Kase Craig

Guest Tutor

Kase Craig is a highly accomplished ballet dancer with extensive international experience. He has been performing professionally with the Ballet de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux in France for eleven years. Kase began his dance training in Christchurch, where he learned tap dance and classical ballet from the age of five. Following a decade of competing in ballet competitions across New Zealand and Australia, he was awarded a one-year scholarship to the Australian Ballet School, and later received a three-year scholarship to the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington.

At 18, Kase earned a scholarship to New York for advanced classes at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, where he was scouted by Charles Jude, a former student of Rudolf Nureyev, who offered him a full contract to dance professionally with the Ballet de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux. Throughout his career, Kase has performed at prestigious venues including the Opera Houses of Paris and Venice, and has toured internationally to countries like Russia, China, and Hong Kong. His repertoire includes works by renowned choreographers such as Charles Jude, George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Sir Frederick Ashton, and Serge Lifar.

Currently, Kase is completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Canterbury, where he is enhancing his skills in arts leadership. His awards and credentials include advanced coaching at the Royal Ballet, an NZOA National Diploma in Dance Performance, and a National Certificate in Dance. Notably, in 2018, Kase was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance.

Outside of performance, Kase has been fortunate to receive regular professional development from tutors at the Paris Opera Ballet. He frequently contributes as a guest speaker for programs on Channel One and Arts on Sunday for Radio New Zealand. Additionally, a documentary featuring Kase was filmed by Television New Zealand in 2009.