What’s on at Ellerslie Arts
Ecstatic Dance
Manawa Events presents:
ECSTATIC DANCE
On the first 3 Fridays of a month Ellerslie Arts hosts Ecstatic Dance, presented by Manawa Events, and on the final . final Saturday of the month Manawa Events presents and a mini festival with Ecstatic Dance, Chai, Yoga, amongst other activities.
for more info and bookings go to: https://www.manawa.one/
RUSH Dance Cardio
Saturdays: 8:30am - 9.30am and Thursdays from 6.00pm - 6.50pm
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.
Weight Watchers
NEW Ellerslie Weight Watchers Workshop meets here!
Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Looking for more than just a weight-loss plan? Join our welcoming Ellerslie Workshop, where you'll find a supportive community and an experienced Coach who'll be with you every step of the way.
2027 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.
Auckland Friends of Philharmonia
October Friends of Auckland Phil MTA
10:30am, Friday 23 October
Ellerslie Arts
134/138 Main Highway, Ellerslie
Cost:
$15 (members)
$20 (non-members)
A light lunch is included
Featuring the entire Auckland Philharmonia Cello Section!!
Dust Palace AGM 2026
On behalf of the Dust Palace Charitable Trust Board, I invite you to attend our upcoming AGM, should you wish.
DATE: Sunday October 11th
PLACE: Ellerslie Arts - (home of the Dust Palace), 134 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Tāmaki Makaurau
TIME: 6:30pm for drinks & nibbles, 7 - 8pm official proceedings.
We'll summarize last year's activity, present upcoming activities and the floor will be open to hear your thoughts, ideas and feedback.
If you are interested in attending please RSVP to eve@thedustpalace.co.nz
Two Islands Circus Theatre Show
Two green and abundant islands, one community cares and lives in balance with nature; one creates industry that eventually overwhelms the island. When their resources are almost gone, the industrial island looks to the sitll-green island and plans to reach it with a great bridge…
Two Shows on October 3rd:
3.00pm and 7.00pm
Tickets: $20.00. /. $10.00
Residency #2 Showing
DEMI-MONDE
by Edward Clendon and Eve Gordon
The Ellerslie Arts Circus Residency programme is having its second showing for 2026. This residency sees Edward Clendon and Eve Gordon collaborating together on a new work, spring boarding from an unfinished draft of Oscars Wilde’s “La Sainte Courtisane” where a saint meets a courtesan in a cave.
One represents spiritual piety, the other, pleasures of the flesh.
Pulling from recovered remnants of text, the question is - what else was in the drafted script, notoriously left in a taxi cab and lost forever?
KÕANGA - The Dust Palace Circus School Student Show
KÕANGA: The Dust Palace School Student Show, on the theme of Springtime.
Two Shows:
19th September: 8.00pm
20th September : 6.30pm
tickets: $20.00. /. $12.00
RSVP to : geoffallen@thedustpalace.co.nz
Yin and Sound
YIN AND SOUND. Sunday August 23rd from 7.30pm-8.30pm. $25.00 at the door.
Stretch and Unwind and complete your weekend with Yin Yoga and Live Sound creation from Singing Bowls and Chimes.
Kua Rewa Te Aihikirīmi
Kua Rewa Te Aihikirīmi
All tickets only $5
Sat 15 August 1pm & 3pm
A te reo Māori circus theatre show for tamariki!
A double scoop of fun, sprinkled with aerial acrobatics, hand balance, ice cream juggling, and encounters with friends from te taiao, this delightful te reo Māori circus journey blends fun, mischief, and environmental awareness.
Kids After School Art Classes - The Palette Term 3
Fun art classes for kids on three afternoons a week in Ellerslie Arts with The Palette.
Wednesdays 3pm - 4.15pm
Thursdays 3.15pm - 4.30pm
Fridays 2.45pm - 4.30pm
Term 3 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.
Matariki Whānau Day
Matariki at Ellerslie Art - Matariki Haerenga Waka - a celebration of coming together.
A beautiful day for the whānau to come along to Ellerslie Arts and experience aspects of Te Āo Māori
Featuring:
Māori Rongoa and Mirimiri
Taonga Tākaro (Traditional games)
kaupapa Māori circus “Have a go Workshops"
Performances
Ellerslie Arts in collaboration with Te Kura Maninirau (the kaupapa Māori Circus School) and The Dust Palace is delighted to be hosting a day at Ellerslie Arts from 10.30am - 1.30pm for whānau to come together. There will be workshops, experiences, and kai to celebrate Matariki Haerenga Waka.
School Holiday Program
Looking for something different for the kids this July? Join us for 4 days of circus, juggling, tumbling, drama & art @ Ellerslie Arts, Home of The Dust Palace
Residency #1 Showing
🎪🎭💃 Residency #1 Showing 💃🎭🎪
🔜 Sunday July 5th
⏰ 7pm - koha entry
🌟🌟 Come and see what our wonderful resident artists have been up to this last ten weeks!! 🌟🌟
Featuring the amazing artists Zoe Higgins, Nightshade & Poppy (Jenna Lee and Melissa Duff) and Harry Gatto (aka Tony Melton) performing a wild range of cool circus!
Two Islands Auditions
Audition for an upcoming show featuring actors of all ages and our Youth Circus company, Te Māwhaiwhai
Auckland Friends of Philharmonia
Featuring
Dr Morag Atchison
Cost:
$15 (members)
$20 (non-members)
A light lunch is included
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
