Searching for the best dance schools in Hastings to develop skills, build confidence or enjoy creative movement? Hastings in Hawke’s Bay offers a range of dedicated studios providing instruction in ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, acro and contemporary for dancers of all ages and experience levels. Studios such as Love to Dance and Born To Move deliver professional training with performance opportunities and supportive environments.
1Floorless Dance Studios
Floorless Dance Studios is a vibrant studio in the heart of Hastings offering dynamic dance styles for all ages and abilities. Founded by Ary, the studio focuses on technique, creativity and performance through competition teams and annual shows. It provides an energetic, inclusive space for both recreational dancers and those pursuing competitive pathways.
Services
- Lyrical dance classes
- Acro dance
- Hip Hop classes
- Jazz with NZAMD exams available
- Tap with NZAMD exams available
Highlights
- Founded in 2017 by Ary with over 20 years of dance experience across multiple styles
- Auditioned competition teams performing locally and across the North Island
- Two performances per year including a recital and fully costumed end-of-year showcase
- Teachers include Reba specialising in Jazz and Tap with NZAMD qualifications
- Supportive environment fostering confidence and a love of dance for all abilities
Location & Contact
Name: Floorless Dance Studios
Address: Hastings
Website: www.floorlessdance.com
2Love to Dance
Love to Dance is a ballet-focused studio in Akina, Hastings, teaching the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus from beginners to advanced levels for girls and boys. Led by principal Janine McCutcheon with extensive training from the NZ School of Dance and international experience, it also offers adult ballet and Silver Swans classes. Students enjoy end-of-year performances at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in a community-oriented setting.
Services
- Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus classes
- Beginner to advanced ballet for children and teens
- Adult ballet classes
- Silver Swans ballet classes
- Preschool and young dancer programs
Highlights
- Principal Janine McCutcheon holds RAD Teachers Diploma with training at NZ School of Dance and experience in Canada and Auckland
- End-of-year performances held at the Opera House, Hastings
- Regular open days and enrolment events for the community
- Focus on perseverance, integrity and creativity in a family-friendly environment
- Students progressing to professional dance opportunities
Location & Contact
Name: Love to Dance
Address: 500 Murdoch Road East, Akina, Hastings
Phone: 021 500 506
Website: www.lovetodance.co.nz
3Born To Move Dance Studio
Born To Move Dance Studio, established in 2004 and located on Victoria Street in Hastings, provides classes for all ages and abilities with strong emphasis on performance and skill development. The studio offers diverse styles along with school workshops, competition tuition and special choreography services. It is home to the Encore Performers performance group and has supported graduates in professional dance careers.
Services
- Jazz classes at junior, intermediate, senior and advanced levels
- Tap classes incorporating NZAMD and AJDA syllabus elements
- Contemporary dance classes
- Musical Theatre classes
- Acro classes with aerial elements
Highlights
- Established in 2004 as one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading dance studios
- First studio in Hawke’s Bay to teach Musical Theatre
- Performance group with audition process and competition tuition available
- School workshops for primary, intermediate and high school levels
- Graduates succeeding in cruise ship performances and musical theatre
Location & Contact
Name: Born To Move Dance Studio
Address: 406 Victoria Street, Hastings, New Zealand
Phone: 027 299 6177
Website: www.borntomovestudio.com
4Rezpect Dance Academy
Rezpect Dance Academy, founded in 2010 on Eastbourne Street West in Hastings, is a community-based Hip Hop program offering affordable classes from beginner to elite levels for young people. The studio runs structured classes, age-specific crews, workshops, in-school programs and mentorship initiatives. Dancers achieve success at national and international competitions while developing personally in a supportive environment.
Services
- Hip Hop dance classes from beginner to advanced levels
- Age-specific crews including Mini Mob, Rize and Rezpect INC
- Pop-up dance workshops and choreography training
- In-school workshops and mentorship programmes
- Competition preparation and performance opportunities
Highlights
- Founded in 2010 with national recognition in the New Zealand Hip Hop community
- 350+ young people participating weekly and 15,000+ positive engagements annually
- Access to international choreographers and industry leaders
- Strong community commendation for mentoring and engagement
- Dancers succeeding at international, national and regional competitions
Location & Contact
Name: Rezpect Dance Academy
Address: 2/300 Eastbourne Street W, Hastings
Website: www.rezpect.nz
5Sophie Jean Dance Company
Sophie Jean Dance Company, established in 2016 on Market Street North in Hastings, offers a wide variety of styles including contemporary, jazz, tap, acro, ballet, musical theatre and hip hop for ages 3 to adult. Founded by Sophie Follett with a Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours), the studio creates a supportive, family-like environment with competition teams and overseas exchange opportunities. It is relocating to Havelock North in October 2026.
Services
- Contemporary dance classes
- Jazz and tap technique
- Acro and ballet classes
- Musical Theatre and hip hop
- Competition team training
Highlights
- Established in 2016 by founder Sophie Follett, University of Auckland Dance Studies (Hons) graduate
- Supportive, judgment-free family environment with strong values
- Opportunities for overseas exchanges with world-renowned choreographers
- Competition teams performing at local events such as Christmas in the Park
- Choreographic work showcased at Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival and internationally
Location & Contact
Name: Sophie Jean Dance Company
Address: 118 Market Street North, Hastings
Phone: 020 415 78489
Website: www.sophiejeandance.com
Dance Schools in Hastings at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Floorless Dance Studios | Hastings | Founded in 2017 by Ary with over 20 years of dance experience across... |
| Love to Dance | Akina | Principal Janine McCutcheon holds RAD Teachers Diploma with training... |
| Born To Move Dance Studio | Hastings | Established in 2004 as one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading dance studios |
| Rezpect Dance Academy | Hastings | Founded in 2010 with national recognition in the New Zealand Hip Hop... |
| Sophie Jean Dance Company | Hastings | Established in 2016 by founder Sophie Follett |
How to Choose the Right Dance School in Hastings
- Consider the range of dance styles offered – Look for studios providing ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, acro or contemporary to match your interests and goals.
- Check instructor qualifications and experience – Qualified teachers with professional training or syllabus expertise can significantly support skill development and safety.
- Evaluate performance and competition opportunities – Recitals, showcases, crews and regional events help build confidence and stage presence.
- Assess location and accessibility – Convenient suburbs such as Akina, central Hastings or Eastbourne Street can support regular attendance for families.
- Look for a positive and inclusive environment – Supportive atmospheres with trial classes or open days are especially valuable for beginners and children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hastings Dance Schools
What age can children start dance classes in Hastings?
Most dance schools in Hastings offer programs for children as young as 3 or 4 years old, with preschool or tiptoes classes focusing on movement, rhythm and coordination in a fun setting. Studios like Born To Move and Sophie Jean Dance Company provide age-appropriate options from tiny toes upwards.
Are there adult dance classes available in Hastings studios?
Yes, several Hastings dance schools offer adult classes including ballet, jazz, tap, dance fit and musical theatre. Love to Dance provides adult ballet and Silver Swans options, while Born To Move runs adult tap and dance fit classes in a no-pressure environment.
Do dance schools in Hastings offer opportunities for performances?
Most studios organise annual recitals, end-of-year showcases and participation in local events or competitions. Floorless Dance Studios and Rezpect Dance Academy run multiple performances and competition teams each year, building stage presence and confidence.
How do I know which dance style is right for my child?
Children can try multiple styles such as ballet, hip hop or jazz through trial classes or combo programs. Many schools offer beginner levels and encourage exploration before committing to a primary style.
What should beginners look for in a dance school in Hastings?
Beginners should seek experienced instructors, clear progression pathways, a nurturing atmosphere and options for trial classes. Studios with syllabus training or introductory programs help build foundational skills safely.
Which suburbs in Hastings have dance studios?
Dance studios are located in convenient areas including Akina for Love to Dance, Eastbourne Street West for Rezpect Dance Academy, Victoria Street for Born To Move, Market Street North for Sophie Jean Dance Company, and the city centre for Floorless Dance Studios.
Are there hip hop focused dance schools in Hastings?
Yes, Rezpect Dance Academy specialises in community-based Hip Hop with structured classes, crews and workshops from beginner to advanced levels, while other studios like Floorless and Sophie Jean include hip hop as part of their offerings.
How We Chose the Best Dance Schools in Hastings
Every business in this guide was found by searching for dance schools in Hastings, 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 Hastings, 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.