Abigail Dance Coaching · Christchurch
Instilling a love of ballet that motivates every dancer to be their best.
Ballet and contemporary dance coaching at Papa Hou in central Christchurch, directed by Abigail Boyle, former Principal Dancer of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Coaching philosophy
“I believe first and foremost that the culture of a school needs to be right. Happy and confident dancers are more engaged and self-motivated to succeed.”
Abigail Boyle
Director
At Abigail Dance Coaching we use a pedagogical approach to instil a lifelong relationship with ballet and contemporary dance.
Formerly Anneliese Gilberd Academy (AGA), ADC offers classical and contemporary ballet training for dancers aged 10 and up in central Christchurch.
With our coaching we aim to teach our students not just the basis of ballet, but also the artistry, providing not only the foundation of classical ballet, but also imbuing a desire to work harder because of a love of dance.
We encourage self development, divergent thinking, and a healthy relationship with dance.
Programmes
Three tiers of training
Full-time ballet
Emerge
Full-time pre-professional training
After School
Atelier
High-quality after-school training for those curious about a career in dance
Juniors
Petit Atelier
Strong foundational training sessions for talented dancers
Director and Classical tutor
Abigail Boyle
“Power, sensitivity and effortless grace.”
Critics on Artemis Rising, her final ballet
Born and trained in New Zealand, Abigail joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2006, quickly becoming the darling of the New Zealand ballet scene. Her principal roles include Carmen, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Myrtha in Giselle and Ada in The Piano: The Ballet.
Following retirement in early 2019, she completed the Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance, and is a guest teacher for the RNZB.
Our Tutors
Tutors with first-hand professional experience
from our parents
“We couldn’t be happier with the experience our daughter has had at ADC. From the moment she walks through the doors, she feels seen, valued and supported for who she is – not just as a dancer, but as a whole person.
Her excitement and love for dance has grown so much, and it is incredibly special to see her look forward to every class and feel so proud of her progress. The teachers take the time to understand each individual child, recognising their strengths, building their confidence and supporting their needs in a way that makes them feel comfortable and capable.
What really stands out to us is the genuine care and attention given to every student. It is so much more than teaching ballet technique – it is about nurturing confidence, resilience, self-belief and a real love of dance.
We are so grateful that our daughter has found a place where she feels encouraged to be herself, supported to grow and most importantly, where she truly feels she belongs.”
Serena Smithabout the whole experience
Venue
Our studios at Papa Hou
Level 2, 4 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch CBD
Our light-filled studios have marley floors, the professional surface for ballet and contemporary dance, with barres and mirrors throughout.
Assessments and performances take place at the Black Box Theatre, giving our dancers regular time on a real stage.
Our official physiotherapists, Muscle People, are on the ground floor of the same building, so expert care is never far away.
Official Physiotherapy partner
Muscle People Physiotherapy
Muscle People are ADC’s official physiotherapists, based on the ground floor at Papa Hou. Established in 1998, their team takes a “pain to performance” approach: finding the root cause of an injury, then building a personalised plan to help dancers move better, get stronger and get back to what they love.
Their clinics hold current certification to the New Zealand standard, and their biomechanical assessments are based on current research.