Explore. Excel. Perform. Our Philosophy While excellence is our goal, we strive to provide a positive learning environment for all students to enjoy. Our intention is for everybody to achieve, have the opportunity to perform and to become an appreciative audience for others. We are extremely proud of our students both past and present for their achievements. Our hope is for each students life to be richer for the experience. Founder & Director Peta Spooner My name is Peta Spooner. I have lived, breathed, and taught dance for more than 53 years…and today, I still feel very passionate about this wonderful performing art form. I was just three years old when I first began dancing, and after sitting exams and participating in competitions, by the tender age of 15, I had started to teach dance. Then I moved to Nelson and pursued my passion further, establishing Peta Spooner Academy of Dance. Over the past five decades, I have taught thousands of pupils, guiding, and preparing them for exams, competitions, and shows, and it’s been fabulous to see their progress. I am a qualified teacher of classical ballet and contemporary modern jazz; I have been an examiner throughout Australasia for the past 14 years, and I have taken dance groups overseas to Finland and Jamaica. Teacher training is an important aspect of my work, with many of my pupils having become teachers themselves, including Jane Pascoe who I work closely with today, especially in relation to our involvement in musical theatre. ‘Honesty, integrity, kindness, caring and giving – these are the kinds of the attributes I like to nurture in my students.’ – Peta Spooner Valerie Roche Valerie Roche I live in sunny Nelson with my husband Alastair, our two children, Austin and Mackenzie, and Hunter the dog. I started teaching when I was a baby…ok, I was 16, but still pretty young, and since then I’ve dedicated myself to learning as a teacher and enriching others’ lives. I am eternally grateful for my teaching ‘apprenticeship’ with Peta Spooner, which turned into a lifetime partnership in dance, and friendship too. I am passionate about movement! I have been a dancer all my life. As a teenager, I chose to follow that passion into teaching, which over the last 20 years or more has evolved to many different movement modalities including yoga, barre and Pilates. Some of my greatest accomplishments in dance are achieving Fellowship qualifications in both ballet and modern jazz, along with building up my own dance studio in Stoke that works closely with PSAD. It’s also the lifetime friendships with students and their parents, whether it be seeing students go on to full time dance training, or success in other fields, there is so much they take with them from the studio into their lives. My passion has always been to share my love of movement far and wide and help others feel the joy that can be found in moving your body in creative ways. My goal is to provide incredible classes that are accessible to all regardless of age demographic or physical limitations. jhyutf I live in sunny Nelson with my husband Alastair, our two children, Austin and Mackenzie, and Hunter the dog. I started teaching when I was a baby…ok, I was 16, but still pretty young, and since then I’ve dedicated myself to learning as a teacher and enriching others’ lives. I am eternally grateful for my teaching ‘apprenticeship’ with Peta Spooner, which turned into a lifetime partnership in dance, and friendship too. I am passionate about movement! I have been a dancer all my life. As a teenager, I chose to follow that passion into teaching, which over the last 20 years or more has evolved to many different movement modalities including yoga, barre and Pilates. Some of my greatest accomplishments in dance are achieving Fellowship qualifications in both ballet and modern jazz, along with building up my own dance studio in Stoke that works closely with PSAD. It’s also the lifetime friendships with students and their parents, whether it be seeing students go on to full time dance training, or success in other fields, there is so much they take with them from the studio into their lives. My passion has always been to share my love of movement far and wide and help others feel the joy that can be found in moving your body in creative ways. My goal is to provide incredible classes that are accessible to all regardless of age demographic or physical limitations. I live in sunny Nelson with my husband Alastair, our two children, Austin and Mackenzie, and Hunter the dog. I started teaching when I was a baby…ok, I was 16, but still pretty young, and since then I’ve dedicated myself to learning as a teacher and enriching others’ lives. I am eternally grateful for my teaching ‘apprenticeship’ with Peta Spooner, which turned into a lifetime partnership in dance, and friendship too. I am passionate about movement! I have been a dancer all my life. As a teenager, I chose to follow that passion into teaching, which over the last 20 years or more has evolved to many different movement modalities including yoga, barre and Pilates. Some of my greatest accomplishments in dance are achieving Fellowship qualifications in both ballet and modern jazz, along with building up my own dance studio in Stoke that works closely with PSAD. It’s also the lifetime friendships with students and their parents, whether it be seeing students go on to full time dance training, or success in other fields, there is so much they take with them from the studio into their lives. My passion has always been to share my love of movement far and wide and help others feel the joy that can be found in moving your body in creative ways. My goal is to provide incredible classes that are accessible to all regardless of age demographic or physical limitations. Teachers Jane Pascoe Ballet & Contemporary Modern Jazz Teacher I live in sunny Nelson with my husband Alastair, our two children, Austin and Mackenzie, and Hunter the dog. I started teaching when I was a baby…ok, I was 16, but still pretty young, and since then I’ve dedicated myself to learning as a teacher and enriching others’ lives. I am eternally grateful for my teaching ‘apprenticeship’ with Peta Spooner, which turned into a lifetime partnership in dance, and friendship too. I am passionate about movement! I have been a dancer all my life. As a teenager, I chose to follow that passion into teaching, which over the last 20 years or more has evolved to many different movement modalities including yoga, barre and Pilates. Some of my greatest accomplishments in dance are achieving Fellowship qualifications in both ballet and modern jazz, along with building up my own dance studio in Stoke that works closely with PSAD. It’s also the lifetime friendships with students and their parents, whether it be seeing students go on to full time dance training, or success in other fields, there is so much they take with them from the studio into their lives. My passion has always been to share my love of movement far and wide and help others feel the joy that can be found in moving your body in creative ways. My goal is to provide incredible classes that are accessible to all regardless of age demographic or physical limitations. Leonie Climo Ballet & Contemporary Modern Jazz Teacher Leonie brings over 10 yrs years of Teaching Experience to our studio Leonie’s dancing career began at the tender age of four with the Peta Spooner Academy of Dance. As she continued her passion into her teen years, Leonie became a student teacher with PSAD. Over the next four years Leonie gained her Associates Degree in both Ballet and Modern Jazz and a diploma in Dance Exercise. Leonie took some time away from teaching to raise her two gorgeous girls (who also have developed the love for dance). While making the most of being at home with her children, Leonie also studied in her other interest, Horticulture. She also has qualifications in Tourism and Business & Office Administration. Leonie is now back teaching at PSDA for 2 years and passed her Licentiate Ballet exam in June 2021 Valerie Roche Classical Ballet & Repertoire Teacher Valerie Roche has taught our senior ballet students for around 15 years. She teaches the RAD syllabus, along with open classes of pointe and repertoire. We are very lucky to have someone with such a wealth of knowledge to teach our girls not only sound technique but classical variations from some of the favourite ballets of all time. I'm sure there are many past students who have fond memories of their time in Valerie's classes as well as on stage performing under her guidance. Kaitlyn Little Ballet & Contemporary Modern Jazz Teacher Kaitlyn began dancing at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance at the tender age of just 5 yrs old. Kaitlyn sat her very first exam, Grade 1 ballet at age 6. When Kaitlyn turned 8 she started learning Modern Jazz as well as Ballet. During 2023 & 2024, Kaitlyn has sat her Advanced 2 Ballet & Intermediate Contemporary Modern Jazz exams. With her years dancing with Peta Spooner Academy of Dance, Kaitlyn lives & breaths Peta’s philosophy, she has been a fabulous addition to the PSAD studio. Kaitlyn has been teaching with a qualification for the past 2 years (& 2 years previously teaching with assistance). From Kaitlyn: I have enjoyed my upbringing in an incredibly inclusive studio and I look forward to encouraging the younger students the Peta Spooner Academy of Dance philosophy, while moving forward and working hard to get my Ballet & Jazz Associates qualifications this year. Amy Prestidge Adult Ballet Teacher Amy started dancing with Peta 35 years ago, and has loved it ever since. She continued with ballet through university and completed her associate ballet degree in teaching with Peta in her holiday breaks. In the intervening 20 years Amy continued enjoying ballet and picked up Salsa dancing. Upon returning to Nelson in 2023, she rejoined PSAD and this year will teach the Adult Beginner Ballet class on Wednesday nights. Amy's day job is as an engineer, but over the years she has taught Barre and adult ballet in Queenstown and danced Salsa competitively in Christchurch. Lily Cox Pre-associate Ballet & Contemporary Modern Jazz I started dancing at the age of 3. I joined Peta Spooner Academy of Dance when I was 6 and have loved it ever since. I have recently completed my first year of teacher training and look forward to the future milestones in my teaching and dancing career. I really enjoy the community this studio provides and the connections made between students and teachers. I find this environment very friendly and nurturing to all passionate young dancers. Gabriella Climo-Banks Pre-associate Ballet & Contemporary Modern Jazz I started dancing at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance at the age of 3, I have really enjoyed my time dancing at the studio. In 2024 I completed one year of teacher training & I am looking forward to continue learning towards my dance career. The studio provides so much love and affection amongst its learning, and it is such a pleasure watching dancers of all ages thrive in this inclusive environment. Claudia Packer Teacher in Training I began dancing at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance at the tender age of 3. I am very excited to begin my second year of teacher training this year. I will continue with Peta's philosophy - every child deserves to dance in an inclusive & supportive environment. Peta's studio has given me so many opportunities that I will cherish forever.

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Learn Ballet from Peta Spooner at Wakato Dance Theatre Welcome to Peta Spooner Academy of Dance Explore. Excel. Perform. For the past 53 years, experienced dance teacher and examiner, Peta Spooner, has been introducing people to the joys of dance at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance. The academy has an excellent reputation for training teachers, and for providing outstanding tuition for all levels and abilities in classical ballet, contemporary, and modern jazz. It also provides opportunities for pupils to perform on stage and to sit examinations. Participation often ignites a passion for dance in Peta’s pupils and can create pathways to employment. Welcoming. Safe. Inclusive. "Our studio is a welcoming, safe, inclusive space for children and adults from all walks of life, with the aim is to develop well-rounded dancers who are gracious, considerate, and demonstrate a positive attitude. We provide a nurturing, non-competitive environment, filled with kindness and encouragement. It’s fantastic to see our pupils grow in confidence, flourish as dancers, and achieve their potential.” – Peta Spooner Encouragement. Kindness. Non-competitive. All of the teachers at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance are fully qualified and experienced. We offer group classes (ballet, contemporary modern jazz & musical theatre) for preschool, primary, senior students and adults. You’ll find our timetable below. Timetable Gallery

Get In Touch Contact us First name* Last name Email* Phone* Subject Write a message Submit Address 11 Hastings Street, Washington Valley, Nelson 7010 Phone Tel: 027 242 1442 Email petaspooner.nelson@gmail.com Connect

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Classes we Offer Ballet ~ Contemporary Modern Jazz ~ Preschool ~ Adult Ballet ~ Teacher Training Classical Ballet Celebrated for its grace and beauty, classical ballet is the most formal of ballet styles. Over time it has been refined to the skilled and artistic vision we see today. Classical ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs, and high extensions; its graceful, flowing, precise movements; and its ethereal qualities. What We Offer Preparatory to Advanced 2 Open Classes Repertoire Examinations Contemporary Modern Jazz Jazz dance refers to the dance styles originating from the African American vernacular dance in the 1800s. Modern jazz emerged after the 1950s where the traditional dance was transformed into a performing art, evolving on Broadway and in West End Musicals into the new, smooth style taught today. It is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Theatre Craft is a dance form for theatrical performance, preparing the body physically through exercise and stimulating artistic ability through dance movement, improvisation and interpretation of music. Students will explore dynamics in time and space and build understanding of rhythm, gestures and shapes. What We Offer Examinations Preparatory to Advanced 2 Adult Classes Preschool Pre-school dance encourages children to explore elements of movement using a play-based approach. These classes encourage physical skills, co-ordination, language, music and free expression, developing movement skills naturally, and at their own pace. Gross motor skills are developed through infinite variations of crawling, walking, running, skipping, jumping, hopping, spinning, swaying, sliding, swinging & rolling. Children learn to move with spontaneity and confidence, and are encouraged to contribute their own ideas. What We Offer Examinations Open Classes Teacher Training As a dance teacher, you can help shape the next generation of dancers, leading hundreds of students towards an enjoyable hobby, if not a future career. This class offers the opportunity to further develop a greater understanding of the art of dance from an experienced, qualified dance professional with a real love of dance. It is her intention to pass on to those she trains her philosophy of integrity and fairness to others. What We Offer All Styles Degree Status Adult Ballet Our Friday morning adult ballet class has proven to be very popular and we have a few spaces left! Come along and learn the art of ballet as well as keeping fit and meeting new people. All levels welcome. Don’t worry if you don’t have ballet shoes…barefoot will be fine. All of the teachers at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance are fully qualified and experienced.

Enquires for Performing Arts contact Kymberly Widley directly kymberlywidleyperformingarts@gmail.com

News, Updates & Upcoming Events What a fabulous year we have had here at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance 2025! Summer & Winter School, Workshops, our Annual Show, Exams and we finished up on Wednesday with our studio breakup. Please read through important information for 2026! 2026 Registrations Thursday, 29 January Studio 2, 4.30pm-6pm Come along, meet the teachers and enrol for Term 1 If you have second hand leotards/skirts to donate or sell, please bring them to the studio (washed & priced) Term 1 begins - Tuesday, 3 February 2026 - Timetable will be coming soon. TRY DANCE IN TERM 1 2026 PSAD is offering one whole term for FREE Ages 5-6 (10 spaces only) Ages 7-10 (10 spaces only) Ballet & Jazz fun, no cost, just come and dance! email Peta petaspooner.nelson@gmail.com pre-enrolment by the end of 2025 2026 Show Dates - We pack into the Theatre Royal Nelson on Sunday, 19 July. Shows are on 24 & 25 July. There will be rehearsals during the school holidays! Have you seen PSAD advertising at the Tahuna Medical Centre on the screens? The studios are looking fabulous with all the new artwork, an initiative by MakeShift Spaces, to fill Nelson’s empty retail spaces with vibrant installations by artists and thank you to Trevor for maintaining our gardens! Seniors have been selling raffles at the Prince Albert on Nile Street every Friday for the past month (raising money to attend Summer School 2026 in Wellington at The New Zealand School of Dance). Come along, have have a drink/meal and a chin wag, approx 5-5.30pm start. Tickets are $2 - raffle sheets will be on Peta’s desk during classes if you cannot make it on Friday afternoon. Gabi, Sabine, Tessa, Claudia, Nyah and Lily thank you all for your support. *We will also be doing a sausage sizzle at Mitre 10 on Saturday 3, 11 & 17 January Thank you to Katrina, Aj & Anne for their continuing support of keeping the studio ticking smoothly throughout the year. Finally, a huge thank you to all my teachers & assistant teachers - Leonie, Valerie, Jane, Kaitlyn, Gabi, Nyah, Lily & Claudia Have a super fabulous Christmas and New Years! Yours dance, Peta xox