Abigail Dance Coaching · Christchurch

Instilling a love of ballet that motivates every dancer to be their best.

Ballet and contemporary dance coaching at Papa Hou in central Christchurch, directed by Abigail Boyle, former Principal Dancer of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Ballet student in arabesque at Papa Hou Studios, Abigail Dance Coaching, Christchurch

Our tutors have danced with

Royal New Zealand Ballet · The Australian Ballet · Joffrey Ballet · English National Ballet · Metropolitan Opera Ballet · West Australian Ballet

Coaching philosophy

“I believe first and foremost that the culture of a school needs to be right. Happy and confident dancers are more engaged and self-motivated to succeed.”

Abigail Boyle
Director

At Abigail Dance Coaching we use a pedagogical approach to instil a lifelong relationship with ballet and contemporary dance.

With our coaching we aim to teach our students not just the basis of ballet, but also the artistry, providing not only the foundation of classical ballet, but also imbuing a desire to work harder because of a love of dance.

We encourage self development, divergent thinking, and a healthy relationship with dance.

Our philosophy

Programmes

Three tiers of training

Full-time ballet

Emerge

[Short description to come]

After School

Atelier

[Short description to come]

Juniors

Petit Atelier

[Short description to come]

Abigail Boyle, Director of Abigail Dance Coaching

Director and Classical tutor

Abigail Boyle

“Power, sensitivity and effortless grace.”

Critics on Artemis Rising, her final ballet

Born and trained in New Zealand, Abigail joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2006, quickly becoming the darling of the New Zealand ballet scene. Her principal roles include Carmen, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Myrtha in Giselle and Ada in The Piano: The Ballet.

Following retirement in early 2019, she completed the Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance, and is a guest teacher for the RNZB.

Our Tutors

Tutors with first-hand professional experience

Guest tutors

Meet the tutors

from our parents

“We couldn’t be happier with the experience our daughter has had at ADC. From the moment she walks through the doors, she feels seen, valued and supported for who she is – not just as a dancer, but as a whole person.

Her excitement and love for dance has grown so much, and it is incredibly special to see her look forward to every class and feel so proud of her progress. The teachers take the time to understand each individual child, recognising their strengths, building their confidence and supporting their needs in a way that makes them feel comfortable and capable.

What really stands out to us is the genuine care and attention given to every student. It is so much more than teaching ballet technique – it is about nurturing confidence, resilience, self-belief and a real love of dance.

We are so grateful that our daughter has found a place where she feels encouraged to be herself, supported to grow and most importantly, where she truly feels she belongs.”

Venue

Our studios at Papa Hou

4 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch CBD

[Venue copy to be supplied: the studios, the black box theatre and the in-house physio.]

Sunlit dance studio at Papa Hou, Christchurch, with sprung timber floor, ballet barres and full length windows, where Abigail Dance Coaching classes are held
Our studios are on Level 2 of Papa Hou, 4 Rolleston Avenue