Our story started in 2009, and since then we have been dedicated to providing a space where students can thrive.
A space for learning, connection, collaboration and growth with all the beauty and joy that comes from movement.
Established in 2009, La Muse offers expert tuition in classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary dance styles as well as acrobatics, aerobics, and pre-school classes.
Owned and operated by Hana Skeggs and Gina Stevens, La Muse aims to provide students with high-quality teaching in a friendly environment, where dancers can achieve excellent results whilst developing their creativity and artistry.
Our studio is located in central Invercargill and has 3 purpose built studio rooms, plus changing room facilities, bathrooms and a kitchen for students.
We offer examinations and competition tuition for our students, and the year culminates in an annual show, showcasing our student’s and giving valuable experience in a professional theatre.
Studio Values
Our studio values that we strive to implement across all that we do, and encourage in our students.
Growth
Encouragement to pursue goals, embrace change and challenges, and feel success
Connection
Relationships built on trust and respect, where students feel safe and welcome
Equality
Providing equal opportunities to everyone, respecting and valuing differences in people
Integrity
Honesty, accountability, reliability, transparency and ethics
Our Team
We are proud to introduce our amazing group of teachers and staff who are committed to providing quality dance education for all our students. Each of our teachers brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, passion, and dedication to their classes.
Teachers
Hana Skeggs RAD RTD
Gina Stevens Dip. Dance ARAD
Shelley Coutts RAD RTD (Distinction)
Dominic Burrows Dip. Dance
Georgie Sunshine
Kristy Tamariki
Hollie WIlls
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Support Staff
Michelle McClintock
Wendy Skeggs
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Senior Student Teachers
La Muse has a long standing tradition with supporting and encouraging students who have a desire to teach dance with our mentor programme. Students begin with helping in junior classes, while observing senior teachers, assisting and gaining the skills required to be able to run classes. This experience is so valuable to these young people, offering employment experience while building their confidence. The rapport that they build with our younger dancers is amazing, and the student teachers are incredible role models to them.
This year we are proud to have the following students as our student teacher team:
Lucy Thomas ARAD
Lexie Caudwell
Ava Skeggs
Sophie Ineson
Natalie Smith
Olivia Thomas
Ella Pope
Neve Templeton
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Trip the Light Fantastic Scholarship
Awarded annually, the 'Trip the Light Fantastic' Scholarship is presented to one or more students who encompass our studio values, and show outstanding work ethic.
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​The dancer receives one years free tuition and is welcome to attend as many classes as he or she wishes.
2024 Recipient: Natalie Smith
Community Engagement
La Muse loves to be part of the vibrant arts scene of Southland! We put our hand up whenever there is an opportunity to engage, to encourage participation, to support and sponsor events, and give performance opportunities to our students to share their love of dance with their communities.
