Shona Bennett has been at the helm of the Bennett School of Ballet & Jazz in Dunedin since 1994, guiding a team of skilled teachers to inspire a love of dance. From kids to adults, beginners to advanced, the school welcomes everyone with open arms.
Catering to all age groups and skill levels, the school offers a space for anyone passionate about dance. Some students may dream of a dance career, while others are simply keen to meet like-minded people. The Bennett School makes everyone feel part of the dance family.
One thing that stands out about Shona’s approach is the friendly, family-focused atmosphere. Every student is valued, and the staff are dedicated to addressing individual needs, creating a supportive learning environment that encourages growth.
Parents and students consistently applaud the school for its personalised teaching, where Shona and her team build lasting relationships that foster a real sense of community.
Located in the King Edward Court Building on Stuart Street, the ballet studio is easily accessible. For more details, anyone can reach out via phone or check out their website, which has all the key info like timetables, term dates, and performance updates.
The Bennett School offers a variety of classes. For kids, there are movement classes for pre-schoolers and ballet classes following the Cecchetti syllabus, as well as jazz classes focusing on posture, rhythm, and fun.
Adults aren't left out, either. There’s an open ballet class for those with classical ballet experience and beginners’ classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary. It’s a fantastic opportunity for adults wanting to dive into dance or pick up where they left off.
Emma Donaldson, a professional dancer and choreographer, leads the musical theatre classes. These cover a range of styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, cabaret, and even singing.
Shona’s commitment to creating a supportive environment and nurturing a love for dance makes the Bennett School of Ballet & Jazz a special place for dance enthusiasts of all ages.