Meet the Diamond Team
Diamond Studios is the home of dance in Papamoa, with a team of awesome dance teachers who will help you learn to dance. Our dance classes are suitable for all ages and abilities, so whether you're a complete beginner starting out in dance or an experienced dancer looking to perfect your skills, we have a class for you. Our teachers are not just good at dancing - they're also really friendly and welcoming, and they'll make sure you feel comfortable and supported as you learn to dance.
Brooke Smith - Director
Miss Brooke believes that every dancer has a unique style and personality and as a Dance Educator strives to help guide young performers to reach their full potential through a solid training foundation and helping to bridge young dancers pathways to future opportunities.
Brooke's dance journey began at the tender age of 2 when she started Tap dancing as a student under the guidance of her grandmother and mother through their family established studio of 36 years, Fulton School of Dance formerly based in Auckland.
In 1992 she was awarded the world’s youngest BBO candidate to successfully pass an examination with distinction and over many years following, continued training and competing in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre.
Brooke attained teaching diplomas in Tap, Jazz, Ballet through Theatrical Dance International and made the decision to pursue a career in full time dance education. Brooke has continued to work as a dance educator for over 17 years training dancers across all ages and multiple genres, many whom have attained awards both nationally, internationally and have pursued career pathways in dance and other related industries.
After directing her Auckland based dance studio for several years, Brooke and her family relocated to the Bay Of Plenty where she studied and attained a diploma in Event Management and, after working in some of the top dance schools in Tauranga, she formed her own studio Diamond Studios where she is now proud to be one of our Papamoa dance instructors.
At Diamond Studios, Brooke continues to train dancers across multiple genres, specializing in academy and competitive based dance for students who wish to extend the scope of their training in preparation for opportunities in internships and pathways beyond a studio level.
Caitlin Spalding - Assistant Manager
Miss Caitlin believes dance teaches many 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 3 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, she represented New Zealand at the World of Dance International competition in Los Angeles, placing 7th globally. That same year, she received the Launch Competition Choreography Award for her creativity and skill.
Caitlin continues to develop her knowledge and maintain her training through ongoing dance classes, strength training, and regular travel to further her experience. Recently, she participated in a 6-week intensive program in the USA, training with some of the world’s leading choreographers in both Los Angeles and New York — an experience that continues to shape her teaching style and artistic vision.
She is also the visionary behind Momentum Lab, a dancer development program designed to support young dancers in building strength, confidence, and healthy training habits. Alongside this, Caitlin is currently expanding her professional skill set by undertaking an online social media and marketing course.
Caitlin is thrilled to be part of the Diamond team and looks forward to supporting dancers as they grow, develop, and shine both on and off the stage.
Lenore Pope - HOD Acro
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.
