SABA - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Music Videos for NZ Artists

Job Titles:

• Director - Ballet, Competition Work

Emma began her dance training in Waihi before moving to DEC in Tauranga to continue with her vocational exams in RAD and BBO ballet Modern Jazz and Tap. During this time she had the opportunity to teach the local dancers of Waihi competition work. She continued her studies at the London Contemporary Dance School and graduated with a BA (hons) majoring in Contemporary performance and technique. While living in London Emma began her teacher training mentored by the late Christina Hughes at the British Ballet Organisation where she taught both grades and majors for four years as well as running a small school in North London. She obtained her ABBO and a diploma of teaching specialising in ballet during this time. In 2006 Emma had the opportunity to choreograph a short Contemporary piece for her small company with fellow dancer and current teacher Katie Quirke for the RESOLUTION 2006 festival. Her long term friend Saori Ishimaru had moved to NZ and was teaching at SABA so Emma's transition into the SABA family was easy. She successfully completed her RAD registered teachers status and took over SABA from the legend Valerie Murray in 2012 and hasn't looked back since.

Job Titles:

• Director - Ballet, Jazz, Troupes, Competitions

Hannah Watts has been dancing since the age of three, training in various genres such as Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip-Hop. In 2018 Hannah moved to Sydney, Australia where she attended Brent Street Studios - to complete a full time training course achieving her Diploma in Elite Performance and Performing Arts. 2019 saw Hannah teaching dance at one of Sydney's best Private Girls School (Ascham School) where she was able to further her experience in teaching and spread knowledge and love of dance. In 2015 and 2017 Hannah was apart of the MEBA Senior Jazz Troupe that competed at the USASF Dance Worlds Competition held in Florida placing 3rd in the world (2015) as well as ranking 2nd place internationally. In 2017 her team placed 2nd in the Lyrical Jazz Open Division and ranked 2nd internationally. In 2016 Hannah won the Noel Burnett Tap Award and then went on to place in the top 12 at Tap Nationals and won the ‘Peoples Choice Award' along with the ‘Most Promising Tap Dancer' awarded by the judges. Hannah has also accomplished Solo Seal in NZAMD Jazz, NZAMD Contemporary and both BAL and NZAMD Tap. She has also completed all RAD ballet exams as well as Advanced 2 with Distinction. Dance has been Hannah's passion since she was three and it has taught her many life skills such as dedication, discipline, and teamwork.

Hayz is a free-lance Choreographer, Teacher and Creative Director. Her professional training took place in London at The Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts where she graduated with joint qualification's; a H.Dip in Theatre Arts and ISTD Dance Instruction.