ABOUT US
WELCOME TO TAD!
Taupo Academy of Dance is under the direction of Leanne Short and was established in 1990 (formally known as the Leanne Short School of Dance). Through our dedication, passion and achievement over the past 30 years, Taupo Academy of Dance has proudly grown to be one of the largest dance schools in Taupo.
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In 2015 Leanne made the exciting decision to move into a brand new building, with two purpose-built studios and continues to specialise, offer and enthusiastically share a well-rounded dance education.
We endeavour to create a safe, caring and compassionate environment for all by offering training to the aspiring dancer and recreational student alike.
​We also encourage our pupils to give back to our community and regularly organise performances for Retirement Homes and Hospice. Last year we were heavily involved in the fundraising event ‘Dancing for Life Education’.
Our teachers are supportive, focused and passionate about passing on their experiences and love of dance to the next generation. We look forward to seeing you all learn, develop and express yourself through dance whilst having fun!
THE STUDIO
Located at 14 Mahoe Street, our premises was designed purely for dance in 2015. The building has 2 studios, mirrored walls, barres, heat pumps, viewing windows for parents, a waiting area, kitchenette, toilets, parking and a security system.
Meet the Teachers
Meet the teaching team TAD who are passionate about sharing their love for dance and training dancers to be the best version of themselves on and off the stage
Principal
Leanne Short
Leanne has danced from 4 years of age. She started with Audrey MacRae in Taupo, sitting all her BBO Ballet exams and gaining Distinction. Leanne has been the Principal of Taupo Academy of Dance since 1990. During this time, she has produced some of the best dancers in New Zealand; many have won prestigious awards in NZAMD, Jazz, RAD & BBO Ballet.
Leanne is a highly respected Teacher throughout New Zealand due to the quality of dancers she has displayed in examinations and
competitions. She continues her growth every year with ongoing professional development courses.
Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Competition Troupes & Preschool Teacher
Stephanie Martin
Stephanie started dancing at 3 years old at Allegro School of Dance with Debbie Wharton, and shifted to Dale Boddy’s Academy
of Dance. She received high marks in RAD Ballet, NZAMD Contemporary, & AJDA Jazz.
Stephanie holds a Certificate of Dance from her full-time studies in New York City, which led her to a dance contract in Bollywood, India where she gained experience in dancing at live shows and on film.
Stephanie is a qualified RAD teacher, holds a Teachers Certificate in AJDA Jazz, and her experience in choreography includes choreographing for Rotorua Musical Theatre, North Shore Musical Theatre, and her troupe nominated for PACANZ dance nationals.
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Stephanie teaches with passion and joy, encouraging dancers to express themselves without doubt, and gain confidence in their bodies and craft.
Jazz & Competition Troupe Teacher
Lizzie Fraser
Lizzie began dancing at the age of two at Leanne Short School of Dance, where she trained in NZAMD Jazz, Contemporary and Tap through to Solo Seal, as well as RAD Ballet.
She later pursued a professional dance career in Melbourne, where she performed as a cheerleader for the NRL teams Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys, and also performed for Nickelodeon.
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Lizzie holds diplomas in both Dance and Musical Theatre, and is a passionate and experienced teacher. During three very successful years teaching at TAD, her solo and group choreography received multiple awards and national nominations.
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Lizzie then spent three years living in Perth, Western Australia with her family. She is now thrilled to be back teaching with renewed passion and fresh inspiration, alongside her husband and their two young girls.
Ballet Teacher
Dale Boddy
Dale previously owned her own studio in Taupo for over 30 years. Taught RAD ballet & American Jazz Dance. Dale was an examiner for the latter for 20 years. She feels that she has so much to share.
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Dale’s passion is to bring out the best in each student. Help them achieve & share in the joy of this. Dale loves to see their sense of
achievement.
Competition Teacher
Hannah Golebiowski
Hannah began dancing at the age of 6 years old. She grew up training in RAD Ballet, AJDA Jazz, and NZAMD Contemporary and competed in these. Hannah successfully passed her AJDA teachers certificate at the age of 15 and has been teaching for the last 9 years.
In 2019, Hannah received the highest mark in the country for her AJDA Advanced 2 and Advanced Solo jazz exams. Throughout Hannah's teaching journey, she has also taught many other recognised syllabi. She is currently teaching a varity of syllabus and competition work (ballet and modern genres) in Taupo & Auckland. This year she had 3 troupes nominated for PACANZ. She has expanded her dance knowledge and learns Latin and competes in this genre.
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Hannah is also a registered physiotherapist and combines her passion for dance with her deep understanding of the body. Hannah values technique, artistry, and safe performance practices that allow dancers to thrive on stage and beyond.
Hip Hop Student Teacher
Sophie Bunny
Sophie started dancing at the age of 3. Over that time, she has quickly developed a passion for dance and become a dedicated student. She's accomplished all exams with distinction in major grades for jazz, contemporary, ballet and hip hop. As well as this, she has been nominated for NZAMD scholarships for both her contempory and jazz exams multiple times.
From the age of 6, she's competed at dance competitions with solos all around the country, leading on to nationals. She aspires to show students the fun of dance and help them to grow a passion in dance, as she has.
Contemporary Student Teacher
Summer Olsen
Bio coming soon
Jazz & Contemporary Student Teacher
Lucy Samuel
Lucy began dancing from the age of 4 and is trained in styles such as jazz, contemporary, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, and hip hop. She is passionate about competitions and has been a soloist and troupe member since the age of 8. She has completed exams across ADJA, APDA, RAD, and NZAMD syllabuses.
Lucy has attended NYPA in a troupe for 4 years and was nominated as a PACANZ modern soloist last year. The past two years, she has received NZAMD scholarship nominations for both jazz and contemporary, being selected as a finalist for jazz last year.
Lucy loves sharing her love and drive for dance to the younger dancers, inspiring them to grow in confidence, technique, and as a performer.