Our Mission & Philosophy
Established in 1986 , Dance Central's mission is to instil a lifelong passion for dance, guiding students to success—whether that’s a professional dance career, mastering technical skills, or simply fostering a love for the art. Led by Iggy Gloy, whose philosophy celebrates dance as ageless, timeless, and joyful, she is proud to share this passion with Dance Central.
Our studio produces exceptional dancers while nurturing a love for the performing arts. We cater to diverse aspirations, from pursuing professional careers to cherishing memories as lifelong enthusiasts. With a team of skilled and dedicated teachers, we prioritize technique, performance, confidence-building, and personal growth.
Dance Central is founded on values of:
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Heart and Soul
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Passion and Integrity
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Honesty and Authenticity
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Focus and Dedication
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Perseverance and Resilience
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Warmth, Love, and Humble Gratitude
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Remarkable Awesomeness
Spread across two sites with four studios, our facilities are designed to inspire creativity and ensure dancer safety with:
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Mirrored walls, barres, and upgraded floors to support skill development and minimise injury risks.
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Comfortable viewing rooms for parents to observe classes.
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A welcoming waiting area for dancers and families to connect.
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Changing rooms and restroom facilities.
At Dance Central, we are committed to excellence, honoring the legacy of our predecessors, and creating an inclusive space where all dancers thrive.
Iggy Gloy
Principal & Director
Iggy brings an exceptional blend of experience, expertise, and passion to her role as Principal of Dance Central. Born in South Africa, Iggy began her journey in Classical Ballet at the age of three, completing RAD Grade exams and Vocationals up to the Advanced level.
Her love for dance led her to the Dale Boddy Academy of Dance, now Dance Central, where she broadened her repertoire to include Contemporary and Jazz. Iggy holds an AJDA Junior Certificate in teaching, a Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies from RAD, and a Certificate in Progressing Ballet Technique, emphasizing her commitment to safe and effective training practices.
Beyond her dance achievements, Iggy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a postgraduate diploma in higher education. During her university years, she directed, choreographed, and performed in numerous shows, further cementing her passion for the performing arts. As a secondary school teacher, she inspired countless students to pursue their dreams in both dance and academia, a testament to her dedication to education and mentorship.
Since assuming ownership of Dance Central in December 2020, Iggy has not only upheld the studio's legacy of excellence but has also driven its growth and evolution. In 2025, her vision for Dance Central reaches a new milestone with the exciting expansion to two campuses, following her acquisition of Dance HQ.
With a heart full of gratitude and excitement for the future, Iggy is poised to lead Dance Central into its next chapter, where the studio's mission to foster a lifelong love of dance continues to shine.
OUR TEAM
Caitlyn McRae
Caitlyn is a former Dance Central student. She started her dancing when she was 5 and continued until the age of 17. She trained in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary which was her passion. Recently she discovered a new love for Hip Hop.
Caitlyn understands the demanding yet incredibly enjoyable nature of Dance. She also knows that a dancer can be faced with numerous hurdles on their journey. Caitlyn has battled health issues that have prevented her from being able to dance and being active. She has managed her condition and is able to start dancing and teaching again!
Grace Bilbie
After 13 years of dancing in Taupo, Grace moved to Australia at the beginning of 2021 after successfully auditioning for EttingshausensPro, a full time dance school in Sydney. Gaining both a Cert IV and Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance.
Grace has always had a huge passion for both teaching and choreographing, having experience in Taupo studios as well as teaching in Sydney, under the guidance of Natalie Ettinghausens & Jo Bolden at Ettingshausens Dynamic Arts. Grace is very excited to begin at Dance Central and bring all her knowledge learnt overseas back to her home town!
Shaz Corin-Goldsmith
Shaz started dancing at Dance Central at the age of 3. She studies Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet. Shaz has completed a range of examinations in RAD Ballet, APDA Contemporary and APDA Jazz. She is also part of the Senior Performance Team and Open Ballet which compete nationally.
"Dance is easily one of the best things about life. It lets me express myself and allows me to be me. I can tell different stories and show different emotions through Dance. I've been part of the Dance Central family for more than 13 years and I wouldn't change it for the world.”
Sophia Blewett
I started dancing at the age of five and have absolutely loved it ever since—I wouldn’t change a second of it for the world! I study Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Jazz. I am also part of the senior hip hop team and captain of the senior performance team. I love competing and choreographing.
I have been part of performance teams for five years, progressing from junior to intermediate and now to senior. I have been fortunate enough to attend PACANZ twice and have also qualified with my team to travel to Christchurch for competition. I am so excited for this year and can't wait to see what else Dance Central has in store!"
Emily Ede
I started dancing at Dance Central when I was four, and I am still actively involved as both a dancer and a teacher! I train in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Additionally, I am a member of the Senior Hip Hop team, the Monarch Team, and the Combined Team. This year, I will also be competing in solo competitions.
In 2022, I received an APDA Top Tier award for Jazz. I have successfully auditioned and performed as a child extra with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 'Hansel and Gretel' (2019), 'Sleeping Beauty' (2020), and 'Giselle' (2021).
Ballet is my favourite genre. This year, I am working on RAD Intermediate, APDA Intermediate 3 Jazz, APDA Contemporary Level 8, and APDA Hip Hop Level 8.
My dance journey has been incredible! I have enjoyed many successes in dance, but I have also faced significant injuries that once threatened to end my dancing. However, my love and passion for dance, along with the resilience and positive mindset it has instilled in me, have helped me overcome these obstacles and recover from my injuries. Dance is both a sport and an art that truly allows you to express yourself and let go.