Adult Ballet Classes

For the Royal New Zealand Ballet, photographed in February 2025. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.
Discover the joy of ballet with the RNZB’s Adult Classes!
Whether you’re new to ballet or returning to the studio, the RNZB’s Adult Ballet Classes in Wellington offer a welcoming and inspiring space for all.
Join us weekly on Tuesdays for classes led by RNZB staff in our purpose-built studios at the St James Theatre. We offer multiple levels, including Beginner level classes for those with no experience and an Adult Open class for those with previous ballet training.
Classes can be purchased on a class-by-class basis, or a whole term.
Age from 16+ years.
Prices:
$30.00 per class
$275.00 term pass
Classes start on April 21st, 2026, and run for 11 weeks.
Tuesdays from 6:30pm, in the RNZB’s Wellington studios at the St James Theatre.
This beginner class is for students with no past ballet experience, aged 16 years and over.
Please note, beginner-level participants are required to book a full term of classes to ensure a consistent learning experience and support the group in progressing together at a similar level.
If the participant no longer wishes to attend after completing the first class, the RNZB will issue a full refund minus the cost of the first class.
Tuesdays from 6:30pm, in the RNZB’s Wellington studios at the St James Theatre.
This intermediate class is for students that have minor knowledge of classical ballet, or those that have completed a term of our beginner classes, aged 16 years and over.
Classes can be purchased on a class-by-class basis, or a whole term.
Tuesdays from 6:30pm, in the RNZB’s Wellington studios at the St James Theatre.
Our open class is for participants with experience who are comfortable with all elements of a ballet class, aged 16 years and over.
Classes can be purchased on a class-by-class basis, or a whole term.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement, such as a t-shirt with leggings, activewear, or leotard and tights. Soft ballet shoes are mandatory for ALL classes.
A water bottle is recommended to stay hydrated, and a small sweat towel. ALL participants must bring ballet shoes.
A member of the RNZB team will be in the foyer of the St James Theatre (Courtenay Place entrance) and will guide you into the building.
There are limited toilet facilities available. Please arrive ready, as there will not be dressing room space available.
No, our classes do not include pointe work.
Soft ballet shoes are mandatory for ALL participating in our ballet classes. As there is no pointe work in these classes, pointe shoes are not required.
Classes will be delivered by dancers and expert teachers from within the RNZB.
We will alternate teachers depending on RNZB staff availability throughout the term.
Yes, for the Beginner Ballet courses, it is mandatory to sign up for the entirety of the programme. For Adult Open Ballet and Intermediate however, there is no requirement to attend every class. You are welcome to join as often as your schedule allows.
For our Adult Open class, the structure will follow a standard (and hopefully familiar) layout. Barre, followed by centre; including adage, port de bras, pirouettes, and allegro. The teacher will provide ways that you can modify the class to suit your level.
Our beginner class will focus on basic technique at the barre and in the centre.
Each class is 75 minutes.
We recommend arriving at least 10-15 minutes before class start time for registration/sign-in. If you are preparing for your first visit, please allow at least 15 minutes so someone is available to show you where everything is.
Not at all! For participants who have never danced or performed ballet before, we recommend our beginners class, which will include an introduction to ballet.
Photographing or filming in class with a camera, mobile phone or video camera is prohibited.
For the safety and comfortability of others, you must participate in the class and watching is not permitted.
Email: education@rnzb.org.nz
- Cancellations & Refunds: All class registrations are final. We do not offer cancellations, refunds or credits for missed classes for any reason.
- By participating in ballet classes, the participant (or their parent/guardian) grants permission for photos and videos taken during classes, rehearsals, and performances to be used for promotional and educational purposes, without compensation. If you wish to opt out, please notify us in writing before the start of the session.
- Participants acknowledge that dance is a physical activity with inherent risks of injury. The participant agrees to assume all risks and releases the instructor, studio, and any affiliated parties from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur.
- Participants confirm they are in suitable physical condition and possess the necessary experience to safely participate. It is their responsibility to seek medical advice if unsure about their fitness for dance activities.
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