David Zeitner Classical Tutor

David was a professional dancer with Semperoper Ballet Dresden and rehearsal director at Staatsballett Hannover in Germany. He enjoys teaching, coaching, and choreographing throughout Asia and New Zealand, including at Mount Eden Ballet Academy, School of the Arts Singapore, and at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. He also served on various advisory panels for the National Arts Council of Singapore, the New Zealand School of Dance, and the New Zealand Dance Festival Trust. David holds a PhD in Dance Studies and a MA in Creative & Performing Arts from The University of Auckland.

Erin Meek Contemporary/Jazz/ Musical TheatreTutor

Hawke's Bay Ballet and Dance are thrilled to welcome back Erin Meek. 

Erin Meek is a dancer, choreographer, actor, and teacher with experience across various forms of the performing arts. She has worked with several of New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance companies, numerous theatre companies and is experienced in acting and dance for screen. Erin grew up studying and performing ballet, contemporary dance, lyrical and jazz dance, singing, and acting technique. In 2016, she was selected for the Royal New Zealand Ballet Mentor Program and graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance in 2019 with a Diploma in Dance Performance, majoring in contemporary dance with a minor in ballet. Since graduating, she has worked with choreographers including Malia Johnston and Taiaroa Royal, and danced with companies Black Grace, Dance Plant Collective, and Okareka Dance Company. She has also performed as a freelance artist at various large-scale events including the World of Wearable Art Awards Shows. In 2022, Erin graduated from the Actors’ Program. Erin has worked in the theatre industry in shows including Alice in Wonderland (Alice), Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice), and Nora: A Doll’s House (Nora 3). Her screen appearances include acting work in various short films and television, and stunts in film. Erin’s choreography has received several nominations and includes works with dance studios, schools, and theatre companies. In her dance teaching, Erin is passionate about the importance of safe dance practice, functional technique, and somatic awareness. In her acting coaching, Erin believes in offering a creative and nurturing space for students to deepen their understanding of craft and performance.

Diana Shand Pointe Strengthening Tutor

Napier born, Diana Shand began dancing at about the age of two with her dance teacher mother and has been onstage or involved in theatre her entire life.

In 1985 she was awarded a Hawkes Bay Ballet and Dance scholarship to study at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne under the directorship of Anne Woolliams. While at the College she danced with the Victorian Arts Dance Company, travelling with them to perform in Hong Kong, Scotland and England.

Diana joined The Royal New Zealand Ballet in 1988 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1995.

During her time with the Royal New Zealand Ballet she travelled extensively both Nationally and Internationally.

After retiring from the Ballet Company in 1999 Diana become a registered RAD Teacher. She has taught at a number of Dance Studio’s before opening her own studio in 2010.

Diana is a Freelance Ballet Coach, Adjudicator and Choreographer.