We’re passionate about movement.
Meet Jess
Owner, Dance Teacher, Pilates Instructor, Strength & Balance Instructor
Jess’s movement journey began at the age of 3 with gymnastics and ballet. As she grew, she competed in gymnastics across New Zealand and danced weekly, taking ballet, jazz, and contemporary classes. At 16, Jess pursued her passion further by starting dance teacher training at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance in Nelson. In 2018, she earned her qualifications through the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and became a fully registered teacher.
Her Pilates journey started at 17 when she was recommended to try Pilates to build core strength and recover from a back injury. Inspired by its impact, Jess continued her education and, in 2019, was offered a partial sponsorship by Kate at Pilates Nelson to train as a Pilates instructor. Under the mentorship of Sarah Lydford from Machine Works Pilates, Jess earned her Mat Pilates certification in 2022 and her Reformer Pilates certification in 2023. She continues her education through workshops and courses to deepen her expertise.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to share my love of movement with my students. I’m so proud of the community we’ve created at JHDP, where everyBODY is welcomed and supported to achieve their goals, regardless of any limitations."
Laura’s dance journey began at the age of 4 and continued through her early 20s. While Ballet was her primary focus, she also explored Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and even Tap for a few years.
Laura has a wealth of experience in the dance world, completing her teaching qualifications through Peta Spooner Academy of Dance here in Nelson. She taught Ballet and Jazz part-time in Christchurch while studying Psychology at the University of Canterbury. After returning to Nelson, Laura joined the team at Annesbrook Performing Arts School (APAS), where she also worked as a secondary school teacher at Garin College.
After having two children, Laura transitioned to a full-time teaching role at APAS, where she also managed the school from 2014 to 2021. Following a brief break from dance and a career change, Laura is thrilled to be back in the studio, especially enjoying the excitement of annual concerts.
“Dance provides young people with a wonderful opportunity to express creativity, build confidence, and develop teamwork and leadership skills in a fun, supportive environment.”
Meet Laura
Dance Teacher
Maree has had a love for ballet since she was 6 and attended her first ballet class. Since then, she has completed exams through to the majors in RAD, RNZ, and BBO ballet syllabus, as well as in modern jazz. She was also lucky enough to dance in performances and competitions across the lower north island.
Marees first taste of teaching was in high school where it was expected of those in the RAD major levels and encouraged her teacher to teach the classes for the younger students. This was to assist both her development and to pay for the numerous classes she attended.
After high school, Maree took a year to concentrate on performing and teaching. However, she wasn’t ready to hang up her shoes, so after auditions with the New Zealand School of Dance, she moved to Wellington to attend full time training, working to become a professional dancer. Unfortunately, in her third year an injury prevented her ability to dance professionally.
Since then Maree has taken up ceroc (modern jive), completed ballroom medals and moved to the UK where she danced & taught in her spare time. When Maree decided to return home she tried Latin dancing (salsa, bachata, samba and kizombo) where she was fortunate to join a couple of dance teams. After a few years of performing and competing (including travelling to Australia for the World Salsa competitions),she started teaching again, this time beginner salsa classes.
Eventually, as her body started slowing down, she moved back to her first passion by joining an open adult ballet class... and her love for ballet began again. Hence, on moving to Nelson, Maree has found herself once again in an open adult dance class with Jess.
“My love for both ballet and teaching, as well as understanding how difficult it is to start up as an adult, has led to a partnership with Jess, starting a beginner adult dance/ballet class. Having had many injuries over the years, I understand the importance of keeping moving as we get older…and what better way than moving to music to keep fit, coordinated and flexible while keeping both the body and the brain agile.”
Meet Maree
Dance Teacher
Meet our Assistants
Millie Shefford
Junior Ballet
Iris Van Enter
Junior Contemporary Modern Jazz
Locations
Stoke Studio
Our Stoke Studio is located at 40 Saxtons Road West (Annesbrook Church, Hall 1).
Olive Estate
Classes are held in the Lakehouse Building Conference Room off of Lakehouse Crescent.
Brightwater
Classes are held in the rooms at Lord Rutherford Park off of Malthouse Crescent..