Looking for the best dance schools in Invercargill? Invercargill offers dedicated studios providing expert instruction across ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and more for dancers of all ages and abilities. Studios such as La Muse Dance Studio and Jazz Time Dance deliver quality training in supportive environments, joined by The Creative Dance on Dee Street.
1Bailey Hannen-Voice Dance Academy
Bailey Hannen-Voice Dance Academy is a dance academy in Invercargill established in 2014. It offers small classes in an inclusive community for dancers from pre-school to adult, entry-level to advanced levels. The qualified teacher is ATOD accredited, focusing on technique and artistry in a supportive environment.
Services
- Classical Ballet
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Contemporary
- Tiny Dancers (preschool)
Highlights
- Established in 2014
- ATOD accredited qualified teacher
- Small classes in an inclusive community
- Performance and examination opportunities
- Entry-level to advanced training for all ages
Location & Contact
Name: Bailey Hannen-Voice Dance Academy
Address: Invercargill
Website: www.bhvdanceacademy.co.nz
2La Muse Dance Studio
La Muse Dance Studio, established in 2009 and located in central Invercargill, is owned and operated by Hana Skeggs and Gina Stevens. It provides expert tuition in a friendly environment with purpose-built studios, focusing on classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics and preschool programs. Students benefit from examinations, competition tuition and an annual show at the Civic Theatre.
Services
- Classical Ballet (RAD)
- Jazz (Dance NZ Made and AJDA)
- Hip Hop
- Contemporary (NZAMD)
- Acrobatics
Highlights
- Established in 2009
- RAD registered teachers
- Purpose-built studio with three rooms
- Annual show at Civic Theatre
- Scholarship program and community engagement
Location & Contact
Name: La Muse Dance Studio
Address: 134 Mary Street, Invercargill 9812
Phone: 027 229 7793 or 027 2000 342
Website: www.lamuse.co.nz
3Jazz Time Dance
Jazz Time Dance is a dance studio in Invercargill with over 23 years of experience. It offers classes in a caring and inclusive space for toddlers to adults, using the Asia Pacific Dance Association (APDA) syllabus and other programs. Styles include jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, musical theatre, tap and acro, with special programs like Silver Swans for adults 55+ and The Wiggles World of Dance for toddlers.
Services
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Ballet
- Contemporary
- Tap
Highlights
- 23+ years in Southland
- APDA syllabus with students achieving top marks
- Silver Swans classes for adults 55+
- Wiggles World of Dance for toddlers
- Inclusive and nurturing environment
Location & Contact
Name: Jazz Time Dance
Address: 44 Mersey Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 027 217 7985
Website: www.jazztimedance.co.nz
4The Creative Dance
The Creative Dance runs from Level 2 on Dee Street and takes both recreational and competitive dancers, which not every studio does. It is pitched at all ages and abilities, with the emphasis on confidence rather than filtering for talent, so it suits a child who wants to try dance as much as one already heading for competitions.
Services
- Recreational dance classes
- Competitive dance training
- Classes for all ages
- Beginner-friendly sessions
Highlights
- Takes both recreational and competitive dancers under one roof
- Central Dee Street studio
- Open to all ages and abilities rather than streaming by ability
Location & Contact
Name: The Creative Dance
Address: Level 2, 35 Dee Street, Invercargill
Social: Instagram @the.creative.dance
Website: sites.google.com/view/thecreativedance/home
Dance Schools in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Bailey Hannen-Voice Dance Academy | Established in 2014 |
| La Muse Dance Studio | Established in 2009 |
| Jazz Time Dance | 23+ years in Southland |
| The Creative Dance | Takes both recreational and competitive dancers under one roof |
How to Choose the Right Dance Schools in Invercargill
- Consider the dance styles offered to match your or your child’s interests, such as ballet, jazz, hip hop or contemporary.
- Check the qualifications and experience of instructors, including adherence to recognised syllabi like RAD or APDA.
- Evaluate class sizes, facilities and the overall studio atmosphere to ensure a supportive and safe learning environment.
- Look for opportunities for examinations, competitions, performances and annual shows to support progress and stage experience.
- Assess the location and accessibility, including proximity to central Invercargill or specific suburbs and the quality of purpose-built studios.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Dance Schools
What age can my child start dance classes in Invercargill?
Most Invercargill dance schools offer preschool programs starting from age 3, with some providing classes for even younger toddlers through specialised early childhood programs focused on coordination, rhythm and fun movement.
Are there adult dance classes available in Invercargill?
Yes, several studios offer adult classes including options for fitness, technique development and specialised programs like Silver Swans for adults aged 55 and over, catering to all skill levels in a supportive setting.
Do Invercargill dance schools offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, many provide competition training, examination preparation and participation in regional and national events, along with annual shows at venues like the Civic Theatre to give students performance experience.
What should I look for during a trial dance class?
During a trial class, observe the instructor’s teaching style, class structure, student engagement and the studio facilities such as sprung floors or purpose-built spaces to ensure it matches your learning goals and comfort level.
Can I enroll in more than one dance style at a time?
Many Invercargill dance schools encourage students to explore multiple styles, such as combining ballet with jazz or contemporary, to build versatility, improve technique across disciplines and enhance overall coordination.
Which suburbs do the dance schools on this page cover?
The studios are located in central Invercargill areas including Mary Street for La Muse Dance Studio and Mersey Street for Jazz Time Dance, making them convenient for residents in the inner city and nearby suburbs.
How do I verify dance teacher qualifications in New Zealand?
Look for teachers registered with recognised bodies such as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or Asia Pacific Dance Association (APDA). You can check registration details on their official sites like royalacademyofdance.org or apda.co.nz.
How We Chose the Best Dance Schools in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for dance schools in Invercargill, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.