Our Team

Mary Rodgers

Principal – ARAD Solo Seal

Mary established the studio at the age of 16 after completing all her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations and successfully achieving her Solo Seal. Her passion and vast experience have inspired many students in the Wellington region, many of whom have danced professionally on the international stage. Mary is a RAD Life Member and Registered Teacher.

Davinia Dearmer

Principal – BSc ARAD RAD Examiner

Davinia is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) registered teacher and International RAD Examiner. After completing all RAD examinations, she went on to study a Bachelor of Science. She moved to London where she did a Diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage and fully qualified as a Pilates Instructor through the Pilates Foundation UK. Upon returning to NZ, she recommenced her ballet tutoring at MRDA and completed her Certificate in Dance Teaching Studies through the RAD.

Claire McGoff

Jazz Tutor

Claire joined our team in 2018. Dancing since the age of 5, she competed all her examinations with American Jazz Dance Affiliation (AJDA) up to Advanced. Claire has represented NZ four times in Hip Hop the FISAF (now Hip Hop Unite) International competition including taking Gold in 2004. Claire is a National and International adjudicator including being a member of the judging panel at PACANZ, Hip Hop Unite & DanceNZmade.

Katrina Cammish

Ballet Tutor

Katrina (Kat) has been a member of our team since 2024. She trained in RAD Ballet for 12 years before full time training in Contemporary Dance at UNITEC. She continued training at Sydney Dance Company and Urban Dance Centre in Australia as well as Pineapple Dance Studios in London.

Phoenix Dearmer

Ballet Tutor

Trained in RAD Ballet for 13 years. Phoenix has been teaching the younger students at MRDA for 5 years and before that was a junior assistant teacher for 6 years. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Design, Phoenix is now doing a Master’s Degree in Primary School Teaching.