Oaklands Academy, established in 1981, is a renowned dance school located in Burntwood, New Zealand. With a syllabus designed to cater to students who wish to pursue dance as a career or simply enjoy it as a hobby, Oaklands Academy offers an exceptional dance education experience.
The academy is proud to have a rich history of involvement in various dance performances and events. They host a bi-annual show, an annual recital with awards presentation, and have actively participated in operatic and musical theatre productions, as well as professional ballet company shows. Oaklands Academy students have achieved remarkable milestones, including scholarship nominations and becoming Junior and Senior Associates with prestigious institutions such as the Royal Ballet School, Urdang Academy, Hammond School, and Elmhurst School.
The students have also had the opportunity to showcase their talents in professional and amateur pantomime productions at well-known theatres like Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, The Garrick Theatre, and The Prince of Wales Theatre, among others. Many students have also ventured into TV and film work, amateur dramatic organisations, and competitive dance. Some have even pursued teaching qualifications with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), obtained university degrees, and developed their own theatre schools, becoming choreographers, adjudicators, and IDTA examiners.
At Oaklands Academy, examinations are held throughout the year with the IDTA and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, both of which are recognised by the Council for Dance Education and Training. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive and recognised dance education.
The dedicated team of professional teachers at Oaklands Academy hold IDTA and RAD teaching qualifications, are licenced chaperones, and have undergone DBS checks to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The team includes Ann Wilcox, the Principal Fellow, Adjudicator, Choreographer, and Solicitor, Michelle Baker, the Principal Licentiate, Adjudicator, Choreographer, and Accountant, Harriet Burford, the Principal Licentiate, Choreographer, and Solicitor, Dr. Susheela Burford, the Project Co-ordinator, Kirsty Monaghan, the Student Teacher, and various class assistants.
Oaklands Academy prides itself on being a professional and inclusive dance school. They offer a range of classes in ballet, tap, modern jazz, and theatre craft for students of all ages and abilities. By studying all four core disciplines, students are eligible for a 10% discount on fees. The academy also offers sibling discounts.
Fees at Oaklands Academy are paid termly via cash or direct bank transfer and are due on the first day of term. Students can order the academy's new school tracksuit, which is available in all sizes and can be personalised with the student's name on the front left of the jacket. These tracksuits can be tried on at the school.
For the Saturday classes, Oaklands Academy operates at Hammerwich W I Hall and offers classes throughout the day, starting at 9:00 am and ending at 5:15 pm.
For more information about Oaklands Academy and their dance class offerings, please contact them at 01543 684446 or 07774 481401.