Trained at: Ablaze Dance Academy and Bergen Lavelle Classical Coaching
Presently: Studying at the New Zealand School of Dance
How did you cope physically with the demands of the workload? Please share how you adapted.
Full-time training is a significant step up in both intensity and the number of hours spent in the studio each week. One of the biggest adjustments for me was realising how important it was to build strength and conditioning outside my dance classes. Developing strength helped me meet the physical demands of full-time training, while also playing a vital role in preventing injuries and allowing me to train consistently.
Transitioning into full-time study meant that dance became my main focus, and I quickly learnt that success was not solely about what happened in the studio. Everything outside training had to change as well, from my eating habits and nutrition to my sleep routine, recovery and how I spent my downtime. Looking after my body became just as important as the hours I spent dancing each day.
During the first few months, I found the adjustment challenging. I struggled to break some of my old habits and establish a routine that supported the demands of my new schedule. There were days when I felt exhausted and overwhelmed while trying to balance everything. However, once I committed to making positive changes and developed healthier habits, everything began to fall into place.
Creating a consistent routine allowed me to manage my energy levels more effectively, recover properly between classes and get the most out of my training. Over time, I found that I could handle a full week of intensive training without feeling constantly fatigued.
Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I learnt was that full-time training is not simply about dancing more. It is about learning how to care for yourself as an athlete, developing discipline both inside and outside the studio, and creating habits that set you up for long-term success.
What advice would you give someone considering full-time dance studies at the school you attended?
Ablaze Dance Academy is a place I will always hold close to my heart and one I know I will continue to return to throughout my dance journey. The time I spent training there played an important role in shaping both the dancer I am today and the person I have become.
For anyone considering training at Ablaze, my biggest piece of advice would be to walk through the doors with an open mind, a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to learn and grow. Full-time training can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Every class, correction, performance opportunity and challenge is designed to help you reach your potential and discover what you are capable of achieving.
One of the things that makes Ablaze so special is the number of opportunities that arise throughout your training. Whether you are learning from industry professionals, performing, auditioning or being exposed to new experiences, there is always something that pushes you outside your comfort zone and encourages growth. The guidance, support and knowledge shared by the faculty are invaluable and something I believe every aspiring dancer should experience as they develop both technically and artistically.
What I gained from my time at Ablaze extended far beyond dance technique. I learnt discipline, resilience, professionalism, time management and the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic. I learnt how to accept feedback, overcome setbacks and continue striving for improvement, even when things felt difficult. These skills have become just as important in my life as the training itself.
As I continue pursuing a professional career in dance, I carry the lessons, values and experiences I gained at Ablaze with me every day. The academy provided me with a strong foundation, unwavering support and memories I will always cherish. I am incredibly grateful for the role it has played in my journey and for the people who helped guide me along the way.