The Dance Academy

The Dance Academy has been part of Westland for 25 years, operating from the lower level of Westland Mall at 35000 Warren Rd. The studio teaches dancers of all ages and abilities, with dedicated age groups: toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5), primary school children (ages 6–9), and teenagers (ages 10–16), plus adult fitness classes. They also run two competitive teams: the Drive Team for serious young dancers, and the Dazzle Team for ages 6–9 who are new to competition.

The teaching team is led by owner and director Miss Amber, with specialists across multiple styles. Miss Christina directs the Drive Team and teaches tap. Miss Arleth is Drive Team Co-Director and specialises in lyrical and contemporary. Miss Suzanne teaches ballet on the competitive team, and Miss Layla coaches acro and conditioning. For younger dancers, Miss Kim directs the Hawaiian and Tahitian programme and serves as an early childhood specialist, alongside Miss Maddie who also teaches early childhood and runs the mobile programme. Miss Holly teaches adult fitness and ballet. Mr. ML and DJ Lutalo are hip-hop instructors; Mr. Michael is the Drive Team production choreographer; Mr. Jon is a specialty performance instructor; and Miss Chrissy teaches musical theatre and pop to the Dazzle Team.

The studio runs multiple session types throughout the year. The full-year membership (September–June) includes two recitals and all-inclusive tuition covering costumes, recital fees, yearbooks, souvenir tees, and digital downloads. A fall session runs 10–12 weeks and includes a Christmas show. A winter session (February–June) lets dancers join mid-year and still perform in the June recital. Spring (8 weeks) and summer (5 weeks) sessions are also available. Adult fitness classes operate year-round on a drop-in basis with punch cards, no recital required.

Competitive dance is central to the academy's offering. The Drive Team operates on auditions held in August, preceded by a summer intensive. Interested dancers meet with Miss Christina to discuss goals and readiness. The Dazzle Team offers an introductory competitive pathway for ages 6–9. Both teams focus on technique, teamwork, and character development.

Enrollment is staggered: full year and winter sessions offer monthly payment or annual instalment options; fall, spring, and summer sessions are paid in full. All tuition plans are described as all-inclusive with no surprise fees. The studio offers a free trial week each year (scheduled September 28–October 3 for the 2026 fall season) with limited spots available by class. Regular hours are Monday–Thursday 4pm–8pm, Friday 4pm–8pm, and Saturday 10am–2pm. Summer hours are Monday–Thursday 4pm–8pm and Saturday 10am–1pm.

You can book a free trial class during the trial week each year with no obligation or pressure. Visit during regular hours (Monday–Thursday 4pm–8pm, Friday 4pm–8pm, Saturday 10am–2pm) or call to arrange a time. The studio is located on the lower level of Westland Mall.

The team is led by owner and director Miss Amber. Miss Christina directs the Drive competitive team and teaches tap; Miss Arleth is Drive Co-Director specialising in lyrical and contemporary; Miss Suzanne teaches Drive ballet; Miss Layla coaches acro and conditioning. Miss Kim directs Hawaiian and Tahitian programmes; Miss Maddie teaches early childhood and runs the mobile programme; Miss Holly teaches adult fitness and ballet. Hip-hop is taught by Mr. ML and DJ Lutalo. Mr. Michael choreographs Drive production, Mr. Jon is a specialty performance instructor, and Miss Chrissy teaches musical theatre and pop to the Dazzle Team.

The studio welcomes dancers of all abilities and offers a free trial week each year so families can try a class before committing to the full season.