FOUNDER

Marguerite Howlett

“When students leave my classroom, I want them to walk (dance) away feeling like they are awesome! Like they can achieve something, not just in dancing but having something to contribute to the world…”

Marguerite founded The Renaissance School of Dance in Papatoetoe in 2004. She teaches Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Ballet dance styles. She has been dancing herself since she was 3 years old, doing exams, performing and choreographing in various events, including Santa Parades, music videos, jubilees, Auckland Children’s Musical Theatre, Manukau Performing Arts and City Dance Company.

She is also a dance consultant and program developer for local primary schools, pre-schools, afterschool care and holiday programs in Auckland.

Marguerite has completed exams in Ballroom, Latin & New Vogue, completed her visual arts degree from the University of Auckland and won ‘Young Business Person of the Year 2008’ at the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards.

Feeding her love for travel she has competed across New Zealand, Australia and the USA in Modern Jive & West Coast Swing events. Her favourite places to travel so far have been Fiji, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Italy!

THE BUSINESS MANAGER & MARGUERITE’S MUM

Chris Howlett

Specialising in accounts and costuming FUN FACT: She has a teapot collection of about 50 and has 5 sewing machines!

JAZZ & TAP

Chantal

Chantal has been dancing since she was 4 years old. Marguerite was her first dance teacher! Chantal has trained in all dance styles: jazz, tap, hiphop, contemporary, ballet and musical theatre. She has travelled around New Zealand and Australia to continue her training, performances and competing. Chantal has taught Jazz and Tap at The Renaissance School of Dance since 2012. Through her enthusiasm, passion and natural talent for performing she is a great role model to the students, not to mention her great sense of style! FUN FACT: Chantal is training to be an air-hostess and has A LOT of pets!

JAZZ & ACRO

Caitlin

“I provide my students with opportunities to stretch and shine in new ways beyond the classroom.”

Caitlin has been dancing with RSD since she was 5 years old (one of the original students!). Because she loves dancing so much, she has now become a fully-fledged teacher! She also trains with multiple cheerleading teams, representing NZ in competitions in Australia and the USA! Currently she is studying Computer Science (on a full scholarship) at Auckland University of Technology. If you ask her nicely…she might even show you her back flip! FUN FACT: Caitlin has 2 dogs and loves chocolate!

BABYBALLET, JAZZ, TAP, CONTEMPORARY, CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WIZARD

Tayla

Tayla has been dancing her whole life. She has recently moved up to Auckland (from Christchurch) to study dance at The University of Auckland. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge of dance and is a great role model for her students. She is also our Customer Experience Wizard and RSD, making sure that all our newest dancers feels at home and answers any questions that you may have. FUN FACT: Tayla has a small obsession with Justin Bieber!

BALLET, JAZZ, TAP AND MUSICAL THEATRE

Tess

“I grew up in the studio with a dance teacher that felt like a second mum so I want pass on the same support to my students.”

As a registered Physiotherapist, Tess really understands the body’s biomechanics and movement. Paired with her passion for dance, Tess shows dancers how to move safely, preventing injury but also efficiently. Her bright and bubbly personality creates a relaxed environment, where you can explore what dance means to you. She endeavours to help you get the most out of every class and have fun at the same time! FUN FACT: Miss Tess lived and danced in India for 6 months!

BALLET, JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY, RSD SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Chloe

Chloe has been dancing her whole life, starting with ballet at 3 years old and later moved to Tap, Modern and Contemporary. She has also done Cheerleading for the last 14 years which included travelling abroad to Australia and America several times to represent New Zealand. She studied a diploma in Dance a Theatre Arts Majoring in Classical and Modern Dance, and is now studying a Bachelor of Dance Studies at The University of Auckland. FUN FACT: Her dream car is a Range Rover.

MUSICAL THEATRE, RSD SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Claire

Claire started dancing when she was 5 years old, and hasn’t stopped since! She moved to Sydney after finishing school to study dance full time at an elite professional level, completing both her Certificate IV in Dance Performance & her Diploma in Musical Theatre. During her time in Australia, she was lucky enough to experience many aspects of the dance industry, working on gigs for music videos, X Factor, Eurovision commercials, as well as travelling to India! Claire has been teaching dance since 2012, and loves passing on her passion for dance to her students. She is experienced in teaching a wide range of styles, and ensures her students gain a solid understanding of technique & performance, in an encouraging learning environment. FUN FACT: Flamingos are my spirit animal.

RSD SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Gemma

Gemma started dancing and competing at the young age of 4, training in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet. She competed as a both a soloist and in troupes throughout New Zealand and Australia and has been nominated three times for the NZAMD scholarship. Gemma was also nominated to compete in the Performing Arts Competitions Association NZ 3 years in a row! She completed a year certificate in Contemporary dance at the Hagley Dance Company in Christchurch where she was then lucky enough to gain a place at Unitec. She graduated in 2014, with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. FUN FACT: She has worked as a fire dancer!

RSD SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Millie

“I teach because I love sharing my passion for dance with my students. My classes are fun, upbeat and I strive to create an inclusive and positive experience.”

Like all of us Millie just loves to dance! Since starting dance at the age of 4 she has developed a love of Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Cabaret. She recently completed a Bachelor of Dance Studies Degree at the University of Auckland  and now teaches dance to various groups across Auckland including special needs, elderly and young children. FUN FACT: She was awarded the “Happiest Person” award at her high school graduation!

HIP HOP

Ezra

“I encourage every student to give each dance a try and know they can do anything if they put their mind to it.”

Ezra is a performing artist that has a sense of rhythm, creative ability to showcase choreography, a singer/songwriter, who is also in love with musical theater. She has been dancing from the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped ever since. Ezra loves sharing her passion for dance by giving knowledge and her own experiences through movement. She is so hyped to be at RSD and is excited to share her love for dance with our talented little dancers! Her favorite color is black and favorite food is raw fish and chicken curry. FUN FACT: Ezra has competed at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas twice with two different dance academies.