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Our
Story

Neverland Studios was established in 1992 and has become one of NZs leading dance studios, providing excellent tuition across a wide range of genres.

Neverland prides itself in developing well rounded, capable and respectful dancers who will emerge from their training well equipped to embark on a career in dance, or simply be better prepared for any aspect of their lives by developing confidence, work ethic, independence and respect for themselves and others.

Anyone that attends Neverland quickly discovers it is so much more than a dance studio. The passion that flows through all the teachers and students is a contagious energy that inspires and empowers all members of the Neverland family to thrive and succeed, while having an awesome time and building new friendships.

Neverland is a place to connect to your audience, connect to each other and connect to yourself.

OUR
STORY

Neverland Studios was established in 1992 and has become one of NZs leading dance studios, providing excellent tuition across a wide range of genres.

Neverland prides itself in developing well rounded, capable and respectful dancers who will emerge from their training well equipped to embark on a career in dance, or simply be better prepared for any aspect of their lives by developing confidence, work ethic, independence and respect for themselves and others.

Anyone that attends Neverland quickly discovers it is so much more than a dance studio. The passion that flows through all the teachers and students is a contagious energy that inspires and empowers all members of the Neverland family to thrive and succeed, while having an awesome time and building new friendships.

Neverland is a place to connect to your audience, connect to each other and connect to yourself.

Secure your spot today

Meet the team

Neverland teaching team at the annual retreat focusing on training and planning for the year ahead

Owner / Director

Ash Habgood

Ash has been a part of the studio since 1993, starting as a young dancer. Her dedication led her to teaching, and at just 21 years old, she took a bold step by purchasing the studio and becoming its passionate director. This milestone marked the start of her leadership journey, shaping Neverland into the vibrant dance community it is today.

Ash has been a part of the studio since 1993, starting as a young dancer. Her dedication led her to teaching, and at just 21 years old, she took a bold step by purchasing the studio and becoming its passionate director. This milestone marked the start of her leadership journey, shaping Neverland into the vibrant dance community it is today.

Having held nearly every role in the company over the years, Ash is now the Strategic and Creative Director of Neverland. She still teaches weekly, enjoying the balance of interacting with students while steering Neverland on its journey to becoming a leading dance school in New Zealand. A major focus for Ash is writing and directing the end-of-year show, the culmination and highlight of a year's hard work from all students and teachers. Ash's goal is to ensure that Neverland remains an amazing and dynamic place for its staff, parents, and dancers.

Passionate and ambitious, Ash always expects the best from her students and team members. She is fully committed to reaching new heights and aspirations for the entire Neverland community.

Owner / Director

Alley Williams

Alley’s journey with Neverland began at the age of 7, when she first joined the studio, quickly developing a passion for dance and becoming a dedicated student. By 17, she transitioned from dancer to teacher at Neverland. Over the years, her leadership, dedication, and ability to connect with others have helped shape Neverland into the community it is today. Now one of Neverland's Directors, Alley plays an essential role in shaping the studio’s vision and direction.

Alley’s journey with Neverland began at the age of 7, when she first joined the studio, quickly developing a passion for dance and becoming a dedicated student. By 17, she transitioned from dancer to teacher at Neverland. Over the years, her leadership, dedication, and ability to connect with others have helped shape Neverland into the community it is today. Now one of Neverland's Directors, Alley plays an essential role in shaping the studio’s vision and direction.

Alley leads all logistics at Neverland, seamlessly coordinating all the moving parts to ensure the studios run like a well-oiled machines, all while teaching at both the North and East branches. Over the years, she has played and continues to hold a key role in major events, including the end-of-year show and international dance trips.

With extensive experience in the Auckland commercial dance scene, Alley has also taught NZQA dance in North Shore secondary schools and has been a Capezio NZ sales representative. Her deep passion for dance and exceptional organisational skills make her an integral part of Neverland's success.

She holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts, majoring in Dance, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching from The University of Auckland.

Studio Director

Michelle Christensen

Michelle's role is to ensure that Neverland remains the progressive and innovative home of dance that our community know and love. As part of her work, she has the privilege of training prospective teachers through the Internship Programme and collaborating with our talented staff to support their ongoing professional development.

Michelle's role is to ensure that Neverland remains the progressive and innovative home of dance that our community know and love. As part of her work, she has the privilege of training prospective teachers through the Internship Programme and collaborating with our talented staff to support their ongoing professional development. She also oversees staff management, ensuring the team is empowered, supported, and aligned with Neverland’s vision.

Having danced with Neverland since the age of 3 and beginning her teaching journey at just 15, Michelle naturally progressed from teacher to management and now to her role as a Director. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to be a great Neverland teacher. She views teaching holistically, focusing on far more than just movement.

Michelle loves her job because it allows her to champion incredible people. She thrives on celebrating what makes each teacher unique, helping to refine their strengths so they can better serve students in the classroom. For Michelle, the greatest reward is seeing students flourish under the guidance of passionate teachers.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Criminology, and a Diploma in Applied Ministry. She has worked extensively with children, youth, and young adults in the community—an area she continues to be involved in.

Extend Manager

Emma Clelland

Emma plays a pivotal role in managing all of Neverland’s talented crews and troupes, which form the Neverland Extend Programme. She is responsible for the organisation and coordination to ensure that each event and competition runs smoothly. In addition to her management duties, Emma oversees the general well-being and development of some of Neverland's top dancers, providing mentorship and support.

Emma plays a pivotal role in managing all of Neverland’s talented crews and troupes, which form the Neverland Extend Programme. She is responsible for the organisation and coordination of various performances, gigs, competitions, and costumes, ensuring that each event runs smoothly. In addition to her management duties, Emma oversees the general well-being and development of some of Neverland's top dancers, providing mentorship and support. She also leads content creation for the studio and plays an integral part as one of our senior teachers across both studios.

Emma's dance journey with Neverland began in 2013, where she quickly developed a deep love for the studio's culture. Her commitment and natural leadership skills led her to join the management team in 2016, and her career took off from there. In 2014, she completed the Neverland Internship Programme, further honing her teaching skills and gaining valuable experience. Today, Emma enjoys teaching a wide range of students, from young beginners to more advanced dancers, and is deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers.

After completing her studies, Emma transitioned into full-time employment at Neverland Studios, where she continues to thrive as a key member of the team.

Studio Manager

Stephanie Day

Steph is the friendly face you'll often see in the Neverland office, where she plays a crucial role in managing communication between dancers, parents, and staff. She oversees all aspects of administration, ensuring smooth operations at the studio. While her primary duties are office-based, Steph also plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the studios and contributes to managing events and logistics at Neverland.

Steph is the friendly face you'll often see in the Neverland office, where she plays a crucial role in managing communication between dancers, parents, and staff. She oversees all aspects of administration, ensuring smooth operations at the studio. While her primary duties are office-based, Steph also plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the studios and contributes to managing events and logistics at Neverland.

Before joining Neverland, Steph worked at a Pilates and Physio Clinic, where she was both a receptionist and an instructor. This experience allowed her to combine her passion for teaching with her interest in management, a balance that inspired her to pursue the role she now holds at Neverland. In 2016, Steph completed the Neverland Studios Internship Programme, further developing her skills in both teaching and studio operations. Today, she enjoys the unique combination of teaching alongside her administrative and management responsibilities, finding fulfillment in supporting both students and the wider team.

After graduating from school, Steph went on to complete a Bachelor of Dance Studies at the University of Auckland. Her academic background, paired with her practical experience in dance and management, has shaped her into an invaluable member of the Neverland team, where she continues to grow and contribute.

Head of Marketing

Tayla Gibson

Tayla is the driving force behind all marketing aspects at Neverland, ensuring the studio continues to thrive and evolve. She is responsible for developing and executing strategies that keep Neverland’s presence vibrant and engaging both within our own community and beyond. In addition to her marketing leadership, Tayla coordinates a range of events and initiatives that promote the studio’s culture and foster connections.

Tayla is the driving force behind all marketing aspects at Neverland, ensuring the studio continues to thrive and evolve. She is responsible for developing and executing strategies that keep Neverland’s presence vibrant and engaging both within our own community and beyond. In addition to her marketing leadership, Tayla coordinates a range of events and initiatives that promote the studio’s culture and foster connections.

Tayla also manages all aspects of Neverland’s uniform and dancewear, overseeing the selection, ordering, and distribution to ensure that every dancer feels comfortable and looks slick, while also fostering a sense of pride and confidence both in and outside the studio.

After leaving school, Tayla took a break from dancing to explore other passions, gaining a broader perspective and valuable experience. However, her love for dance eventually brought her back, and she joined Neverland, where she combined her skills from other fields with her passion for dance. This unique blend of experiences allowed her to seamlessly step into her current role, where she thrives in both creative and organisational areas.

Tayla is committed to ensuring the Neverland continues to evolve and is a place where both students and staff are motivated and empowered.

Management

Grace Davies

Grace joined Neverland in 2019 as part of the Moxie team in the Extend Programme. Despite living in Taupō, she commuted to Auckland weekly for 3 years to continue to be a part of the Neverland community. Now a senior teacher, Grace is known for her infectious personality and ability to cultivate a love for dance in her students. She has since stepped into a management role, where she brings her expertise and passion to support both teaching and administrative aspects of the studio.

Grace joined Neverland in 2019 as part of the Moxie team in the Extend Programme. Despite living in Taupō, she commuted to Auckland weekly for 3 years to continue to be a part of the Neverland community. Now a senior teacher, Grace is known for her infectious personality and ability to cultivate a love for dance in her students. She has since stepped into a management role, where she brings her expertise and passion to support both teaching and administrative aspects of the studio.

Grace danced with Moxie from 2019 to 2022, a period of immense growth and achievement that laid the foundation for her future in dance education.

In 2021, Grace began teaching as part of the Neverland Internship Programme, which launched her teaching career. Grace has a natural talent for working with under-5s, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for the Neverland's youngest dancers. Grace is also a valued member of the admin team, contributing to the smooth running of the studio behind the scenes.

In 2024, Grace graduated university with a degree in Nutrition, showcasing her commitment to personal growth and her diverse range of skills. Her dedication, both inside and outside the studio, makes her a fundamental part of the Neverland team.

Management

Hannah Salatielu

Hannah has been part of Neverland since the age of 5, beginning with syllabus jazz classes with Michelle as her first teacher. She progressed through the Extend programme and, in 2019, joined the Neverland Internship Programme, marking the start of her teaching journey at the studio. Since then, Hannah has become a dedicated teacher and an integral member of Neverland management, where she supports the wider team and helps lead the same Internship Programme she once participated in.

Hannah has been part of Neverland since the age of 5, beginning with syllabus jazz classes with Michelle as her first teacher. She progressed through the Extend programme and, in 2019, joined the Neverland Internship Programme, marking the start of her teaching journey at the studio. Since then, Hannah has become a dedicated teacher and an integral member of Neverland management, where she supports the wider team and helps lead the same Internship Programme she once participated in.

Hannah’s time as a dancer in the Extend Programme was marked by exceptional dedication and growth. She began competing with Indigo Kids in 2015 and continued to thrive in teams such as Hijinx, Silhouette, Cadettes, and Moxie, until 2022.

Now a senior teacher, Hannah has been actively involved in both national and international trips, creating unforgettable experiences and furthering the growth of Neverland dancers. In addition to teaching, she is also a valued member of the admin team, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the studio in multiple ways.

Graduating with a degree in Sociology in 2024, Hannah's academic success reflects her commitment to understanding people and communities, a passion that aligns seamlessly with her role at Neverland.

Is Dance Your Thing?

Careers & Interns

Meet the team

Neverland staff at the annual retreat focusing on training and planning for the year ahead

Owner / Director

Ash Habgood

Ash has been a part of the studio since 1993, starting as a young dancer. Her dedication led her to teaching, and at just 21 years old, she took a bold step by purchasing the studio and becoming its passionate director. This milestone marked the start of her leadership journey, shaping Neverland into the vibrant dance community it is today.

Ash has been a part of the studio since 1993, starting as a young dancer. Her dedication led her to teaching, and at just 21 years old, she took a bold step by purchasing the studio and becoming its passionate director. This milestone marked the start of her leadership journey, shaping Neverland into the vibrant dance community it is today.

Having held nearly every role in the company over the years, Ash is now the Strategic and Creative Director of Neverland. She still teaches weekly, enjoying the balance of interacting with students while steering Neverland on its journey to becoming a leading dance school in New Zealand. A major focus for Ash is writing and directing the end-of-year show, the culmination and highlight of a year's hard work from all students and teachers. Ash's goal is to ensure that Neverland remains an amazing and dynamic place for its staff, parents, and dancers.

Passionate and ambitious, Ash always expects the best from her students and team members. She is fully committed to reaching new heights and aspirations for the entire Neverland community.

Owner / Director

Alley Williams

Alley’s journey with Neverland began at the age of 7, when she first joined the studio, quickly developing a passion for dance and becoming a dedicated student. By 17, she transitioned from dancer to teacher at Neverland. Over the years, her leadership, dedication, and ability to connect with others have helped shape Neverland into the community it is today. Now one of Neverland's Directors, Alley plays an essential role in shaping the studio’s vision and direction.

Alley’s journey with Neverland began at the age of 7, when she first joined the studio, quickly developing a passion for dance and becoming a dedicated student. By 17, she transitioned from dancer to teacher at Neverland. Over the years, her leadership, dedication, and ability to connect with others have helped shape Neverland into the community it is today. Now one of Neverland's Directors, Alley plays an essential role in shaping the studio’s vision and direction.

Alley leads all logistics at Neverland, seamlessly coordinating all the moving parts to ensure the studios run like a well-oiled machines, all while teaching at both the North and East branches. Over the years, she has played and continues to hold a key role in major events, including the end-of-year show and international dance trips.

With extensive experience in the Auckland commercial dance scene, Alley has also taught NZQA dance in North Shore secondary schools and has been a Capezio NZ sales representative. Her deep passion for dance and exceptional organisational skills make her an integral part of Neverland's success.

She holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts, majoring in Dance, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching from The University of Auckland.

Studio Director

Michelle Christensen

Michelle's role is to ensure that Neverland remains the progressive and innovative home of dance that our community know and love. As part of her work, she has the privilege of training prospective teachers through the Internship Programme and collaborating with our talented staff to support their ongoing professional development. She also oversees staff management, ensuring the team is empowered, supported, and aligned with Neverland’s vision.

Michelle's role is to ensure that Neverland remains the progressive and innovative home of dance that our community know and love. As part of her work, she has the privilege of training prospective teachers through the Internship Programme and collaborating with our talented staff to support their ongoing professional development. She also oversees staff management, ensuring the team is empowered, supported, and aligned with Neverland’s vision.

Having danced with Neverland since the age of 3 and beginning her teaching journey at just 15, Michelle naturally progressed from teacher to management and now to her role as a Director. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to be a great Neverland teacher. She views teaching holistically, focusing on far more than just movement.

Michelle loves her job because it allows her to champion incredible people. She thrives on celebrating what makes each teacher unique, helping to refine their strengths so they can better serve students in the classroom. For Michelle, the greatest reward is seeing students flourish under the guidance of passionate teachers.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Criminology, and a Diploma in Applied Ministry. She has worked extensively with children, youth, and young adults in the community—an area she continues to be involved in.

Extend Manager

Emma Clelland

Emma plays a pivotal role in managing all of Neverland’s talented crews and troupes, which form the Neverland Extend Programme. She is responsible for the organisation and coordination to ensure that each event and competition runs smoothly. In addition to her management duties, Emma oversees the general well-being and development of some of Neverland's top dancers, providing mentorship and support.

Emma plays a pivotal role in managing all of Neverland’s talented crews and troupes, which form the Neverland Extend Programme. She is responsible for the organisation and coordination of various performances, gigs, competitions, and costumes, ensuring that each event runs smoothly. In addition to her management duties, Emma oversees the general well-being and development of some of Neverland's top dancers, providing mentorship and support. She also leads content creation for the studio and plays an integral part as one of our senior teachers across both studios.

Emma's dance journey with Neverland began in 2013, where she quickly developed a deep love for the studio's culture. Her commitment and natural leadership skills led her to join the management team in 2016, and her career took off from there. In 2014, she completed the Neverland Internship Programme, further honing her teaching skills and gaining valuable experience. Today, Emma enjoys teaching a wide range of students, from young beginners to more advanced dancers, and is deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers.

After completing her studies, Emma transitioned into full-time employment at Neverland Studios, where she continues to thrive as a key member of the team.

Studio Manager

Stephanie Day

Steph is the friendly face you'll often see in the Neverland office, where she plays a crucial role in managing communication between dancers, parents, and staff. She oversees all aspects of administration, ensuring smooth operations at the studio. While her primary duties are office-based, Steph also plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the studios and contributes to managing events and logistics at Neverland.

Steph is the friendly face you'll often see in the Neverland office, where she plays a crucial role in managing communication between dancers, parents, and staff. She oversees all aspects of administration, ensuring smooth operations at the studio. While her primary duties are office-based, Steph also plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the studios and contributes to managing events and logistics at Neverland.

Before joining Neverland, Steph worked at a Pilates and Physio Clinic, where she was both a receptionist and an instructor. This experience allowed her to combine her passion for teaching with her interest in management, a balance that inspired her to pursue the role she now holds at Neverland. In 2016, Steph completed the Neverland Studios Internship Programme, further developing her skills in both teaching and studio operations. Today, she enjoys the unique combination of teaching alongside her administrative and management responsibilities, finding fulfillment in supporting both students and the wider team.

After graduating from school, Steph went on to complete a Bachelor of Dance Studies at the University of Auckland. Her academic background, paired with her practical experience in dance and management, has shaped her into an invaluable member of the Neverland team, where she continues to grow and contribute.

Head of Marketing

Tayla Gibson

Tayla is the driving force behind all marketing aspects at Neverland, ensuring the studio continues to thrive and evolve. She is responsible for developing and executing strategies that keep Neverland’s presence vibrant and engaging both within our own community and beyond. In addition to her marketing leadership, Tayla coordinates a range of events and initiatives that promote the studio’s culture and foster connections.

Tayla is the driving force behind all marketing aspects at Neverland, ensuring the studio continues to thrive and evolve. She is responsible for developing and executing strategies that keep Neverland’s presence vibrant and engaging both within our own community and beyond. In addition to her marketing leadership, Tayla coordinates a range of events and initiatives that promote the studio’s culture and foster connections.

Tayla also manages all aspects of Neverland’s uniform and dancewear, overseeing the selection, ordering, and distribution to ensure that every dancer feels comfortable and looks slick, while also fostering a sense of pride and confidence both in and outside the studio.

After leaving school, Tayla took a break from dancing to explore other passions, gaining a broader perspective and valuable experience. However, her love for dance eventually brought her back, and she joined Neverland, where she combined her skills from other fields with her passion for dance. This unique blend of experiences allowed her to seamlessly step into her current role, where she thrives in both creative and organisational areas.

Tayla is committed to ensuring the Neverland continues to evolve and is a place where both students and staff are motivated and empowered.

Management

Grace Davies

Grace joined Neverland in 2019 as part of the Moxie team in the Extend Programme. Despite living in Taupō, she commuted to Auckland weekly for 3 years to continue to be a part of the Neverland community. Now a senior teacher, Grace is known for her infectious personality and ability to cultivate a love for dance in her students. She has since stepped into a management role, where she brings her expertise and passion to support both teaching and administrative aspects of the studio.

Grace joined Neverland in 2019 as part of the Moxie team in the Extend Programme. Despite living in Taupō, she commuted to Auckland weekly for 3 years to continue to be a part of the Neverland community. Now a senior teacher, Grace is known for her infectious personality and ability to cultivate a love for dance in her students. She has since stepped into a management role, where she brings her expertise and passion to support both teaching and administrative aspects of the studio.

Grace danced with Moxie from 2019 to 2022, a period of immense growth and achievement that laid the foundation for her future in dance education.

In 2021, Grace began teaching as part of the Neverland Internship Programme, which launched her teaching career. Grace has a natural talent for working with under-5s, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for the Neverland's youngest dancers. Grace is also a valued member of the admin team, contributing to the smooth running of the studio behind the scenes.

In 2024, Grace graduated university with a degree in Nutrition, showcasing her commitment to personal growth and her diverse range of skills. Her dedication, both inside and outside the studio, makes her a fundamental part of the Neverland team.

Management

Hannah Salatielu

Hannah has been part of Neverland since the age of 5, beginning with syllabus jazz classes with Michelle as her first teacher. She progressed through the Extend programme and, in 2019, joined the Neverland Internship Programme, marking the start of her teaching journey at the studio. Since then, Hannah has become a dedicated teacher and an integral member of Neverland management, where she supports the wider team and helps lead the same Internship Programme she once participated in.

Hannah has been part of Neverland since the age of 5, beginning with syllabus jazz classes with Michelle as her first teacher. She progressed through the Extend programme and, in 2019, joined the Neverland Internship Programme, marking the start of her teaching journey at the studio. Since then, Hannah has become a dedicated teacher and an integral member of Neverland management, where she supports the wider team and helps lead the same Internship Programme she once participated in.

Hannah’s time as a dancer in the Extend Programme was marked by exceptional dedication and growth. She began competing with Indigo Kids in 2015 and continued to thrive in teams such as Hijinx, Silhouette, Cadettes, and Moxie, until 2022.

Now a senior teacher, Hannah has been actively involved in both national and international trips, creating unforgettable experiences and furthering the growth of Neverland dancers. In addition to teaching, she is also a valued member of the admin team, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the studio in multiple ways.

Graduating with a degree in Sociology in 2024, Hannah's academic success reflects her commitment to understanding people and communities, a passion that aligns seamlessly with her role at Neverland.

Is Dance Your Thing?

Careers & Interns

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