Dunedin Dance Academy provides a fun, friendly learning environment, encouraging development in our students both inside and outside of classes.  We believe in the importance of any style of dancing and the benefit it provides.  While not every student is on a path to a career on stage, every student will learn techniques that can be applied in their every day lives: self confidence, posture, coordination, goal setting, diligence, practice, flexibility, team work and friendship are just some of the positive attributes dancing provides. 

Principal

Principal, Catherine (Cat) Densham (NZAMD Tap and Jazz (Hons)) has had over 30 years in the dance industry beginning dancing at 6 years old.  Cat has competed in competitions throughout New Zealand, including attending the PACANZ Young Performer of the Year Award four times, twice being placed in the top six dancers in New Zealand.  She was also placed second in New Zealand in the Young Performer of the Year Song and Dance Award.  At just 15 years of age, Cat won the NZAMD Gladys Tonkins Scholarship Award for tap dancing after being nominated by the NZAMD examiner by attaining Distinction in her exams.

After attaining a BA in Psychology from Otago University, Cat moved to Auckland and taught at The Dance Studio, students aged from 4 years old through to adults.  While in Auckland, Cat had the opportunity to teach a special topic paper on tap dancing at Auckland University – a highlight of her career.

Cat is currently the Southern South Island Representative on the Board of the Performing Arts Competitions Association of New Zealand (PACANZ) which run the annual Young Performer of the Year Awards as well as being a member of the Taieri Competitions Society and Mosgiel Ballet Society.  Cat often adjudicates tap and jazz competitions throughout New Zealand, including being a recent adjudicator for the Young Performer of the Year Awards in tap dancing.  While not dancing, she is mum to her three children, Lucy, Elliot and Zoe.