Programmes · Abigail Dance Coaching
Three tiers of ballet training
Full-time, after-school and junior programmes for dancers aged 10 and up, taught at Papa Hou in central Christchurch.
Our Programmes
Find the right fit
Three tiers of training, from junior foundations to full-time pre-professional study. Age ranges are a guide only and may depend on the dancer’s aptitude and situation. Placement is confirmed after a trial class or audition.
Full-time ballet
Emerge
Ages 15+, advanced · approx. 25-28 hours a week.
Full-time pre-professional training
Tuesday to Friday, 1pm-7pm
(Wednesday until 6pm)
Saturday, 9am-3pm
After School
Atelier
After-school training · Ages 13-18
High-quality after-school training for those curious about a career in dance
Tuesday to Friday, 4pm-7pm
Saturday, 9am or 11am–3pm, depending on level
juniors
Petit Atelier
Ages 10-13 · 10 hours a week
Strong foundational training sessions for talented dancers
Wednesday, 3pm-6pm
Friday, 4pm-7pm
Saturday, 11am-3pm
Full-time ballet
Emerge
Emerge is ADC’s full-time, pre-professional ballet programme for advanced dancers aged 15 and over, with around 25-28 hours of training a week. It has been developed to support and challenge talented dancers in classical and contemporary dance, providing a solid foundation for them to pursue their next steps.
What’s included
Each week, dancers have classes in classical and contemporary technique, strength training, Pilates conditioning, pointe, repertoire and choreographic workshops. Dancers also participate in holistic workshops, including lectures on performance wellbeing, nutrition, stage readiness and self-management.
The year is structured around assessments, onstage performances and audition preparation, guided closely by our staff, guest tutors and guest choreographers.
Timetable
Tuesday to Friday, 1pm-7pm
(Wednesday until 6pm)
Saturday, 9am-3pm
Fees
Available on enquiry.
Request current fee schedule →
from our parents
“My daughter moved to the school in 2024 and is currently part of the Emerge Programme, which allows her to attend school in the morning and begin dance training from lunchtime. This has given her the opportunity to build on her technique and train for extensive hours while continuing her education.
This school is so much more than just a dance school – it has become her second home. I am incredibly grateful that the school provides not only a high level of ballet training, but also genuine care and support for my daughter’s physical and mental wellbeing. She feels encouraged, supported and truly valued, and it has been wonderful to see her grow both as a dancer and as a young person.”
Yumi GinEmerge parent
After school
Atelier
Atelier is for dancers who wish to stay at school and still receive high-quality dance training. The Atelier training programme consists of three-hour training sessions after school, Tuesday to Friday.
What’s included
Dancers work with the ADC curriculum and have classes in classical and contemporary technique, strength coaching and Pilates conditioning, pointe, repertoire and choreographic workshops. Students also participate in our Healthy Dancers’ Programme and have access to our guest tutors and choreographers throughout the year.
Timetable
Tuesday-Friday, 4pm-7pm / Sat, 9am or 11am-3pm
Fees
Available on enquiry.
Request current fee schedule →
Petit Atelier details are included in the Atelier prospectus.
Juniors
Petit Atelier
The Petit Atelier training programme is designed to provide dancers with a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary technique, in small classes with one-on-one support.
What’s included
Working in three-hour training sessions, dancers receive age-appropriate conditioning, pointe preparation and repertoire classes, participate in choreographic and Healthy Dancers’ workshops, and work closely with guest tutors throughout the year.
Timetable
Wed, 3pm-6pm
Fri, 4pm-7pm
Sat, 11am-3pm
Fees
Available on enquiry.
Request current fee schedule →
also available
Royal Academy of Dance classes and examinations available on request.
Internationally recognised graded examinations in classical ballet.
FAQs
Joining ADC
Finding your place
Age ranges are a guide only. Some 13 year olds are ready for full-time training, while some 15 year olds prefer fewer hours a week. Placement is confirmed after a trial class or audition.
How to enrol
Get in touch to arrange a trial class or a one-on-one audition class, and a meeting with Abigail. Depending on the level of entry, a physiotherapy screening may be required.
