KMS Dance Studio

General information

Founder and Director Kathleen-Malee Smith trained in Christchurch NZ, gaining her final ballet exam, RAD Solo Seal award, at only 15 years of age under Ann Judson. She then travelled overseas to train in Monte Carlo, Banff, Hamburg and London as well as participating in the Prix de Lausanne and Varna ballet competitions.
A contract offer in Germany saw her remain overseas and from 1992 she was a professional classical ballet/contemporary dancer with the Dresden SemperOper Ballet where a varied repertoire, guest choreographers, international guest artists and world reknown ballet masters provided a platform for personal artistic growth.
An offer to become a founding member and soloist of the Thoss Tanz Kompanie saw Kathleen move to Kiel and subsequently the State Opera House in Hannover as first soloist/principal, with German Choreographer Stephan Thoss. Within this period the company toured Europe, performed in galas including the world reknown Bayreuther Festspiele and Hamburg Ballet's Nijinsky Gala and premiered a vast number of pieces, many of which are now in the repertoire of international ballet companies.

Since returning to New Zealand Kathleen danced with Footnote, completed a BA and attained her Certificate in Tertiary Teaching from AUT University; she also taught part-time on the AUT Bachelor of Dance programme as lecturer and rehearsal director for the AUT BDance Company, adjudicated ballet competitions and taught Master Classes.

In 2014 Kathleen-Malee finally realised her dream of sharing her passion and enthusiasm for the art of ballet by founding her own dance school. Her love of teaching and coaching combined with a professional dance background means students at KMS Dance will be part of a safe, fun yet challenging class environment!

KMS Dance Studio is fully registered to teach the British Ballet Organisation (BBO) syllabus.