Suzanne, the ardent enthusiast behind Ballet.Culture, discovered her passion for ballet at the tender age of 4, marking the beginning of her journey to become a ballet teacher.

In July 2019, Suzanne established Ballet.Culture with a vision to cultivate an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds could experience the myriad benefits of ballet in an empowering and enjoyable manner.

A qualified ballet instructor certified by The Imperial Classical Ballet (ISTD), Suzanne also possesses a proficient understanding of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and is a registered teacher with BBO (British Ballet Organization). Leveraging her extensive expertise, she designs and choreographs classes that embody technical prowess, grace, and ardor.

Beyond her ballet credentials, Suzanne is a certified Early Childhood Teacher, equipping her with the knowledge to guide her students through movements that foster their holistic development.

When not imparting her ballet wisdom, Suzanne fulfills her role as a devoted mother to two children, Willa (11) and Esca (8), who serve as her grounding force and daily inspiration.

Suzanne oversees all ballet classes in Otumoetai, Maungatapu, and Arataki, while also managing the administrative and planning aspects of Ballet.Culture with meticulous care and dedication.

Lesh embarked on her dance journey at the age of 7, initially exploring American Jazz and Ballet before venturing into American Tap and Hip Hop.

At 18, Lesh delved into Contemporary Dance, a passion she pursued until her move to Hamilton for university. In Hamilton, she seized the incredible opportunity to cheerlead for the All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup.

For the past 5 years, Lesh has devoted herself exclusively to Ballet, achieving numerous milestones through Ballet.Culture, where she shares her love for Tap and choreography.

With extensive experience as an Early Childhood Education Teacher, Lesh possesses a deep understanding of children's developmental capabilities and the significance of movement in learning. Recently transitioning from teaching in ECE to focusing on her family business, she now works from home, introducing her 3-year-old daughter to the enchanting world of dance by teaching her Tap and initiating her into ballet classes under Suzanne's guidance.

Lesh assumes responsibility for teaching Ballet.Culture's Tap classes and Modern Dance JUNIORS, bringing her passion and expertise to inspire the next generation of dancers.

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From the tender age of 5, Taylor embarked on her dance journey with Lyrical and Jazz, discovering an early passion for movement. As the years unfolded, Taylor expanded her repertoire to include Ballet, Acro, and Contemporary, where she found her true calling and excelled under the guidance of Suzanne at Ballet.Culture.

Throughout Intermediate and College, Taylor began sharing her talent and experience by leading a School Dance Troupe, infusing her choreography with a distinctive blend of Contemporary flair.

Taylor derives immense joy from crafting dances that are deeply emotive, employing movements that intricately weave together to tell compelling stories.

Three years ago, Suzanne afforded Taylor a remarkable opportunity to showcase her passion for Contemporary Dance through a specially choreographed Duo performance at Ballet.Culture's annual showcases held at Baycourt. The performance was met with such acclaim that it has since become a cherished tradition.

Anticipating with great enthusiasm, Taylor looks forward to continuing her journey at Ballet.Culture.

Taylor will enrich Ballet.Culture by teaching Adult Contemporary classes and leading Modern Dance SENIORS, passionately sharing her expertise and nurturing the next generation of dancers.

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Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Minja started dancing at the age of 5 and pursued ballet on a semi-professional level until she was 17. During those years Minja performed as a child extra in many ballet productions at the German Opera of Berlin, including Cinderella and The Nutcracker, which deepened her love and admiration for this art form. Throughout her adult years, she continued to take ballet classes intermittently, never straying far from her passion.
 
In 2014, Minja moved to New Zealand, finding a new home and community here in Tauranga. In 2022, she joined Ballet.Culture as a student, reconnecting with her lifelong love for ballet once again.
 
Ballet has always been a significant part of Minja's life and she is excited to share this passion with the talented dancers at Ballet.Culture.

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