Maisie Dunning

London-born Maisie moved to New Zealand at the age of four. Her education began at a small rural primary school before she joined the Hibiscus Coast's Kingsway School. She grew up on a modest lifestyle block close to the beach, surrounded by nature and farm animals. During her teens, Maisie became involved in musical theatre, and between studio classes and leaping around the living room with her three sisters, dance became a huge part of her life.

I chose to study at the University of Auckland because of the opportunities and experiences offered on the Dance Studies Programme and the knowledge and calibre of the lecturers. What also led me to this choice was my experience at Open Day. I felt a real sense of a united, encouraging community from the students and staff representing the Dance Studies Programme - something which is really important to me.

The Bachelor of Dance Studies has surpassed all of the expectations I had upon entering the University. I am surrounded by some of the best dancers and educators in dance, and I am thrilled to collaborate and work with these incredible people who are at the forefront of growing dance in New Zealand.

During the second year, we were given the opportunity to lead and teach workshops in an old-aged facility, Starship Children's Hospital and a special education unit. These were all such amazing experiences -  being able to teach a wide range of people all with different abilities. 

In the summer of 2021, I spent my time in the dance studio, completing a summer school paper that took me on a tour of New Zealand. On this tour, I had the opportunity to teach with my peers in different schools and perform a show which my peers and I choreographed. 

At the end of each year, we stage a performance to showcase the choreography we have created during the year. It is such a great chance to support and celebrate each other’s work and show off to our family, friends and dance community what we love and achieve each year. 

The Dance Studies lecturers and supervisors are full of experience, passion and understanding in their field of dance. They  are warm and welcoming and genuinely interested in creating relationships with their students to create an enriched foundation of learning.

The staff's expertise is so diverse, and they are so willing to share their experiences and collaborate with us to teach us more about dance. They are some of the kindest and encouraging people I know and a huge reason why I love the Dance Studies Programme. 

The Bachelor of Dance Studies ensures that by the end of the degree, you will have the knowledge and resources to start up your own business and launch your career - whether that be in dance education (studio or school), movement therapy programmes, or other creative/artistic directing/producing roles, plus freelance dancing and choreography, and many other possible business avenues outside of dance.

A Bachelor of Dance Studies equips you with the knowledge and experience to be able to run your own business within the dance industry, as well as in various other dance networks. You learn how to promote yourself and your personal brand and create business plans, contracts and applications for funding and grants.