The Fledgling Programme
For the serious ballet student wanting intensive semi-private training
Audition for:
full-time | part-time | distance
A specialist classical training pathway within Counterpointe
One school. One classical pathway.
From first ballet steps to professional preparation.
The Fledgling Programme carries the philosophy of Counterpointe into its most focused form. It is Counterpointe’s specialist classical training pathway for serious ballet students who are ready for more.
While Counterpointe offers a complete classical ballet school from Baby Ballet through to RAD classes, performances and vocational training, The Fledgling Programme is a distinct programme within the school. It is designed for students who need to dance — students who are ready to take their training seriously and begin turning their dream into reality.
It is a carefully guided pathway for dancers who need stronger technical foundations, greater accountability, private coaching and a clear route towards dancing on the world stage.
The Fledgling Programme remains part of the wider Counterpointe school, but it is a specialist pathway for students who are ready to be challenged, believed in, corrected carefully and prepared for the next step.
Train with teachers who understand where you are going
A dancer with professional aspirations needs more than classes. They need guidance from teachers who understand the standards, expectations, auditions, discipline and training culture required beyond New Zealand.
The Fledgling Programme is led at its heart by Monica Brosnahan and Daniel Cooper. Monica’s own pathway through international ballet training and professional performance gives students something rare: guidance from a teacher who has been where they are trying to go.
As the first New Zealander selected for the Vaganova Prix International Ballet Competition in St Petersburg, and a professional dancer with experience across Europe and internationally, Monica brings first-hand knowledge of the classical ballet world into the studio.
With the right training, the right guidance and a teacher who believes in them, young dancers from Christchurch can step confidently toward some of the world’s most respected ballet institutions.
What makes The Fledgling Programme different?
The Fledgling Programme offers small-group, international-standard classical ballet training based on European schools and is the only school in New Zealand offering a full length annual ballet with a live orchestra.
Your Fledgling Programme may include:
Classical ballet with live piano accompaniment
Pointe work and pointe development
Repertoire and variations
Private coaching
Conditioning and gymnastics
Pilates Reformer
Musical training and Chorale
Audition coaching and International pathway guidance
Performance opportunities with live music and professional artists. Full length annual ballet accompanied by orchestra.
This is a programme for students who need to dance. We can help YOU take flight towards your dream.
Click here to view The Fledgling Programme prospectus
Student success:
Two 2025 graduates have completed their first year of study at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, St Petersburg Russia and Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Moscow Russia. Both have been accepted to return for a second year.
2025 & 2026 Students have also been accepted into summer programmes with Princess Grace Academy, The Royal Ballet School, John Cranko School, Russian Masters International, Hungarian Dance University, Dutch National Ballet Academy, Royal Danish Ballet School and Norwegian National Ballet School.
