Our Team
The L'Ecole de Danse team is filled with highly qualified dance teachers. Our aim is to teach children the love of dance in a friendly, caring and creative environment where their talent can be nurtured and developed to the highest potential.
Eriko Finlay
Owner/ Director
Eriko, an NZAMD registered teacher, started teaching dance in Tokyo, Japan in her early 20ʼs after a childhood of ballet and jazz classes. Her experience includes teaching Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Aerobics & Stretch classes in Japan for over 11 years, choreographing for cheerleaders and Japanese pop-stars as well as being a qualified fitness trainer. Eriko was a back up dancer for various Japanese pop stars as well as conducting workshops in Tokyo for back up dancers for singers including artists such as Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson. Eriko also spent some time in New York to further develop her technique and experience. Although Eriko is a very qualified and experienced dancer, she always had a passion for teaching.
Sophie
Ballet Teacher
Sophie is a highly accomplished dancer who has been classically trained in ballet and jazz for over 15 years. Sophie has attained “Distinction” multiple times in her dance exams as well as being nominated for the NZAMD scholarship ballet many times. She has experience in dance competitions, performing in L’Ecole de Danse troupes, and Takapuna Grammar’s Cactus dance company. Sophie is now delighted to be teaching all she has learnt, sharing her passion and love of dance with her students.
Olivia
Dance Acro Teacher
Olivia's love for gymnastics and dance began at an early age and has continued to grow over the years. During her 15 years of competitive gymnastics, Olivia has had the opportunity to train, compete, and coach in various countries. In 2017, she qualified at the USA Gymnastics Women’s State Championships. A few years later, she trained and competed in her home country Sweden, before moving to New Zealand in 2020. Alongside her gymnastics training, Olivia has done various styles of dance, with a focus on acro and contemporary. Her love for dance and acro has always been evident, as she has been choreographing both gymnastics and dance routines since a young age. Olivia is excited to share her passion and help her students build strength, confidence, and skill!
lecolededanse@outlook.com
+64 21 455 106