DIRECTOR/DANCE EDUCATOR

Aimee has trained extensively in classical ballet, modern jazz, tap, contemporary and musical theatre.

She has been teaching for many years in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Waihi, and Thames, has worked as a professional choreographer, and is also an internationally qualified Total Barre instructor.

She was offered a scholarship to dance full time in Melbourne but turned the offer down in favour of teaching and teacher training, this is her passion and she wants to pass on her love of dance and the arts to anyone she can!

Aimee has been a part of musicals, stage performances, and corporate events. She is often involved in community arts, especially if it involves children and youth. She has choreographed two youth musicals for Tauranga Musical Theatre and is always willing to help with community dance and arts programs or events.

Aimee loves to help the students in all areas of their lives, especially as they get older and are looking into career choices. She is a life coach (for kids and teens) and also has a diploma in child and adolescent psychology that is helpful in many ways when working with lots of different personalities!

OPERATIONS MANAGER/DANCE EDUCATOR

Karis has been working in the arts and entertainment industry for over 10 years, with her true passion always remaining in dance. After high school, Karis trained full time at The Wellington Performing Arts Centre in NZ and at Patrick Studios in Australia. Her studies took her all over the world performing in Australia, The UK, USA and on Cruise Ships with Disney Cruise Line. Karis returned home in 2020 where she expanded her full time career in entertainment and event management, all while continuing her love of dance and teaching in her spare time.

Karis is over the moon to merge her passion for dance, into a new role with Rise in 2024. "I'm not only excited to share my love and motivation to the students I directly teach, but I'm excited to share it with Rise as a whole. The role of operations manager will allow me to continue to grow the spirit of the school, develop and inspire the next generation, and continue to create a safe, welcoming and trusted environment for both parents and students - Bring on 2024!"

ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTS

Hayley has been working with Precision and Rise since 2023 but has been helping out for many years prior with Precision.

Hayley’s daughters have been dancing with Precision coming up 10 years and have watched Precision grow from a small studio at Greenpark School to the 7 studios we have now.

Before working with us, she was a full time Mum to her 4 children.

Hayley’s working background is in finance after spending 15 years at a bank doing everything from mortgages to being a teller.

OFFICE COORDINATOR/PRESCHOOL DANCE EDUCATOR

Bridie is our office coordinator and preschool dance teacher here at Rise.

Bridie’s passion and love for dance began when she was 5 years old and she has danced for most of her life, graduating with a diploma in Commercial Dance.

Bridie has worked as a dance teacher and office coordinator in Wellington since she graduated, before relocating to the Bay with her family. She has now been with Rise Dance for 3 years and is an integral part of our Rise team. Bridie takes all our preschool classes here at Rise and is truly passionate about igniting that love of dance from a young age.

SOCIAL MEDIA/DANCE & CHEER COACH

Georgia has been teaching for Rise and Precision since 2023 but dancing for as long as she can remember.

She has experience in Hip hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet and has completed exams in all these styles. Georgia has also been a competitive dancer and went to LA in 2019 with Precision Dance.

Georgia has also been involved in the Cheerleading world since 2016! She has won 4+ National gold medals and 2 Grand Champs. She has been in a school, club and university team. Georgia captained her school team and was the President of her university team in 2022.

Bring on 2024!

ACRO COACH

Amelia is 24 years old and has been teaching at Rise now for about a year and a half. Prior to Rise she had dedicated a number of years to coaching cheer and dance at other schools and clubs.

Amelia is excited to be teaching acro at Rise Dance again this year, and continuing to create a fun and friendly environment for our kids!

DANCE EDUCATOR

Ashlee was born and raised in Tauranga, and has been teaching dance since she was 14 years old. She has been competitively dancing since the age of 5, in troupes travelling all around NZ and also competing solos/teaching solos.

Ashlee has been involved in numerous studio productions where she has played lead roles and branched into acting, as well as dancing and teaching. She loves performing and creating, but most importantly Ashlee loves passing on knowledge and helping others grow and succeed.

Ashlee also has a Sports & Fitness diploma and brings her knowledge from this over to her dance teaching.

DANCE EDUCATOR

Kirsty has been dancing for over 30 years, she honed her skills at ED5 International in Sydney in 2005 and has been performing, mentoring, and teaching dance ever since.

Kirsty obtained her AJDA teachers’ certificate in 2011.

She loves to teach ballet, Jazz and contemporary as well as burlesque, cabaret and theatre, and is passionate about nurturing performance development and working with students to find their ‘why’ through dance.

Kirsty is so excited to be a part of the Rise team and honoured to support the dance journey of her students.

DANCE EDUCATOR

Marise is super excited to be joining the Rise team this year, while she is just finishing her bachelors majoring in psychology and minoring in dance!

Marise started dancing at a studio in Auckland in 2012 and dance has been an integral part of her life for as long as she can remember. She has many years experience in hip hop, jazz, contemporary and has been involved in competitions, exams, performing and teaching for many years. She is leaving Street Dance Sessions in Hamilton to move to Tauranga, and although it is a difficult goodbye she is excited for a new journey with a new community of talented dancers in the Bay!

Marise is excited to share her knowledge, experience and passion with you all!

DANCE EDUCATOR

Mylinda began dancing at age 5 and studied predominantly at The Dance Education Centre in Tauranga, gaining her Advanced in RAD ballet. She placed second in the Young Performer of the Year and won the Jonathan Logan Award before leaving to study overseas at Christine Walsh Dance Centre in Melbourne and then gaining an Associate Degree in Dance (Honours) from Queensland University of Technology.

After returning to New Zealand she worked and performed with Black Grace Contemporary Dance Company on their NZ tour of “Amata” before successfully auditioning for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She has travelled, performed, and taught in many dance genres for over 7 years on various Royal Caribbean cruise ships and on returning home has enjoyed giving back knowledge to young NZ dancers.