ABOUT SOLE
At Sole, we have two big goals every class: have heaps of fun, and walk out feeling a little more confident than when you walked in.
Every class is built to balance structured skill building with games and creativity. That goes for our youngest dancers right through to our most experienced. Our three kids' stages, Sole Tempo, Sole Rhythm, and Sole Melody, grow with our dancers. Along the way, they learn real tap technique and get plenty of chances to play, explore, and make the dance their own.
And it's not just for kids! Our adult classes are a relaxed, welcoming space to try something new, pick tap back up, or just have a laugh and a boogie.
We want everyone to have the chance to give it a go. That's why we offer payment plans with no questions asked, no set uniform, and a free trial with no pressure to join after.
We can't wait to dance with you!
Our Team
Ella McDowall
OwnerElla began her dance journey at age 5. She trained in jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, and contemporary, completing NZAMD, Glenn Wood Tap, and IDT syllabi. She's performed at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, danced at halftime for the Crusaders, and appeared in musical theatre productions including Cats and Beauty and the Beast.
Ella now has 6 years of teaching experience across multiple dance schools, working with students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. She specialises in creative movement and tap, and she loves creating fun, safe classes where dancers can build confidence and find real joy in movement.
Outside the studio, Ella is passionate about youth advocacy. She's been a UNICEF Aotearoa Youth Ambassador, spoken on parliamentary panels about the rights of the child, and sat on several student advocacy organisations. Along the way, she noticed that a lot of young people and their families felt the performing arts were out of reach. She wanted to change that.
Sole Tap Studio brings both passions together: a place where every dancer can give tap a go, have heaps of fun, and grow in confidence. Ella can't wait to share her love of tap with Christchurch!
Keana Anderson
Hi, my name is Keana! I started dancing in 2012 at Beryl Collins School of Dance in Westport, now known as Gravity Dance Studio. I trained in ballet, tap and musical theatre, with tap becoming my main passion.
I started as an assistant teacher at Gravity Dance Studio before becoming the lead tap teacher, where I choreographed dances for competitions and concerts and taught BBO exam syllabus work.
I moved to Christchurch to study Youth and Community Leadership with a minor in psychology at the University of Canterbury. I am passionate about creating a fun, safe and encouraging environment where students can build their confidence, develop their skills and grow their love for dance. I'm excited to get back into teaching and share my passion for dance at Sole Tap Studio!
Relief Teacher