The Fledgling Programme supports the young dancer all the way through their journey.

The Fledgling Programme is a specialist, audition-based classical training pathway within Counterpointe, supporting students from the first stages of serious classical development through to full-time pre-professional preparation.

Students may train through after-school extension classes, part-time training, full-time training or distance support, depending on their age, level, location and goals.

Places are deliberately limited at each levelFor some students, this means stronger foundations and deeper classical understanding. For others, it means preparing to leap directly from Christchurch toward the world stage. At every level, the goal is the same: to provide serious classical training, individual guidance and the belief needed to help each dancer take their next step.

3 Programme levels provide a clear pathway to progress towards launching on the world stage.

Hatchling (L1)- Ages 8 + & RAD Grade 2–4 or equivalent.

The Hatchling Level is the first serious step for young dancers beginning formal classical ballet training. Admission is strictly by audition, with only six to eight places available each year, ensuring personalised attention from the outset.

This is a pivotal stage — where curiosity meets discipline, and where a dancer’s foundational years are carefully shaped with intention and warmth.

Two young ballet dancers in purple leotards and beige tights practicing at a ballet barre in a studio with white walls, large windows, and ballet-themed artwork.

Nestling (L2) - Ages 10 + & RAD grade 5 or equivalent

Nestling Level training is the next step for dancers ready to deepen their commitment to classical ballet. With only four to six places available per year, this level builds on the technical base established at Hatchling and prepares dancers for more advanced opportunities.

Nestling dancers begin stepping into their own artistry while developing the discipline and resilience required for higher-level study.

A ballet dancer performing a jump on stage, wearing a white dress with pink accents and a red corset, with a black background.
Ballet dancer performing on stage in a cream-colored tutu with red embellishments, jumping with legs spread wide and arms extended, casting a shadow behind her.

Fledgling (L3) Full-time training - 14yrs +

Fledgling is a full-time ballet training programme offering New Zealand’s most personalised coaching.
Classes are capped at four students, with unlimited private training, international-standard instruction, and a curriculum designed for dancers preparing for professional pathways and overseas auditions.
A dedicated, results-driven programme for serious young dancers with the results speaking for themselves

Part-Time Training (Hatchling/Nestling)

Part-time training is suitable for students who are ready for serious classical development while continuing with school, family commitments or training elsewhere.

Part-time students receive focused extension training within a small-group environment. They remain connected to the wider Fledgling pathway and may be supported with technical development, pointe preparation, repertoire, competition coaching, audition preparation and individual training goals.

For many students, part-time training is the bridge between general ballet classes and a more intensive vocational or pre-professional pathway.

It allows dancers to build stronger foundations, develop greater discipline and begin to understand what serious classical training requires.

Full-Time Training (Fledgling)

Full-time training is designed for students who are ready for intensive daily study and pre-professional preparation.

This pathway is highly individualised and is suited to dancers who wish to work towards international auditions, company-affiliated schools, vocational training or a future professional pathway.

Full-time students are supported through a carefully structured programme that may include classical ballet, pointe work, repertoire, variations, conditioning, Pilates Reformer, contemporary, RAD preparation, private coaching, audition coaching and international pathway planning.

The advantage of full-time Fledgling training is the level of individual attention available. Small group training, unlimited private tuition, use of the Counterpointe studio leads to rapid progress.

For suitable students, full-time training allows for a focused and purposeful period of preparation before taking the next step toward the international ballet world.

Distance Training

Distance training may be available for suitable students outside Christchurch.

This pathway is designed for dancers who are unable to attend regular weekly classes but who would still benefit from Fledgling Programme guidance, coaching and pathway support.

Distance training may include private coaching, video feedback, training plans, audition preparation, repertoire guidance, application support and visits to Christchurch where appropriate.

This option is considered on a case-by-case basis. It is most suitable for students who are self-motivated, well supported at home and able to take responsibility for their own practice between coaching sessions.

The aim of distance training is not to replace daily studio work, but to provide serious students with expert guidance, structure and support when location makes regular attendance difficult.

Wider Fledgling Support

The Fledgling Programme is not only about classes.

Students are supported in and out of the studio as they learn to take greater responsibility for their training, preparation and goals.

This support may include:

  • Fledgling correction notebook and pen

  • Ongoing mentoring and progress discussions

  • Access to selected masterclasses and workshops

  • Use of studio

  • Competition preparation and teacher support

  • Solo choreography

  • Music selection, editing and cutting

  • Costume design advice and assistance

  • Pointe shoe fitting advice

  • Audition preparation including DVD filming

  • Letters of support and application guidance

  • Training plans and individual goal setting

  • Character development activities, including sailing

This wider support reflects the purpose of The Fledgling Programme.

A serious ballet student needs more than a class timetable. They need correction, guidance, planning, encouragement, honesty and accountability. They need teachers who understand not only what they are doing in the studio today, but where they are trying to go.

At Counterpointe, we expect Fledgling students to take ownership of their training. We encourage them to listen carefully, record corrections, practise independently, communicate clearly and approach their work with maturity and discipline.

In return, we commit to supporting each dancer with care, belief and the support needed to reach their goals.

The goal is to help students become not only stronger dancers, but more responsible, resilient and prepared young artists who will take flight and thrive.