Dance For Life Academy

Dance For Life Academy is New Zealand's largest adult ballet studio, located in Onehunga, Auckland. Founded in 2016 by Kathleen Curwen-Walker, the academy grew from her observation during her time running a ballet school in Christchurch that many adults longed to learn ballet—both those returning after years away and complete beginners who had never had the chance. Kathleen trained in the Cecchetti method of classical ballet under Athol Willoughby in Melbourne, who himself was trained by one of Enrico Cecchetti's pupils, Madame Lucy Saranova. This lineage matters: Cecchetti awarded only 20 teaching diplomas worldwide, and Kathleen carries forward that legacy of excellence.

The studio teaches adults and juniors across multiple styles. For adults, the flagship Adult Ballet Initiation Course is a 5-week foundational programme for complete beginners, offered Saturdays at 1pm. Students progress through Returning Dancers classes for those rekindling their love of ballet, and advanced-level options. In 2016, Kathleen also developed the Senior Swans programme for dancers over 50, which has become well-publicised in New Zealand media. The studio has expanded beyond classical ballet to include Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Pointe, alongside Conditioning and Progressing Ballet Technique. For juniors, classes cover Ballet, Jazz Fusion, Hip Hop, and Tap, with a Leap & Learn introduction stream.

The teaching team is extensive and qualified. Kathleen Curwen-Walker holds an LCBA in Cecchetti method and is an internationally recognised instructor and choreographer teaching since 1980; she won a Cecchetti gold medal in 1976 and received the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma in 1982. Kimberley Cousins (Studio Manager) brings 40 years of dancing experience in ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Alysha Hilder (Head of Modern & Performance) holds a Bachelor in Dance from the University of Auckland. Rosalie Hornung trained in Cecchetti under Kathleen and now teaches junior ballet. Other instructors include Petra Piroska Póda, Libby Thomson, Chloe Devcich, Claudia Evans (Tap specialist), Isabella Guyan, Diana Kirk, Rachel Kitchens, and Natalie Hiew.

The studio occupies three spaces: the Willoughby Studio (main downstairs studio with sprung and tarquet flooring, fixed and portable barres, mirrored wall, air conditioning), the Butler Studio (large upstairs studio with tarquet flooring, fixed and portable barres, mirrored wall, air conditioning), and the Morris Studio (small carpeted warm-up and conditioning space downstairs with tarquet section and fixed wall barre). On Saturday mornings, the academy also uses 3 Pearce Street hall to accommodate its large class schedule.

Beyond in-studio classes, Dance For Life Academy offers online options: students can take Zoom classes live or access an on-demand library via an ABO (Adult Ballet Online) membership. A private Facebook group keeps the community engaged with relevant posts and support for home practice. The studio runs performance opportunities and holiday programmes, and their studios are available for hire. The academy invites students to book a trial class before enrolling, with special rates for the first two trial classes.

Classes are small and welcoming, designed so everyone in a given level feels confident and no intimidation. You'll be taught Cecchetti technique in a spacious studio with mirrors, air conditioning, and proper sprung flooring. Trial classes are available before you commit.

Kathleen Curwen-Walker (LCBA, Cecchetti), the artistic director, has taught and choreographed dance since 1980 and trained under Cecchetti lineage. The team includes Kimberley Cousins (40 years' dancing experience, studio manager), Alysha Hilder (University of Auckland dance graduate, head of modern & performance), Rosalie Hornung, Petra Piroska Póda, Libby Thomson, Chloe Devcich, Claudia Evans (tap specialist), Isabella Guyan, and others—all trained and qualified professionals.

The Adult Ballet Initiation Course is designed specifically for complete beginners; classes are small and structured so everyone progresses at the same level with no intimidation.