What’s on at Ellerslie Arts
Circus Classes
Run Away With The Circus!
Learning circus is fun, builds confidence, increases physical awareness, and keeps you fit and challenged in a wonderful and creative community.
Our weekly timetable has circus classes for all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to professionals. No prior experience necessary.
We have customized our new home at Ellerslie Arts with world-class infrastructure and circus gear, and are loving hosting our new community in our new home and building pathways for you all into the world of circus!
Classes run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays (excluding Public Holidays).
Drama, Mime and Physical Theatre Classes
Ellerslie Arts has a selection of Drama classes for Youth, and Mime and Physical Theatre Classes for Teens and Adults so you can learn and explore and delve deeper into your acting and improvisation and character skills. Taught by our very experienced tutors Geoff Allen and Zoe Higgins these are classes run over 10 weeks in Term 1 and are both a super fun time and an opening into the wonderful world of dramatic experience!
Youth Drama (7-10 years): Wednesdays 3.30-4.25pm
Youth Drama (11-15 years): Wednesdays 4.30-5.30pm
Teens and Adults Mime and Physical Theatre: Wednesdays 5.45-7.00pm
Auckland Friends of Philharmonia
Featuring Auckland Philharmonia Production Manager Adrian Raven
Cost:
$15 (members)
$20 (non-members)
A light lunch is included
Also, have you ever wanted to meet the man who gets all the instruments on and off stage at an Auckland Phil concert? For this MTA, Auckland Philharmonia Production Manager Adrian Raven will talk with Jackie about musical logistics, what it takes to get a full orchestra on stage, and perks of the job.
APRIL Meet The Artists of the Auckland Philharmonia and AGM
For the April Meet The Artists, we will also be holding our AGM at 10.00am. For new members, the AGM takes less than half an hour and all financial members are welcome.
In this session we will be in conversation with Jackie Wilkinson will be Dr Gregory Camp. Dr Camp is a musicologist and Senior Lecturer in Music and Associate Head Teaching and Learning in the University of Auckland School of Creative Arts. He is also the artistic director of the University of Auckland Opera Workshop, for which he directs a production each year.
Dance Fitness and Muscle and Bone Classes - with Geoff Gilson
Dance Fitness andMuscle and Bone with Geoff Gilson. Using bangin’ 80’s and 90’s beats. Trained contemporary dancer Geoff Gilson will lead you through a dance conditioning, fitness class, working on strength/alignment rhythm/presence in space.
IT'S MAGIC! Magic Show and Workshop
Dave Upfold and Graeme Bennet are two of NZ’s leading Magicians and they have come to amaze and astound you, and afterwards you too can learn how to conjur up magic to wow your friends!
11.00am. Magic Show: $15.00
1.00pm. Magic Workshop: $15.00
For Bookings: info@thedustpalace.co.nz, and Door sales available on the day also
This One's on Us! Two days of Free Performance and Workshops
13 - 14 April, 9.30am - 1pm
Õrākei Arts and Ellerslie Arts (home of The Dust Palace Circus Arts) invites you to two free days of fun and frivolity in the school holidays. Free circus and drama performances and workshops at Ellerslie Arts between 9.30am and 1.00pm
FREE Event
The Ice Cream is Melting!
Save the Ice Creams. Save the World!
School shows: 30 March - 2 April
School Holiday shows: 3 - 11 April
Enjoy this family friendly delight for schools and families. Circus theatre and environmental education at its finest.
Manawa Connections
Looking for a way to experience deep connection with others? Here is your chance!
REAL CONNECTIONS FOR REAL PEOPLE
Ages 30-45, places are limited
Traditional Rõngoa Māori
Traditional Rõngoa Māori for koha between 11.30am and 2.30pm in Te Rūmaki, Ellerslie Arts.
Ecstatic Dance
If you’ve been waiting for that night… this is the one. AFRO HOUSE!!!!
We can’t wait and we know you can’t either -
See you on Friday the D Floor
Ecstatic Dance
DJ BLASE is back fro Ecstatic Dance
feel the freaky groove within on FRIDAY 13th !
Japanese Language and Culture Event
Konnichi-wa!
We are holding a Japanese class for beginners
NEW CLASS ADDED on TUESDAY 6.30pm-8.00pm
No Japanese experience necessary but all level learners are welcome.
At the workshop you will:
1. Learn to introduce yourself and ask simple questions of others (name, where you're from, etc.)
2 Learn to write your name in Japanese
3 Meet others interested in learning Japanese
4 Ask any questions you have about Japan and Japanese
Bring: paper + pen
Cost: free for first-timers ($20 for repeaters)
Place: Ellerslie War Memorial Hall
When: Tues 20th January (6:30pm-8:00pm) and Sat 24th January (10:00am-11:30) and Sat 31st January (2.30pm-4.00pm) Tuesday 10th February (6.30pm-8.00pm)
Look forward to seeing you there!
Any questions email anfusiondevelopment@gmail.com
Aaron Koz Circus Straps Workshop
Join Aaron Koz for a 3-day aerial straps workshop series to level up your fundamental to advanced straps theory, strength, and skill for swinging, spinning, and c-shaping movements. Multiple progressions will be provided to cover all levels, whether student, coach, or performer.
Ecstatic Dance
If you’ve been waiting for that night… this is the one. AFRO HOUSE!!!!
We can’t wait and we know you can’t either -
See you on Friday the D Floor
RUSH Dance Cardio
Every Saturday 8:30am from November 8th to December 13th
An all-levels dance workout with party vibes and incredible music. Designed for both dancers and non-dancers, this is a fun class to let loose and work up a sweat. All you need is a love for dance and group fitness. Dance cardio is designed to improve your fitness, balance, flexibility, strength and confidence.
Lights down, music up, get out of your head and into your body. No complicated moves, no expectations, no dress code. This is an inclusive space to let yourself go and be free to move, while getting fitter and stronger. Think nightclub vibes but more wholesome. We draw inspiration from Reggaeton, Hip-hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, Latin Pop, Brazilian Funk and more.
Club de Baile Social Bachata
The December social Bachata session of Club de Baile, celebrate the holiday season with a fantastic social session
Pukepuke O Tonga - Term 4 Showcase
The End of the Year Showcase for 2025 Pukepuke O Tonga
Friends of Auckland Philharmonia: Meet the artist
Meet the Artist: Suzy Cato November 28TH
For our final MTA of the year, please join us for a pre-Christmas themed morning of music and stars!
$15 Friends members
$20 Non members
Light lunch provided
Ellerslie Arts Artistic Residency Program Applications Open
We’re super excited to announce that in 2026 we’re starting a residency program.
We’re keen to see more circus works being made by the range of circus practioners we have in our vibran tocmmunity. That means artists having access to space, time and support to make works in development.
There will be three residencies in 2026 and each will have a wee relaxed showing of the work at the end.
Meditation and Sound Healing
Wholiwell Meditation & Sound Healing
with Elle Nusbaum — Clinical Hypnotherapist & Meditation Teacher
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and come home to yourself.
Join us at The Dust Palace for an evening of Meditation and Sound Healing — a deeply nourishing experience to calm the mind, balance the body, and open the heart.
Guided by Elle Nusbaum, you’ll move through gentle meditations that invite stillness and clarity, then drift into a crystal bowl sound journey designed to soothe your nervous system and restore inner harmony.
Come as you are. Rest deeply. Let sound and stillness bring you home.
The Dust Palace, Ellerslie
Saturday 9th & 23rd November
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Koha-based (pay what you can)
Please wear comfy clothing and bring a yoga mat, blanket, or cushion to get cozy.
All are welcome — no experience needed
#Wholiwell #SoundHealing #MeditationAuckland #MindfulEvening #CommunityWellness #EllerslieEvents
Friends of Auckland Philharmonia: Meet the artist
Cost:
$15 (members)
$20 (non-members)
A light lunch is included
Hear Jackie Wilkinson in conversation with the Auckland Philharmonia, Section Principal Percussion, Eric Renick. With the orchestra since 2010, Eric began his musical studies at
the age of 12 in his home city of Indianapolis.
Creative Lines with Chelsea Carter (8 Weeks) 7-12 yrs
This course will introduce children to the fundamentals of drawing, focusing on
techniques to understand texture, light, and form. Students will develop their observational skills, explore various drawing mediums, and learn to translate what they see onto paper. We’ll also dive into exciting, accessible printmaking methods that directly build upon their drawing skills, encouraging unique artistic expression and understanding of positive/negative space. The aim is to foster creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for visual arts, allowing each child to develop their own unique artistic voice.
Friends of Auckland Philharmonia: Meet the artist
10:30am, Friday 26 September
Ellerslie War Memorial Hall
134/138 Main Highway, Ellerslie
Cost:
$15 (members)
$20 (non-members)
A light lunch is included
Interviewee Shiyeon Sung
featuring
Associate Principal Oboe Camille Wells
Section Principal Clarinet Jonathan Cohen
Creative Matters Holiday Program
Week 1:
Monday 22nd Sept 2025 – Beautiful Bird Cages
Tuesday 23rd Sept 2025 – Trinket Trays & Jewels
Week 2:
Monday 29th Sept 2025 – Miro Sculptures
Friends of Auckland Philharmonia: Meet the artist
Hear Jackie Wilkinson in conversation with the Auckland Philharmonia's Piano Technician, Glenn Easley. Glenn has brought his expertise to New Zealand after moving here from the UK in 2003, working with all of the country's leading pianists.
Creative Matters - School Holiday Arts Program
This Holiday, Let Your Child’s Creativity Take Center Stage
Introducing: The Creative Matters Holiday Program — now at Ellerslie Arts this July school holidays