Tracey Wright trained in RAD ballet and American jazz with Jeannie Mark in Blenheim.  During this time she developed an enduring love of dance and Jeannie’s teaching style and rapport with her students inspired Tracey to study for her RAD Teacher’s Certificate, thus realising a long-held dream.

Once qualified, Tracey taught in Blenheim for some time before moving to London.  There she was a tutor at the Italia Conti Performing Arts School, teaching a number of extremely talented students in ballet, jazz and musical theatre.

On her return to New Zealand, Tracey taught at the Auckland Academy of Dance before opening her own school, The Ponsonby School of Dance, in 2001.

Tracey is passionate about dance and is fortunate to be able to share her love of dance with her students.  She particularly enjoys choreography, having used her talents to choreograph many musicals, competition dances and her school’s end-of-year production.

Tracey has recently been appointed examiner for the JazzAddict dance syllabus for Australasia.

Through her dance school Tracey loves being part of the friendly and welcoming local community.

Shari has completed her ISTD Advanced 2 and RAD Advanced 1 Ballet examinations. She has also completed up to Advanced level NZAMD Jazz, ISTD Advanced 1 Tap and Advanced National Dancing. 

Shari studied dance full-time with the International Ballet Academy in Christchurch for two years training in Classical Ballet as well as Contemporary, Jazz and some Musical Theatre. She had the privilege of learning from Sherilyn Kennedy and Carl Myers both former dancers of the Royal Sadlers Wells Ballet along with choreographer Russell Kerr. 

Following her time with the International Ballet Academy Shari went on to study ballet as a trainee with Ballet Magnificat, a company in Jackson Mississippi. She has also taught at various dance schools in both Hamilton and Pukekohe.

Katie is 22 years old and has been dancing since the age of 6.  She trained in RAD ballet, NZJD jazz and NZAMD contemporary under our very own Tracey Wright and Carole Speirs from the Auckland Academy of Dance. 

Under Tracey’s direction, Katie successfully auditioned for Dance World Studios in Melbourne for 2007, however decided to attend university down in Christchurch instead.  Whilst completing an Honours degree in Media and Communication, Katie taught for two years at Movement Dance Centre in BBO ballet, and NZAMD and ATOD jazz.  

Katie looks forward to teaching at the Ponsonby School of Dance alongside her favourite ballet teacher, and passing on to pupils the passion for dancing that Tracey instilled in her.

Claire Barrett began dance at an early age, studying creative dance at the Van Zon school of dance, she then studied Jazz and Ballet at Auckland West Dance Academy.

In 2001 Claire Graduated from Unitec with a Bachelor of performing and screen arts, with a Major in contemporary Dance. Since 2001 Claire Has worked as a freelance dancer, Dance teacher, Children’s entertainer and actor both here in New Zealand and in Europe.