’s what I hope for all young dancers at Pitter Patter too. I am thrilled to be joining the team and to be able to share my passion for dance with the little ones!
Emma
Recreation & Onsite 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.
Lucy
Relief Instructor
I first started dancing when I was three years old. Ballet was my introduction to the dance world where I trained in RAD and during my teen years, I started trying out different styles of dance, expanding to jazz, contemporary and lyrical. I have danced in many shows, recitals and competitions over the years, including notable competitions PACANZ nationals and Showcase in Australia. Dance has provided me with wonderful experiences and opportunities for growth as well as introduced me to many beautiful people within the community.
I had an amazing ballet teacher growing up. She was the most passionate, fun and knowledgeable teacher who cared about her pupils immensely, and that’s what made me enjoy my classes so much. Therefore I know how much the dance environment and teacher play a role in the children’s overall enjoyment. This is why I aim to provide a fun, creative and safe environment for the children where they can learn the foundations of dance and develop naturally without pressure.
Brittney
Relief Instructor
Hi I am Brittney and I’m super excited to be part of the Pitter Patter community. I started dancing at the age of 6 and it quickly became one of the biggest loves of my life. I was part of the performance company of my local dance studio- The Studio of Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande, California (fun fact the same studio Zac Efron trained at). I trained in all forms of dance: jazz, tap, ballet, and modern but my passion was with ballet.
I competed in many dance competitions throughout California like the SHARP International Dance competition and KAR. I also danced in many many recitals. The last 5 years I have focused on being a mum to 3 under 5. But now I am really excited to be sharing the magic of dance with the local children and watching them fall in love with the art.
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.