The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s National Mentor Programme is a chance for committed students to be mentored the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s dancers and Artistic Team. Spend time with them during each season and gain insight into the 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 13 years and older on 1 January 2023.

Entry into the programme is by application only and successful applicants will pay a fee of $100 for the year.

Selected mentored students will:

• Watch company classes
• Receive invitation to observe RNZB rehearsals conducted by RNZB Artistic staff
• Spend time backstage during productions
• Receive two complimentary tickets to selected performances
• Have quality time with their mentor through the year
• Participate in exclusive master classes
• Spend two days in Wellington at the RNZB’s home to observe class and rehearsals, take part in a class and visit the costume workroom

Application is easy.

1. Make a video of yourself at the Barre that includes Pliés, Adagio, and Grand Battement and Tendu, Pirouettes and Allegro in the Centre. Also include one classical variation on stage or studio, en pointe for female applicants. Video should be a maximum of 4-5 minutes long.
2. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo
3. Pay the $12 application fee
4. Complete the Application Form online

Applications for the 2023 programme have now closed.
Successful applicants will be notified on 1 February 2023

Hear about the experience from some of our 2022 participants:

Thank you so much for organising the mentor event today. I had so much fun and I loved seeing my mentor as well as watching the dancers do class. It was great to be able to have a face to face talk/catch up with my mentor and so inspiring to watch company class! – Coco Giera, Age 13 – Wellington

Thank you so much for my incredible mentor. I have just met RNZB Dancer Gretchen Steimle…  Thank you for this amazing opportunity!” –  Izzy Marie Hoult, 14 years old – Christchurch

Meet the 2023 National Mentor Programme Students

For all enquiries, please email education@rnzb.org.nz