“The Fledgling Programme” is a subsidiary of Counterpointe. An audition only programme that exists for the student to has recognised their desire for a professional career as a dancer.
In conjunction with Counterpointe, the vision of The Fledgling Programme is to provide a dance education that sets students on a course for a sustainable professional career as a dancer on the international stage. Students are welcome from any school to attend extension training with The Fledgling Programme. The programme is able to offer each student a course individual to them, to enable them to achieve this. The programme accepts students aged 8-16 in after school hours classes, or a full-time programme is offered during school hours, for which students are enrolled in their secondary education through Te Kura.
The Fledgling is not a typical school experience. There are strictly capped numbers per level and students are accecpted on a yearly basis.
The Fledgling Programme is named after Monica and Daniel’s 36ft ocean-going Yawl called “Fledgling”. A fledgling is a young bird that is learning to fly just as Fledgling Programme students are launching towards their dream careers! “Fledgling” the little ship that could is extremely strong and resilient yet beautiful and elegant. She has all the same qualities we impart to Fledgling Programme students 🩰⛵️
We hope you enjoy this insight below! 🎥
A note from Monica: Growing up in South Canterbury, rural New Zealand I always knew that I wanted to become a professional ballet dancer. Even at a young age somehow I knew that I needed to be focused and goal oriented which enabled me to reach my dreams on the world stage with ballet, leading me to Australia, France, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Ukraine and Russia. I hope to help aspiring dancers to reach their dreams on the world stage with an easier transition than was my experience. This was why The Fledgling Programme was created due to an identified gap in the support available to New Zealand dance students as it is a challenge globally to transition from full-time training to professional employment with low success rates despite the high investment in full-time training as well as the extra geographic considerations that New Zealanders have to contend with.
We look forward to supporting kiwi dancers to plot the course for their dream career on the world stage.
Mission
Supporting young New Zealand dancers to achieve their dreams and exceed their goals by providing the with tools and support they need. Constructing a unique programme around each individual student where the focus is on the individuals goals and how they can reach and exceed them. Providing world-class dance training aligned with extensive academic and well-being programs that enable students to flourish. Balancing technique and artistry with academic needs and holistic care in a nurturing, inclusive, creative and stimulating environment underpinned by the principles of positive education.
Vision
Fledgling programme students will be holistic dancers equipped with all the technical, physical, academic and mental tools they need to succeed professional on the world stage. Technique, Artistry and Musicality work together while the whole dancer is supported with nutrition, cross training and mental well-being. Fledgling programme students plot a course towards the world stage that turns their dreams and goals into reality.
Selwyn Dental is the official sponsor of the Fledgling Programme by Counterpointe.