The Royal New Zealand Ballet

The Boys’ MOVE

Movement • Opportunity • Voice • Expression

The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents The Boys’ MOVE — a one-day dance intensive created especially for boys aged approximately 11–18 who love to dance, whatever their dance style or level of experience.

Designed to inspire, connect and motivate, The Boys’ MOVE brings young male dancers together for a day of movement, creativity and connection. Participants will train alongside other boys, experience a professional dance environment, learn from male dancers and teachers, explore different dance styles, and discover where dance could take them.

The Boys’ MOVE is offered free of charge, helping make this experience accessible to young dancers from across Aotearoa.
Places are limited.

There is no audition and no competition. Just a day to move, learn, connect and be inspired.

Come and MOVE with us.
Discover new styles. Meet other young dancers. Train with professionals. See behind the scenes at the RNZB. And find out where your dance journey could take you.

Book your place

Programme

Thursday 10 December 2026

9.00am — Welcome and tour of the theatre and The Sleeping Beauty set
9.30–10.30am — Jazz / Musical Theatre
10.45am–12.00pm — Ballet class + male ballet repertoire / variation
12.00–12.45pm — Lunch
12.45–1.45pm — Contemporary
2.00–3.00pm — Hip-hop
3.15–3.45pm — Meet the RNZB male dancers and guest dance teachers
4.00–5.00pm — Optional observation of RNZB company class
7.30pm — RNZB’s The Sleeping Beauty

Programme and teaching artists are subject to change.

Book your place

What is The Boys’ MOVE?

What is The Boys’ MOVE?

For many young boys, dance can be a solitary experience. They may be the only boy in their class or one of very few boys in their dance school. At the same time, there can be limited opportunities to meet male dancers, hear about professional pathways, or see themselves reflected in the world of dance.

The Boys’ MOVE creates a space where boys can dance together, meet professional dancers and discover the many possibilities that dance can offer.

The programme is open to boys who train in any genre of dance, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre and more.

MOVE stands for:

Movement

Dance develops strength, coordination, rhythm and confidence. It also builds discipline, teamwork, creativity and connection through the body.

Opportunity

The Boys’ MOVE opens the door to professional dance experiences, new skills and inspiring role models. It gives young dancers the opportunity to see themselves in the arts and discover pathways they may not have considered before.

Voice

Dance is a powerful form of communication. It gives young people a way to express themselves beyond words, supporting confidence, individuality and identity.

Expression

At its heart, dance is about expression. Through movement and performance, participants can explore imagination, character, culture and individuality.

A day with the RNZB

Participants will spend the day immersed in the world of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, with a programme designed to be welcoming, uplifting and fun.

The day will include:

A welcome session and guided tour of the theatre and The Sleeping Beauty production set
Ballet class and male ballet repertoire or variation
Contemporary dance
Jazz and/or musical theatre
Hip-hop and other genre-based movement
Conversations with RNZB male dancers and other professional dance teachers
Opportunities to learn about training pathways, career journeys and life as a professional dancer
The chance to observe an RNZB company class and/or rehearsal
A free ticket to the RNZB performance of The Sleeping Beauty that evening

The programme will be led by professional dancers and teachers, including members of the RNZB, alongside guest dance artists.

Who is it for?

What will participants take away?

The Boys’ MOVE is for boys aged approximately 11–18 who:

Love to dance or are interested in exploring dance
Currently train at a dance school or studio
Dance in any genre or combination of genres
Would enjoy meeting other boys who share their passion for dance
Want to experience the world of professional dance

You don’t need to be training in ballet to take part.

By the end of the day, participants will have:

Connected with other young male dancers
Experienced a range of dance styles
Trained with professional dancers and teachers
Gained insight into ballet and professional dance pathways
Met male dancers who can share their own experiences and career journeys
Experienced the RNZB behind the scenes
Built confidence and motivation to continue their dance journey
Been inspired to consider where dance could take them next

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