S T U D E N T T E S T I M O N I A L S
S T U D E N T T E S T I M O N I A L S
& see more via google reviews
Allicia Veenhoff
ADC Heels & Lyrical Student
Dec 2024
pictured here in our Queen St Loft Shoot 2024
Joining Auckland Dance Company has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My fiancé found the classes and signed me up after I mentioned how much I missed dancing, and it’s been such a great experience.
The environment at ADC is so safe and supportive, and I’ve met amazing people who’ve become like family. The opportunities to perform and grow have been incredible, and I’ve gained so much confidence along the way.
Kimberley is such a champion for connection and is talented in bringing out the best of her dancers. She's encouraging, uplifting and genuine. Which just adds another layer to the classes on top of her amazing choreography! Kimberley pours everything into each class and student - I am so grateful.
If you’re thinking about taking a dance class, this is the place to do it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Natalie Watkinson,
ADC Heels, Hiphop & Squad Dancer
Dec 2024
pictured here in our Queen St Loft Shoot 2024
Could not recommend ADC enough. The team and teachers are absolutely amazing and are so welcoming. Every dance to every email is curated with such care and passion.
You really do find your people and community at ADC. Each class is carefully planned out to be beneficial and fun for beginner to advanced dancers. Every class is full with laughs and so much fun as well as learning really cool choreography.
The opportunities given to all students to participate in shows, as well as video and photo shoots are unheard of at most other studios.
I’ve been dancing with ADC for around a year now and have found my home within dance, as someone who struggled to find a studio that felt safe and boy oh boy does ADC deliver on that. I have also been pushed out of my comfort zone (in a good way) and have started to actually become confident in my dancing (and even enjoy watching myself back in videos 🤯). Everyone helps you feel so welcome and so comfortable. I have been so lucky to participate in 4 video shoots and 3 stills shoots just this year. Each shoot has been the best experience and the best day with the most amazing people.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Millie Tawiri,
ADC Heels Student
Dec 2024
pictured here in our 70s Era Shoot 2024
I’ve only joined Auckland Dance Company fairly recently (about 3 months in) but I feel like I have been so welcomed, valued, and encouraged in this short amount of time. Kim is such a passionate, kind spirited, and joyous teacher who really takes the time to connect with everyone in the class and inspire you in ways that best suit you. I genuinely couldn’t ask for a better community of girls who uplift each other - and also just laugh and be silly together.
ADC is a great place to learn amazing dance skills (no matter your level) and just experience joy through dance - there is no pressuring or competition. The dance shoot and photo shoot opportunities are super fun and the team really takes the time to make sure that the outcome is something you can be proud of.
I genuinely genuinely recommend coming an and dancing at ADC if you’re keen to learn awesome new dances, grow your confidence, and just generally have fun!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Katy,
ADC Heels, Lyrical & Squad Dancer
pictured here in our Fabric Shoot 2023
ADC is a welcoming community for all dance levels. Classes are full of energy and soul! Within the 6 months I have been dancing at ADC I have been presented with opportunities to perform in dance shoots and perform on stage. These opportunities are open to everyone. I have enjoyed every class and dance performance I have been a part of! The dance group I have been dancing with are supportive and we help each other out if there is a dance move that is more challenging to achieve. It has been very enjoyable to grow my confidence in dance while getting to know a talented and kind community of people!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
See Katy dance with our Heels class, shooting in front of a raging bonfire (!), here. 2025 UPDATE: Katy has been dancing with us now for 4 years and she is amazing! She is currently in Italy for a gap year studying and we can't wait to have her back!
Bryar
ADC Heels & Lyrical Student
"I decided to try a trial class with ADC because they sounded like what I was looking for - beginners welcome, classes on a term-by-term basis. I was nervous about being an absolute beginner but everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. I've made some awesome friends, boosted my confidence through the roof, and I'm getting fit! They hold a show once a year and music video shoots in-between that I've been able to participate in which were so much fun. The choreographer and teacher at ADC is all about inclusiveness and helping one another, and she's so motivational. I couldn't recommend ADC more!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
See Bryar dance with our Heels class, shooting in front of a raging bonfire (!), here.
Jasmin,
ADC Heels Student
"I started going to classes and ADC has been amazing throughout. Not only do the teachers make sure they empower us in class but they also make sure we can use that outside of class, in the real world.
I recently have been able to secure a job because I have been confident enough in interviews (rejections used to tear me down). <You guys have taught me> it's okay if you don't get it right the first time. You pick yourself up and keep going.
Honestly, the confidence I have gained and new friends during these classes have helped me grow so much as a person this year. I'm even going to do the shoot this year - even though it's scary!
Thank you so much for everything that everyone is doing. A big Thank you to my teacher who works so hard to empower everyone in her classes. These classes have been invaluable to my life"
Bailee
ADC Heels Student
Joining Auckland Dance Company was the BEST DECISION I’D EVER MADE. Coming to class every week was an absolute joy and a truly game changing experience.
The company is full of absolute GEMS of humans. Some of the most kind, genuine, passionate, humble artists I’ve ever met.
They are a community of people who welcome you in with open arms and hearts. I am so proud and honoured to have been apart of such a group. Truly!
Book the class! You will NOT regret it.
Thank you guys for everything x"
See Bailey dance with us here, and here.
Bailey now lives in her hometown of Canada and we miss her in class every day!
Bridgette Cashmore,
Mother of ADC Dance Student Mikala
"While watching Mikala dance (in the classes) at Auckland Dance Company, I couldn’t be more happy. (Her teacher) Kimberley has been a gift to my daughter.
I have searched for a teacher that inspires - not only her body to move so beautifully - but to also nurture her soul, and to encourage her (at ADC), in this wonderful place of expression.
And it’s not just my daughter, but every student who comes to the classes, who are touched by Kimberley’s inspiration, exceptional talent, and enthusiasm.
I couldn’t recommend ADC more highly. Thank you Auckland Dance Company, for everything you give your students."
Bridgette (Mother of Mikala Cashmore - 15yrs old)
Sandra Greer
ADC Heels Student
seen here (blurrily) in our "Earned It" Heels Student Shoot
Thankyou ADC! What an incredible experience!! ADC have attracted an amazing group of woman, and you've led us from complete strangers just a few months ago, to an empowering, uplifting and inspirational team! I have trusted you 100%% along the way, and you have truly brought out the best in us all 💜
Thank you for all that you do, and all that you so passionately give! And to all the incredible people selflessly working behind the scenes to make these dreams come to life . they will never truly know the impact of their involvement ❤️Feeling extremely grateful 🥰
Bring on the show!! The world definitely needs more Kimberley's (ADC Creative Director and Shoot Choreographer/Director)!!"
Cheyenne Welham
"Thank you so much everyone ❤️ This is difficult to put into words, but here goes! The first thing that my family told me after the show, was that they were amazed at how supportive ADC is, how they celebrated each person's individual strengths and how everyone seemed to get along effortlessly. Coming from the (extremely!) competitive rhythmic gymnastics world where everyone was out to get each other, one up each other, knock someone else down the NZ ranking list, bullying (yup, still happens to me even though I've left), stress, favouritism, body image issues etc, it is just simply incredible to me to find a dance studio where EVERY member is kind, supportive and welcoming. So I just want to say a huuuuge THANK YOU to everyone at ADC, especially Kimberley for bringing me out of my shell and proving to all of us that we are capable of anything "
Jen de Montalk - Nina's Mother
Dance Student (14yrs)
"Hi Kimberley, Ali, Hannah, Sophie & the ADC team,
I just wanted to say how incredible RISE was last night. I also wanted to let you know how grateful we are for all the effort you have put into helping Nina. Seeing her use her body as a vehicle to express herself through dance and seeing her self-confidence grow has been a dream come true. The fact she not only performed in six dances but stood there in front of an audience and shared her very personal story is just short of a miracle.
Her anxiety hasn't been cured, it's likely she will always have to live with it, but her ability to not let it stop her living her life has grown in strength. It takes incredible courage for Nina to do these things in the face of an all-consuming, uncontrollable fear. The fact she was brave enough to feel that intense anxiety and push through and do it anyway is testament to Nina's strength and courage and the incredible efforts of Kimberley, Ali and every member of the Auckland Dance Company. You have been such positive role models and so kind, welcoming and fun.
I was trying to get to sleep last night after the excitement of the show and I was struck by the tenuousness of it all. Imagine if Nina hadn't managed to drag herself out of the car that day. Imagine if Kimberly hadn't been the amazing, unstoppable force of positive energy and determination that she is. I can tell you Nina would be in a very different place today. The truth is you all, in your own ways, some of them small, some of them big, have changed the course of someone's life for the better. You have ignited a spark in my daughter and I hope it'll start a fire that will light her through a long and exciting life. Nina's journey is far from over but you have given us hope for the future and we are so grateful for that.
Thank you very much for your magnificence!" Read more about Nina, her journey, and private lessons here
Patricia
Hiphop/Heels Student
"ADC has helped me gain so much confidence as a person and as a dancer. I love the energy and warmth that this community brings and I highly recommend anyone to give it a try no matter what experience level you are. I started with no dance training and I have been amazed at my own improvements. The best part about this company is definitely the people. It is clear they are truly passionate and love what they do".
See Patricia dance with our Heels class, shooting in front of a raging bonfire (!), here.
Estelle
"Hey ADC Fam ☺️ thanks a million for this amazing experience this year so far. The show was incredible and Im so grateful to everyone that helped me back stage in a mad panic to get changed into the next costume. Thanks to the incredible events and costume and creative team that made the show possible. It was so rewarding performing to friends and family like that.
But most importantly thank you all for making me feel so welcome this year. New to Auckland, I hadn't got many friends up here and then I met ADC and you guys are all so gorgeous and kind and lovely! I love and look forward to going to the classes during the week just to see you guys and have fun.
Thanks Kimberley for all the opportunties you have given me this year so far. And getting me to try new things! 💃🏼
Thanks again everyone for such an awesome night and year so far. You are all amazing! Xx"
Estelle danced with us two nights a week, across three different classes, and in her time so far she has appeared in multiple shows and shoots with ADC - watch her dance here, and here.
Dity Maharaj
"What attracted me to ADC in the first place is the supportive environment that's been advocated by Kimberley which then trickles down to everyone else involved in the ADC family. I keep stressing the word Family, because it truly is. We have fun together, we get stressed, annoyed and laugh together. In the end we know there is only love behind all the "madness"
I was thinking about it when driving home last night. I feel closer to you guys from only a few months of interaction, than any of my work colleagues whom I've worked with for over 8 years. That's saying something. Ohana means Family. Family means... No one gets forgotten, or left behind. Yeh.
Looking forward to Rise! "
Linkha Pitcher
"Also just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone at ADC for being so kind, warm and welcoming! And especially Kimberly for being incredibly supportive and giving me the opportunity to shine and be a part of the team! It is a completely different environment than I am used to and Im still a little bit in awe of how amazing it is and how much my passion for dance has grown. The past few years I've been really struggling with depression and just these couple weeks dancing has really brought so much hope and happiness to my life so thank you all very much <3 <3 "
Watch Linkha out on performance for ADC, here
Mollie Rofe
"Thanks everyone for the great night last night!! You are all amazing! 💗 The last year at ADC has completely reignited my passion and love for dance, which couldn't have been possible without you all, and of course the incredible Kimberley. On the plane now, see you all in 6 months!! 💃🏼💃🏼"
Mollie has danced in multiple shoots and shows for ADC and has taught our Foundation Technique Digital Module - imparting her 20 years of dance eisdom in an easy to learn digital format. She now lives in London after some Auckland lockdowns! We are lucky to have captured her talent on film before she left! Watch Mollie dance here & here.
Yana Kulishenko (14 yrs)
"I decided to join Auckland Dance Company about 5 month ago and I am so happy with my decision! Its not like any other dance studio I've ever been to, every single person at ADC is so supportive and kind. There is definitely no need to be worried if you are a beginner. However, if you've done dancing before, you will be challenged (unless you really don't want to, lol). ADC offers a wide range of dance styles (lyrical, burlesque, hip-hop, duets), so I'm sure you will find a style that fits your personality:)
Every week I look forward to dance classes with ADC, because I can express myself through dancing without being afraid of getting judged by other people in the group, because everyone is extremely supportive. It's an easy way to make new friends and boost your confidence.
I performed at ADC mid-winter showcase (It's optional btw) And IT WAS SO AMAZING OMG!!! I recommend Auckland Dance Company. To be honest, I feel like it's my 2nd family now:)"
Zinnia
"I just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything. These past few years have been the toughest years of my life - i started at ADC very stressed out and was looking for another reason to procrastinate, obviously - but the underlying fact was that i was a ticking time bomb about to explode, I wanted to thank you because even though I did break, and explode, you managed to save a small flame inside of me from burning out.
Without ADC, I don't know where I'd be today. Thank you for teaching me to be strong again and reminding me to focus on the important things in life. Everybody needs a Kimberley in their lives and i will always be thankful i have you in mine. Finding ADC was the best decision of my life, and i can t wait to see what 2018 brings our way!
Lots of love, Zinnia xx :O)
Essence Manukuo (14 yrs)
"Hey guys!😊 Awesome show last night! Thanks for all the encouragement you gave Denia and I for our first performance😄 we really enjoyed it last night thanks to the supportive, hyped and awesome people we were surrounded by! 😊 Keep it lit!!🔥✌🏼️"
Nalini Singh
I just wanted to shoot you a quick message to say that I still think of you often, six years on, and your teaching in dance really transformed my life in a big way.
I was going through a really rough period in my life round that time, and ADC classes really saved me; so much more confidence, emotional release and getting-into-the-body; I'm so grateful for your fun, loving and sassy style, always willing to answer my endless questions.
I also faced a lot of trauma growing up, and it's still something I'm working through in a deeper way now, and it strikes me just how instrumental ADC classes were in helping heal that and making it safe for me to inhabit my body. Definitely felt much safer in your classes than other places - I felt really out of place elsewhere compared to ADC.
I haven't found a place quite like ADC to keep learning from since (I've been travelling all over the world) - you've set an impossible standard to beat! - but I kept dancing intermittently over the years and it's something I'd love to pick up again more formally one day.
You might remember that I did a lot of NGO work nationally and internationally on poverty, climate change and so on, representing the voice of NZ youth across 5 continents and facilitating for, speaking to or engaging with 8000+ changemakers in various fora -- it strikes me now just how many of our global issues are due to fear/scarcity-based living-too-much-in-the-brain-lack-of-connection-with-heart-and-body and how deeply the world needs more spaces where we can learn how to laugh and sing and dance and cry and shout and be human again. ADC is one of those places.
Hope you're well, much love xox