FOUNDER

Marguerite Howlett

My classes provide opportunities for dancers to grow and shine! I encourage every student to improve on one thing, THEIR thing and not compare themselves to others. We are all on our own journey, but doing it together makes it that much better!
When students leave my studio, the one thing I want them to walk away feeling is proud that they have something to contribute to our world!

Marguerite founded The Renaissance School of Dance in Papatoetoe in 2004. She can teach all dance styles, but prefers to oversee the whole studio. 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, festivals and in the theatre.
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.
FUN FACTS: Loves reading, board games, lemon cheesecake frooze ball, sushi and pizza!

THE BUSINESS MANAGER & MARGUERITE’S MUM

Chris Howlett

My role at RSD consists of: the entire uniform process from ordering our supplies to sending paid orders to classes for our dancers. I also look after the financial aspects of RSD from paying supplies, teachers, operating costs to receiving fees from customers and following up invoices not paid.
Near show time I am busy with costume purchases, designing and creating, and alterations after TryOn weekend. I also organise many background requirements of the shows.  I also look after my grandson, Jayden when I need to! I love my work at RSD and even though I am not seen often I love the atmosphere in the studio as we are ALL awesome together.
FUN FACT :  I love any food that I have not had to cook! Although I do enjoy cooking!

JAZZ, ACRO, RSD SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Caitlin

I have been dancing with RSD for 15 years! My classes are exciting, and full of fun! I like to see every dancer leave with the feeling of achievement and knowing they have learnt something new.

FUN FACTS:
I have a Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences, and graduated top of my Major! I have been cheerleading for 10 years and I am travelling to Florida in April to compete at the World Championships. I love chocolate, sushi, and SHOPPING!

babyballet, LIL'LEAPERS, TINY TUMBLERS, BALLET

Summer

I provide a safe and fun environment for my students and their families to feel happy, inspired and confident. My class provides opportunities for students to be their best creative selves!
FUN FACTS: My greatest achievement is my bachelor of arts majoring in psychology and diploma in commercial dance, I love to read and write, i love animals (I have horses cats dogs and a rabbit!), my favourite food is chocolate.

JAZZ, HIP HOP, CONTEMPORARY, RSD SCHOOLS PROGRAM, SOCIAL MEDIA GURU

Millie

I started dancing when I was 4 years old and have absolutely loved it ever since! My classes are fun, happy and inclusive. If my students leave my class with a smile on their face then I know I have done a good job.
FUN FACTS: I have a Bachelor of Dance Studies from Auckland University, I am in a dance company called Finesse Entertainment (I love performing and wearing snazzy costumes), I love dogs, coffee and my favourite colour is purple.

FACILITIES MANAGER

Michael

I’m the Facilities Manager, which is a fancy word for saying; I do a little of everything in the background at RSD that doesn’t include teaching dance. From making the TV work to fixing the toilet to encouraging and supporting Marguerite and the team. I also make sure the studio is very busy all the time, so if you know people wanting to hire the Papatoetoe studio space, let me know!!! FUN FACTS: I’m currently working on a dance routine with my dance partner, but it’s taking a long time, so it’ll be the middle of the year before you’ll get to see it. My favorite past time is video editing, you’ve probably seen some of my work on our Social media channels.

TAP & MUSICAL THEATRE

Amy

?? Introducing our 2020 RSD team! Miss Amy! ?? I started dancing when I was 4 years old (best birthday present ever!) and haven’t stopped since. I encourage my students to express themselves on and off the stage, growing into the performers and people that they want to be. My classes provide an engaging experience for them to explore themselves through dance.

FUN FACTS: I’m studying a Bachelor of Communications and am working towards getting my own YA fantasy book published. I also love Twenty One Pilots, real fruit ice cream, and tabletop games!

JAZZ & TAP

Emma

Miss Emma still believes in fairies and thinks it is amazing that she can earn a living this way! Being a babyballet teacher is all about FUN and being a little bit SILLY. Kids who are learning to dance, being creative and having fun are happy kids and it’s a joy to see them smile!

Miss Emma graduated from the Auckland City Ballet Centre in 2001 and went on to dance professionally all over the world. Dancing on cruise ships and travelling to all the different parts of the world was a dream come true. After 11 years on cruise ships and reaching her ultimate dream as Cruise Director, she is now over the moon to be teaching the babyballet stars at RSD.

FUN FACTS: Peter Pan is her all time favourite children’s story. If she only had to eat one food for the rest of her life it would be potato chips. Any flavour

BALLET

Emily

I have been dancing ballet since I was 5 and recently completed my degree in Dance Studies from the University of Auckland, and I plan on taking my Masters in Dance Therapy this year. Within my teaching I strive to create an inclusive and supportive classroom where students can share and connect through the fun of dance. As you can see dance is an important part of my life and I firmly believe that dancing is for everyone. We all carry unique stories that we can share through our dance.

FUN FACTS: I have travelled to 10 different countries and am hoping to add to that, I love cats (my favourites are ragdolls or ginger kittens), I have toured through Asia teaching and dancing in China, Myanmar and Singapore

HIP HOP

Faith

In my classes I like to engage with every student and ensure that they are learning whilst having fun. My favourite part of class is seeing the new shy kids leave class with so much confidence.
FUN FACTS: I started Hip Hop in 2008 with the Lil Saintz Dance Crew and now I’m part of the leadership team of Saintz Dance Academy! I have a Bachelors Degree majoring in Contemporary Dance and I’ve been to the World Hip Hop Champions in America three times.
Welcome to the RSD family Faith! We are so excited to have you join our family! ?

BABYBALLET

Rebekah

I have been dancing since I was 4 years old and have loved it ever since. I always try to provide a fun, encouraging and positive environment for my students. My classes provide opportunities for students to find their love of dance and to be able to express themselves through movement, just as I did. I encourage students to have fun, develop as a dancer and build confidence so they can be the best they can be.

FUN FACTS: My favourite chocolate is Whittakers Berry and Biscuit, currently in my final year of study for Occupational Therapy, and love reading historical fiction.