Timetable
Term Dates 2026
Term 1
Saturday 7th February to Thursday 2nd April 2026 (8 weeks). Studio Holidays: No classes Good Friday onwards. Friday 3rd April (Good Friday) team/crew training will be replaced by Team Day Sunday 15th February.
Term 2
Monday 20 April to Monday 29th June 2026 (10 weeks). Studio Holidays: Anzac Day – Saturday 25 April (Anzac Day observed on Monday 27 April) and King’s Birthday – Monday 1 June.
Term 3
Monday 20 July to Saturday 19th September 2026 (9 weeks). EXAM WEEK: Sunday 20th September to Saturday 26th September
Term 4
Monday 12 October to Sunday 6th or 13th December 2026 (depending on year-end demonstration dates) (8 or 9 weeks). Studio Holidays: Labour Day – Monday 26 October.
Dates & News
2026 Dance Planners
At WDA, we have four 'schools' - preschool / junior / grades / senior. Each school has specially tailored age-appropriate workshops, social events, evaluation/exams and performance opportunities. Our 2026 Dance Planners will be available towards the end of Term 1.
Preschool: Tiny Dance, Little Dance, Petite Dance (ages 2.5 - 5)
Junior: Junior Ballet, Jazz or Hip Hop (ages 5-7)
Grades: Grades Ballet, Jazz or Contemporary. (Lavender leotard!) Hip Hop, Lyrical & Acro (ages 7-12)
Senior: Senior Ballet, Jazz or Contemporary (Purple leotard!). Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro & Tap (ages 12+)
Exams
NZAMD EXAMS:
Information about 2026 NZAMD exam entries will be made available in Term 2 2026.
MEDAL AWARDS:
Information about 2026 WDA Medal Awards will be made available in Term 2 2026.
RAD BALLET EXAMS & CLASS AWARDS:
Royal Academy of Dance exam and class awards are available for dancers in Pre Grades - Senior. Information and exam recommendations will be made available in Term 2 2026.
Teams & Solos
Wellington Dance & Performing Arts Academy offers age-appropriate performance opportunities for all students. As students progress through the ballet and jazz grades, this can include learning group or solo routines for dance competitions.
Here are the steps for those interested:
- Talk with your teacher or Suzanne and let them know you are interested.
- If we think it is the right time and fit for you, we will recommend you audition for a team or crew.
- From these, we select soloists.
We have a closed facebook group for WDA families who are involved with teams or solos. Information about upcoming competitions, entry forms etc will be posted there.
Show
Every second year we present our much-loved biannual show, a special opportunity for our dancers to take to the stage and celebrate all they have achieved throughout the year.
In 2026, our Pre-Grade classes+ will perform in our End of Year Demonstration Performances, held at the New Zealand School of Dance. These performances are a wonderful chance for students to share their progress, build confidence, and perform for family and friends.
Save the Date: Sunday 6 December 2026.
More details about schedules, tickets, and performance information will be shared later in the year. We look forward to celebrating the year of dance with you.
Our Preschool and Junior classes will instead work towards a special Certificate Presentation Class in Term 4, where families will be invited into the studio to watch a short class demonstration and celebrate their dancer’s achievements.
