Valerie Lissette - Ballet
Valerie began her ballet training in Hamilton and later studied with Valerie Murray in Auckland. She attained the Solo Seal examination, the highest performance exam of the Royal Academy of Dance and gained her ARAD (Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance) qualification. In 1991, Valerie was awarded the Academy’s Teaching Diploma with Distinction. She is now a Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
The Dance School was established in 1976, teaching just Ballet.
Jazz and Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Hip Hop are now offered. Numerous students have gone on to further their careers in dance and show business, throughout the world.
Valerie is very proud to have some of these teachers assisting in her own dance school.
Kirsty Herapath - Ballet - Jazz - Senior Musical Theatre - Competition Work
Kirsty trained in South Africa for 18 years, then studied at the “Laine Theatre of Performing Arts” College in London for a year before returning to South Africa and opening up a Modern Dance School and gaining the Advanced Teacher's Associate in AIDT.
Kirsty has assisted choreography for two BBC productions, one filmed in South Africa and one in London (“Bleak House”) and her vast knowledge is an asset to the school.
Leona Lenore Robinson - Ballet - Contemporary - Solo and Group Competition work
Leona is a talented dancer, actress, singer and teacher.
She studied Ballet, Jazz and Tap.
Leona previously owned and operated a successful dance school in Hamilton and is a former examiner of the American Jazz Dance Affiliation.
She has performed many lead roles and choreographed many Theatre productions.
Leona has former students working professionally in commercial dance, theatre, comedy festivals, television and film in New Zealand and overseas.
Jodie James
Jodie is an ex pupil of the Valerie Lissette School of Dance and later continued her dance studies at the East Auckland Performing Arts School.
Jodie has qualifications in Theatre, Modern Dance, Ballet, Tap, Dance History and Human Anatomy. Jodie spent four years performing in musical cabaret shows for P&0 Cruises Australia.
She now has three young children but choreographs and teaches classes when required.
Rebecca McGlade Tap - Solo and Group Competition work
Rebecca has been dancing Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre since she was three years old.
Rebecca joined the Valerie Lissette School of Dance when she moved from the UK where she had performed in “Annie” at the Theatre Royal and danced for H.M the Queen for her Golden Jubilee.
She completed exams in RAD ballet, TDI Tap and AJDA Jazz.
Rebecca continues to enjoy performing on stage, teaching and choreographic opportunities.
Sinead Sambells - Jazz, Rockin’ Robins, Storybook Ballet
Sinead has studied Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre at the Valerie
Lissette School of Dance and is currently finishing her Advanced Tap Exams.
In 2016, Sinead graduated from Waikato University with a BA, majoring in English and History.
She continues to love to dance herself, both in class and on stage, and is thoroughly enjoying her teaching role. Sinead recently attended the RAD Genée International in Sydney.
Jessica Hall - Hip Hop
Giane Gardyne - Junior Musical Theatre
Giane is studying all of the styles of dance offered at the Valerie Lissette School of Dance - Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical theatre and Hip Hop. She has been classically trained as a singer and continues to win vocal Scholarships in local competitions. Giane is experienced on stage and in front of the camera.
Last year she played the lead role of “Belle” in Musikmakers , Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. Giane has recently been awarded a scholarship into the Junior Associates Programme with Performing Arts NZ.
