Sharon Tite
Sharon graduated from the National Ballet School (NZQA) under the artistic directorship of Ann Judson (MNZM). While there she had the privilege of learning from ballet masters such as Russell Kerr (QSM), Professor Xu (Beijing Institute), Stanislav Issaev (People’s Artist's of Russia), and attained both her Advanced RAD and BBO exam certificates under the careful expert guidance of Ann Judson.
During her time at the National Ballet School, she was honoured when chosen to travel to Kyoto, Japan to perform with the Higaki Ballet Company in their production of Giselle and Coppelia. Another highlight was the opportunity to dance alongside Julie Kent and Guillaum Graffin in Pas de Trois, LeSylphide. After graduation, Sharon was the first ballet company dancer from New Zealand to be offered a contract with the Guangzhou Ballet Company of China. Following her time in China, she travelled to Canyon Concert Ballet Company, Colorado, the U.S.A. to be mentored once again by Issaev and perform in his production of Peter Pan. Her time in the U.S.A was greatly influenced by Colorado Ballet's Lorita Travaglia who sparked her love for the Vaganova training methodology.
Sharon has taught hundreds of ballet students, entering children of all ages into exams and co-producing Southern Ballet's annual yearly production held at the Isaac Theatre Royal. She has also produced a number of delightful original works for the Junior Ballet Company’s annual Kidsfest season such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Hansel and Gretel, Ballet Cuisine and The Jungle Book.
Sharon also enjoys being a guest tutor, examiner and judge for St. Andrews Ballet Academy, a guest tutor for Convergence Dance School and passing on her passion of classical ballet to the students of Theatre Dance Academy at St Margaret's College
Her passion for teaching and working with students to fulfil their own dance dreams brings her the greatest of joy.
Chloe Parker
I began dancing at the age of 2, & have experience in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, & musical theatre. I was also a rhythmic gymnast for several years.
I’ve completed dance exams in RAD ballet & NZAMD contemporary to high levels, & completed NZAMD jazz, gaining my solo diploma, with distinctions. I’ve had nominations & was a finalist in 2022 at the NZAMD scholarship awards.
I’ve competed extensively over the years in both dance & rhythmic gymnastics throughout New Zealand, in Australia, & America, with many successes. A highlight was gaining 5th highest scoring solo at The World Championships of Dance in Las Vegas, America in 2013. Another was representing Canterbury twice & coming 3rd in New Zealand for level 5 rhythmic gymnastics in 2017. I’ve taken part in many performances around Christchurch over the years, including Christmas in the Park on several occasions.
I have trained at Levings School of Dance, New Zealand School of Dance (classical scholar), Convergence Dance Studio, & JK Performing Arts, & am continuing my dance training.
Lucy Coutts
BCom(Hons) / Dance Educator of 15 years
As the eldest daughter of a dance teacher Lucy’s passion for dance isn’t surprising. She joins Dance Central as an experienced dance teacher. Her journey began at 5 years old, continuing on to study ballet, jazz and contemporary dance to advanced levels.
Alongside her own tuition, she also developed teaching expertise, preparing students of all ages for annual examinations and competitions at the Shelley E. Coutts Dance Academy and later La Muse.
Lucy is a proven competition choreographer with her soloists and troupes achieving success at regional, national and Australasian competitions. She also shares a love of performing and has been a competition soloist, National Young Performer of the Year nominee and even an NPC cheerleader.
A self-professed “batter for the underdog” Lucy promotes inclusive teaching practices and a belief that everyone should enjoy dance regardless of age, gender, body type, or level of experience.
Outside of the studio, Lucy works as a marketer for a leading national media company. She has worked with well-known brands and her business and marketing acumen supports studio growth and engagement.
Destiny Beynon
Destiny has experience in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary. She has been dancing since the age of 4 with Southern Ballet and Convergence Dance Studios. She has also gained distinction in her Advanced 2 BBO and RAD ballet and NZAMD Solo Diploma Jazz and Contemporary.
In 2019 she was awarded a scholarship to DanceWorks London, took part in Showbiz New Zealand’s ‘Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber’ and was a PACANZ Semi Finalist. In 2020-2021 Destiny was a performer in a New Zealand written show ‘Tūmahana’ as well as performing in the Weber Bro’s Circus “The Enchanted Christmas Show.”
Her professional dance career has led her to India which has enabled her to work with choreographers Bosco Martis and Jani Master along side famous personalities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, Tamannaah and Nora Fatehi.
