Abby Strong (nee Dutton) - Company Director, Professional Dancer, Personal Trainer, Glow Group Fitness Instructor
Abby is a classically-trained professional dancer, growing up in Hamilton passionate and immersed in everything dance. She then went on to gain a Diploma of Musical Theatre and Dance Teaching qualifications after 2 years full-time training at the Apollo Theatre School in Auckland. She has travelled the world extensively onboard cruise liners and danced in the Bollywood Film Industry in India.
Throughout her careers, highlights include, role of Dance Educator for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Guest teaching, Adjudicating at dance competitions nationwide, Choreographing competitor routines and show work, Super Rugby Cheerleading, Managing and Instructing at several performing arts workshops, and mentoring young, upcoming performers on the Dance Industry.
Following study in the fitness industry while working abroad, Abby is a Registered Personal Trainer and Group Fitness instructor with a great passion for holistic wellness and the fitness industry. Dance, Fitness and Beauty are Abby’s passions and she believes there is huge power in finding exactly what makes you glow.
Whether under the lights, in a layer of perspiration or in the shade of bronze, all that matters is that you find YOUR GLOW. Studio Glow is where you head to do just that.
Tess Benseman - Glow Tap, Jazz & Musical Theatre Instructor
Tess has nearly 20 years dance experience, specialising in Jazz and Tap.
She grew up in local dance studios completing exams in Jazz (NZAMD and AJDA) and Tap (BAL and AJDA), as well as learning performance based work in a range of other styles.
Throughout this time Tess spent a lot of time performing with local dance groups around the Waikato at various events and shows.
Tess has been teaching dance for 8 years, to a wide range of ages and levels. She has taught a range of classes including syllabus work, workshops, open adult classes, performance work and tertiary tuition. Tess has gained a wealth of knowledge from dance mentors and various teaching conferences and workshops, and in 2019 completed her AJDA Tap Teaching Certificate.
Tess also has a passion for Musical Theatre and singing, plus a new found love for choreographing musicals. Her recent work in local theatre with Musikmakers saw her Choreograph Aladdin Jr and Annie Jr, and she hopes to add to this list.
Candice Haultain - Glow Derriere, Core & Tone Instructor
Candice is a mum of 3 and a qualified, REP’s registered, Continence NZ certified, Personal Trainer.
A women’s fitness & health mapper, postnatal trainer, pelvic health and core focused trainer and a mental health advocate, Candice is very passionate about helping women grow from, grow through and grow towards their goals.
She is on a mission to help as many women in our community move more, for both physical and mental health and wellbeing, whatever their life stage.
Movement has such a positive effect on mental health, as it did for Candice on her depression journey, something she wants to share and help others with on their journey.
If she had one goal in life it would be to spread kindness.
Ariana Watene - Glow Barre & Ballet Instructor
Ari is a certified Pilates instructor with a background in RAD Ballet and AJDA Jazz and has been dancing for over 20 years. She also loves to give new things a go, and in the last year, began learning tap with us at Studio Glow!
Ari is also a mum of two and is passionate about women’s health.
For the last 7-years, she has been instructing women in a range of group fitness classes such as Pilates and Barre and loves to observe the transformation women make as they become stronger, happier and more confident in themselves.
Currently, Ari is studying toward her Bachelor of Physiotherapy and is a big believer in the benefits of dance therapy for rehabilitation.
Her dream is to get as many people moving to music as possible!
Niamh Hooper - Glow Stretch & Breathe Instructor
Niamh has grown up immersed in the Performing Arts scene and has been dancing for over 15 years. She has completed the NZAMD syllabi in Jazz and Contemporary, while also being involved in numerous shows and competitions. She has had experience teaching in her community as well as various choreography roles.
Niamh also is currently studying towards her Bachelor of Laws (Hons). She loves to keep active and recognises the benefit of exercise on the mind and the body. While being immersed in her studies, she strives to maintain a strong balance between her passions.
With her passion for performing, Niamh’s goal is to inspire other women to feel confident and feel that spark that performing brings.
Ella Veitch - Glow Stretch & Breathe Instructor
Ella has worked towards her Bachelor of Music and Performing arts (Theatre) at Wintec and is in her first year of study. She has extensive experience in the performing arts, mainly on stage in various musicals over the last 10 years. Through her background and study, Ella’s dance experience mainly lies with the Musical Theatre genre.
Having to be physically and mentally fit to perform 8 shows a week means that Ella has plenty of knowledge around the importance of physical recovery and how to ensure that the body is being used to the best of its ability.
Ella is of the strong belief that if you are not mentally fit, you can never be physically fit, therefore, brings a large focus of mindfulness in her classes.
Music can be an extremely healing tool for the body, mind and spirit and Ella cannot wait to share her experience with you.
