Leonora Voigtländer

Leonora was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she began ballet at the age of three. At fourteen, her family relocated to Nelson, New Zealand, and a year later she returned to the United States to pursue advanced ballet training. She was awarded full scholarships to The School of Ballet Chicago and Miami City Ballet, and upon graduation, she secured her first professional contract with The Saint Louis Ballet Company, performing an array of corps de ballet and soloist roles.

In 2004, Leonora joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet, where she spent eight fulfilling years performing throughout New Zealand and on international tours. Among her career highlights was dancing the Jete Girl in William Forsythe’s acclaimed work In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated.

Leonora retired from professional performance in 2021 and returned to Nelson the following year. Believing strongly in the importance of strength, technique, and holistic conditioning, she devoted the following year to cross-training young dancers in a gym setting. Her enduring passion for ballet continues to guide her work as she mentors the next generation, helping each dancer cultivate both skill and a genuine love for movement.

Leonora’s professional ballet career has given her the opportunity to learn from world-class teachers and choreographers across the globe. She brings this extensive knowledge into her teaching, offering clear, structured, and supportive classical ballet training designed especially for young dancers.

Her teaching approach focuses on building strong foundations, developing safe and mindful technique, and nurturing confidence in every student. Leonora is dedicated to creating a positive learning environment where children can grow not only as dancers, but also as focused, resilient, and joyful learners.