A chance for committed students to be mentored by the Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers and Artistic Team. Spend time with them during each season and get an inside experience of life as a professional dancer. This one year programme is offered to students studying at Intermediate and above levels of classical ballet who are aged between 13 and 17 years as at the start of the year.

Meet the 2022 RNZB National Mentor Programme Students

Selected mentored students will:

• watch an RNZB company class
• observe rehearsals conducted by RNZB Artistic staff
• spend time backstage during productions
• receive two complimentary tickets to selected performances
• have quality time with RNZB mentors throughout the year
• participate in exclusive master classes
• spend two days in Wellington at the RNZB’s home to observe company class and rehearsals, take part in activities such as classes and workshops and be immersed in all aspect of the professional dancer’s life, including visits to the the costume shop

(Subject to Covid 19 restrictions, elements of this programme may be delivered digitally)

Entry into the programme is by application only and successful applicants will be charged a one-off fee of $100 for the year.

My mentor has been so kind and welcoming and has guided me along the way. It’s also great to be able to talk to her about what’s going on in my life, she’s given me tips on dancing, reassurance and told me all about her dancing adventures. Overall it’s been a great experience to see what my life could be like in the future, and I’m so grateful that I’ve had this opportunity. Amelia Simpson – 2021 Mentor programme participant

Applications for the 2022 programme have now closed. 2023 applications will open on 1st October 2022. 

For all enquiries, please email education@rnzb.org.nz  or contact RNZB Education, Community & Accessibility Manager Pascale Parenteau,  021 678 521