AGA
Our Story
The Anneliese Gilberd Academy (AGA) was created in 2011 with the specific goal of preparing dedicated students for a full-time career in classical ballet and contemporary dance. From training at the New Zealand School of Dance and the Royal Ballet School in London (as one of the first AGC Young Achiever recipients) Anneliese forged a career as a professional ballerina in the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Dancing professionally for 12 years, she toured the world and performed many soloist roles.
Anneliese has used her experience to develop a classical ballet and contemporary programme that reflects what students will experience when entering a full time school, training and preparing them for the demands of a high level tertiary programme and then professional company. Class numbers are restricted to deliver focused and tailored training in an immersion environment.
AGA has enjoyed immense success with graduates now working professionally across the world with companies including the Royal New Zealand Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Victorian State Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet. Students have also successfully transitioned on to high-level professional institutions including The New Zealand School of Dance, Alvin Ailey Dance School - New York, Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, Queensland Ballet School, Sydney Dance Pre Professional and Transit Dance among others.
AGA prides itself in providing a caring and holistic approach to all students training. The personal attention and design of the programmes is what sets our academy apart. The following attestations provide some insight into our students experience with AGA.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide specialised classical ballet and contemporary coaching within a secure and supportive environment for serious and gifted dancers. The sole purpose of our coaching programme is to encourage and inspire you to become the dancer that you are capable of being and the performer you aspire to become within a classically orientated studio.
Our coaching will prepare you physically for the daily demands that will be placed on you within a full time professional school environment, mentally to push yourself and achieve your goals and emotionally to stay strong within yourself. You will be coached and trained so that you are fully prepared, confident and supported when taking one of the most important steps towards becoming a professional dancer - auditioning for full time professional schools
Testimonials
My training at AGA allowed me to flourish in many ways, not only helping me grow as a dancer but also helping me grow as a young person. Tutors at AGA provided high level training in both contemporary and classical Full-time programmes which resulted in my acceptance into both Alvin Ailey School of New York and National Theatre Ballet School of Melbourne. I can truly attest that I would not have made these achievements without the high class training I received at AGA. Alongside this, whilst supporting our dance journeys Miss Anneliese ensures that students mental well-being is also a priority and nurtures them to become well rounded dancers and people. I highly recommend any dancer to audition for the Fulltime course at AGA.
Breanna Surridge
AGA Graduate: Full Time Contemporary Programme
Accepted into: Alvin Ailey School. New York
National Theatre Ballet School. Australia
I started my full time training at the Anneliese Gilberd Academy in 2014, after being a part time student for a few years. The transition to full time training was made incredibly smooth and enjoyable by the love and support given to me. Anneliese provides a nurturing environment which allows young dancers to grow as individuals and create their own pathways as artists. Her experience as a professional dancer was invaluable to me in every aspect of my training as I was preparing to follow the same path.
I look back on my time at AGA with loving memories and pride and am so thankful I had the opportunity to train under a true professional.
I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Anneliese.
Teagan Tank
AGA Graduate: Full Time Classical Programme
Accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance
Currently Royal NZ Ballet Company
Coming into the final semester of my degree, my education at the University of Canterbury emphasised even more to me, the importance of approaching your training with a holistic view; which is exactly what Anneliese does. Not only is the training at AGA amazing, but the environment you are training within is so supportive, loving and professional.
Anneliese has great connections within the dance and health professional community, whom she works with in order to look after her dancers in every way possible. I am so grateful I had the time I did at AGA. It enhanced my love of dance and inspired me to continue within the industry in a way which keeps dancers safe and strong.
Jenna de Pleiss
AGA Graduate: Full Time Classical Programme
Accepted into the Victorian State Ballet Pre Professional Programme
My time at Anneliese Gilberd Academy has truly had such a huge, positive impact on my life. The love, support and incredible knowledge Anneliese pours into her students is like no other I have experienced during my training. I am forever grateful for my time at AGA and all Anneliese has done for me. She has created the most wonderful, supportive and safe environment for dancers to really flourish. She has helped me shape my dance career in ways I could never imagine and given me the confidence and foundation to really achieve my dreams and I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where am I today without AGA.
Charlette Leffelaar
Full Time Contemporary Graduate
Accepted into Melbourne City Ballet
The Anneliese Gilberd Academy has undoubtedly made one of the biggest impacts on my life. There will never be enough words to express how thankful I am for what Anneliese has done for me. Anneliese goes above and beyond to ensure each student reaches their full potential, not only as a dancer but as a person too. Anneliese is an inspiration and mentor to many as she continues to pour her heart and soul into helping young dancers achieve their dreams.
Eve Condon
AGA Graduate: Part Time Transition Programme
Accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance
Commencing my Full time training at AGA was the best decision I ever made. Anneliese and the faculty are incredibly caring and such inspiring role models and mentors, who do not rest until we are one step closer to our dreams.
The effort she puts into each and every student is undeniable and I without a doubt would not be where (or who) I am today without her.
I am eternally grateful for my time spent at the Anneliese Gilberd Academy and absolutely could not recommend it more to young aspiring dancers looking to follow their dreams.
Sarah Szalardi
AGA Graduate: Full Time Contemporary Programme
Accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance
My time with Anneliese was so influential to the furthering of my dance journey and helping to facilitate finding a career in dance. Since leaving Anneliese I studied with the New Zealand School of Dance for three year in the classical programme, which Anneliese gave me the confidence and preparation to audition for. After graduating I joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet where I am in my second year with the company.
Calum Gray
AGA Graduate: Full Time Classical Programme
Accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance
Currently Royal NZ Ballet Company
My time spent at AGA is something I always cherish. Anneliese is a phenomenal teacher who helped me not only with my ballet technique but also by empowering and believing in me. My classmates and I were so lucky to have so much one on one attention every day. Without the help of Miss Anneliese and other teachers at AGA I would not have been able to go as far as I did in my ballet career. For this I will always be so thankful and credit AGA as being a huge part of my development and training.
Eleanor Gleeson
AGA Full Time Classical Graduate
Melbourne City Ballet Company
AGA was the best decision I ever made for my dance training. I spent a year in the full time contemporary program and it was invaluable. The tutors were so supportive and the environment and other students were so lovely. I learnt and grew more than I could ever have imagined in a year. I feel it set me up perfectly for further training at the NZSD and I know it wouldn't have been possible if not for the amazing training I received at AGA.
Lucy Chung
AGA Graduate: Full Time Contemporary Programme
Accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance
AGA gave me invaluable foundations in both dance and life lessons. I learnt how to train my muscles correctly, I learnt how to dance within the Corp de ballet and I learnt how to have courage among many other things. Being a student under Anneliese taught me so much and helped me get to where I am today.
Kate Cockerton Holmes
AGA Graduate: Part Time Transition Programme
Accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance
AGA provides excellent training in both contemporary and ballet giving you the knowledge and skill you need to take the next step towards your dancing career. I trained at AGA for two years and really enjoyed the friendly and nurturing environment. The tutors were very supportive and the program was interesting and varied. AGA is one big Family I highly recommend it.
Abby Murphy
AGA Graduate: Full Time Classical Programme
Melbourne City Ballet Company
Accepted into: National Theatre Ballet School. Australia
Ballet Theatre. Australia
I was fortunate enough to train for two years full-time at AGA, and can’t express how much this changed my life and reinforced my career aspirations. It was a privilege to be taught by Anneliese and the incredible AGA faculty, who all have extensive experience as professionals in the dance industry. I will forever be endlessly grateful for my time at such an established, highly regarded and supportive school.
Isabella Fahey
AGA Graduate: Full Time Classical Programme
AGA Graduate: Full Time Classical Programme
Accepted into: National Theatre Ballet School. Australia
Victorian State Pre Professional Year. Australia
Ballet Theatre School. Australia
Christchurch, NZ