our faculty

STUDIO FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

BROOKE SMITH

  • MEET MISS BROOKE

    Founder • Creative Director • Dance Educator and Adjudicator

    20+ years of teaching. A lifetime in dance. A passion for creating dancers who shine.

    For Miss Brooke, dance is about building confidence, discovering individuality, developing exceptional technique and creating opportunities that take young dancers beyond the studio.

    FROM DANCER → EDUCATOR → STUDIO FOUNDER

    As a third generation studio owner, Brooke’s own dance journey began at just two years old, when she started Tap under the guidance of her grandmother and mother.

    By 1992, Brooke became the world’s youngest BBO candidate to successfully complete an examination with Distinction. Her training continued across Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre, alongside years of performing and competing.

    Her passion for dance education eventually led her to complete teaching diplomas through Theatrical Dance International, before pursuing a career dedicated to developing the next generation of dancers.

    With more than two decades of teaching experience, Brooke has trained dancers across all ages and genres, many of whom have gone on to achieve success nationally and internationally, pursue professional dance careers, and step into opportunities across the wider performing arts industry.

    After relocating from Auckland to the Bay of Plenty in 2016, Brooke continued teaching within some of Tauranga’s leading dance schools.

    She later completed an International Diploma in Event Management & Design before bringing her vision to life for Diamond Studios and Diamond Dance Awards NZ.

    Today, Brooke leads the team of passionate dance educators at Diamond, creating fresh programmes, innovative training and performance experiences inspired by the ever-changing world of modern dance. Through those experiences, Brooke began to recognise a gap in the local dance landscape and wanted to create something different.

    A studio that felt fresh, modern and boutique, where quality training and professional standards could sit alongside a strong sense of community, individuality and fun.

    She wanted dancers to have access to current, industry relevant training, exciting performance opportunities and pathways beyond the traditional studio environment, without losing the personal connection and care that makes a young dancer feel seen.

    That vision became Diamond Studios.

    Modern training. Boutique studio culture. Big opportunities.

    And at the heart of it all... helping every dancer to FIND THEIR SHINE

ASSISTANT MANAGER

CAITLIN SPALDING

  • Miss Caitlin believes dance teaches many valuable life lessons beyond movement, and she loves watching her students grow, adapt, and flourish through the art of dance.

    Caitlin began her dance journey at the age of three here in Tauranga, training extensively in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary. When she discovered Hip Hop, she instantly fell in love with the style and has pursued it passionately ever since.

    She began competitive dance in 2019 and has since travelled throughout New Zealand for regional and national competitions. In 2023, Caitlin represented New Zealand at the World of Dance International competition in Los Angeles, placing 7th globally. That same year, she was awarded the Launch Competition Choreography Award, recognising her creativity and skill as a choreographer.

    Caitlin is passionate about continually developing her knowledge, skills, and experience. She maintains consistent training through ongoing dance classes, strength training, professional development, and regular travel throughout New Zealand to learn, develop, and teach. In 2025, Caitlin completed a six-week intensive programme in the USA, training with some of the world’s leading choreographers across Los Angeles and New York. In 2026, she continued her international training in Canada, training at the world-renowned Studio North. These experiences have continued to broaden her perspective, influence her teaching style, and shape her artistic vision.

    Alongside her practical training, Caitlin has completed an online course in Marketing and Social Media and is currently progressing through further studies as she continues to expand her knowledge and professional skill set. Her commitment to ongoing education reflects her desire to continually learn, evolve, and bring fresh ideas, knowledge, and inspiration into her teaching.

    Caitlin is thrilled to be part of the Diamond team and looks forward to supporting and inspiring dancers as they grow, develop, and shine both on and off the stage.

HOD ACRO + PRE SCHOOL

LENORE POPE

  • Miss Lenore believes that dance is a wonderful way to express creativity and passion while bringing people together. She loves helping children grow, teaching them new skills, and seeing the joy on their faces when they reach their goals.

    Lenore’s passion for dance began at the age of three in the Bay of Plenty. She started with preschool classes and quickly expanded her repertoire to include jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, acro, and hip hop. By the age of five, she began competing, first in troupes and later in solo performances, where she has competed both nationally and internationally.

    Over the years, Lenore has refined her skills in various dance styles and has had the privilege of teaching and coaching both dance and gymnastics. As an Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher, she loves working with children of all ages. Watching them develop confidence and abilities in both dance and gymnastics brings her immense joy, and she is excited to continue sharing her passion for movement and creativity with others.