Adriana Harper is the Director of Ballet Nelson and a highly experienced dance professional with over 20 years in the industry. Originally from Coromandel, she trained under Val Murray before graduating from the New Zealand School of Dance with a Diploma in Dance and Solo Seal.

She went on to enjoy an 11-year career with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, performing leading roles in productions such as Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and Dracula, and touring internationally.

Following an ACL injury, Adriana transitioned into teaching, bringing her professional experience into the studio. She now teaches ballet, contemporary and conditioning, and is currently completing her Royal Academy of Dance teacher training.

As Director of Ballet Nelson, Adriana is known for her supportive, thoughtful approach and her commitment to helping dancers grow in both confidence and technique.

RAD RTS, BA(Hons) Psychology, BA Creative Writing

Cara is a registered Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet teacher and has her Advanced & Solo Seal Performance Diploma with the New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD). She grew up in the Bay of Plenty and trained under Gillian Moore, and Prue and Debbie Gooch in ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Cara also has a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in psychology. She is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in creative arts therapy and is passionate about exploring the therapeutic benefits of different creative expressions, including dance.

Cara enjoys passing on her love of dance to others and fosters an empowering learning environment for students of all ages. For several years, she taught hip hop, ballet, and a competitive contemporary troupe in Tauranga. Her various performing and choreographing work experiences include festivals, workshops, school productions, Christmas events, and musical theatre. In her second of year teaching at Ballet Nelson, Cara believes you are never too old to dance and it’s never too late to try something new!

Soph is a freelance artist based in Whakatū, with extensive experience performing on stage, supporting backstage, and more recently extending her skills into the aerial arts communities. An alumni of Unitec’s Contemporary Dance Program she aspires to share her love of story telling with all who seek curiosity, regardless of their experience or abilities.

She is passionate about connections between people and the sharing and storytelling that coincides, which is where her inspiration is drawn for lessons and choreography. She is thrilled to be joining the team at Ballet Nelson, this time in the studio rather than sidestage for the 2026 Summer Intensive.

Class offerings include Contemporary Technique and Choreographic Workshoping, supporting student’s to deep dive into their individuality and personal movement or performative curiosities whilst gaining knowledge into the longevity of their dance lives.

“I’m keen to get into the studio to learn and grow alongside the students. Together we’ll explore and challenge ourselves and our bodies through movement with our imagination being our only limitation, while having a great time of course! I think it’s important to enjoy what we do.”