Our Teachers

Ya Zhang (Angelia)

Studio owner

(Ballet/Chinese Dance/Lyrical/Competition)

A certified RAD Registered Teacher (2025) and instructor accredited by the Beijing Dance Academy and the Chinese Ethnic & Folk Dance Grading system, she holds a Diploma in Chinese Dance and a Bachelor’s degree from New Zealand. She is also certified in Acrobatic Arts (2018) and Progressing Ballet Technique (2020).

Specializing in teaching children, she designs and delivers structured dance programs tailored to different ages and skill levels. Her approach integrates scientific training with artistic expression, focusing on technique, strength, flexibility, and musicality in a safe and supportive environment.

With proven experience preparing students for competitions, examinations, and performances, she is committed to nurturing confident and skilled dancers, consistently earning trust and recognition from students and parents.

Erin Hildred

Dance Teacher

(Ballet/ K-Pop/Hip-hop/Competition)

Starting her dance journey in Wellington at the age of 4, Erin has held a forever love for the art form. While her foundation was built in ballet, her passion quickly expanded into jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles. She is now a qualified ballet teacher earning her IDTA associates in 2024. 

Erin joined the ODA team in 2020, specialising in high-energy commercial classes. It is here that she transformed her teenage love of K-pop into something truly special, founding our school’s K-pop programme and building a unique and vibrant community here in Wellington.

Her classes are electric—brimming with energy, fun, and a genuine love for the art form. For her, teaching goes beyond steps and technique; it is about sharing the deep passion she has carried since childhood and igniting that same fire in her students. Her goal is to make every dancer feel confident, capable, and connected to the music.

Jennifer Brasch

Dance Teacher

(Jazz Funk/Commercial Dance)

Jennifer's journey with dance began in childhood, with training in Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Since 2019, she has been a dedicated member of the ODA adult dance program, initially as a student and later transitioning into a teaching role. Balancing her passion with a full-time corporate career, she leads adult classes as a joyful creative outlet. Jennifer especially thrives on performing—you can regularly find her lighting up the stage at community events throughout the year.

Lanxin Xu (Crystal)

Dance Teacher

(Jazz Funk/Commercial Dance)

For Crystal, dance was a life-changing discovery. She began her journey in 2023 after working as a cake decorator, taking her very first class at ODA with no dance background — and finding a sense of happiness and purpose she had never experienced before.

What started as curiosity quickly became her calling. She later completed professional teacher training in China and earned her Jazz Funk teaching certification. Now, she focuses on guiding beginners, especially those who feel unsure about starting, helping them build confidence and experience the same transformation she did.

Her classes are energetic, uplifting, and full of hype. She believes dance is for everyone — and is passionate about creating a space where every student feels capable, empowered, and free to shine.