New Zealand School of Dance qualifications have been raised to a higher level on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications, administered by NZQA.

In addition to giving New Zealand School of Dance qualifications more weight and credibility, this shift will enable NZSD graduates to more easily cross credit their qualifications to other tertiary institutions if they choose to pursue further study.

The New Zealand School of Dance currently offers a two-year Certificate and a three-year Diploma in Dance Performance. The emphasis of the training at the School is practically-focused, involving a significant portion of studio-based learning. This model draws from the best international dance conservatoires and its success is proven by the school’s ongoing high employment record.

The New Zealand School of Dance Certificate in Dance Performance has been raised from NZQA Level 4 to sit at Level 6 on the Register. Likewise, the New Zealand School of Dance Diploma in Dance Performance has been raised two levels, and now sits at Level 7.

“The elevation of our qualifications within the Register of Quality Assured Qualifications is immensely gratifying,” says Garry Trinder, Director of the New Zealand School of Dance. “Historically, vocational training, especially in dance, has been undervalued. The commitment, focus and hard work that the students demonstrate during their years at the School are now being fully and officially recognized.”

“This qualification shift will have such positive effects for us entering the profession,” says Jana Castillo, currently in her final year at the New Zealand School of Dance. “It’s also reassuring to know that whatever we choose to pursue after our performance career is going to be more easily accessible.”

The New Zealand School of Dance was established in 1967 and offers fulltime training in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Graduates can be found in dance companies such as the Royal NZ Ballet, Australian Dance Theatre, Zurich Ballet, Les Ballets C de la B, Royal Danish Ballet, Footnote Dance, Black Grace, The Australian Ballet and Singapore Dance Theatre. Many graduates take up careers such as physiotherapy, Pilates instruction, arts marketing, dance teaching and photography once their performance days are over.

Says Trinder; “It’s been a robust dialogue with NZQA to raise the levels of the qualifications and every aspect of the training we offer at NZSD has been examined in the process. We’ve always known that the quality of our training is exemplary, and this endorsement officially qualifies that belief.”