Since 2017, members of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s (RNZB) Education team have delivered workshops in prisons across New Zealand, providing a therapeutic space for people in prison to move, be creative, and learn new ways to express their emotions.

Corrections staff have noted positive changes in the behaviour of those who have taken part, finding participants calmer and better at communicating. We know that not only do these types of programmes improve emotional regulation and social skills, they can also support rehabilitation and reintegration.

An art class taking place at Hawkes Bay Prison

 

Ballet programme in prisons

Over the years, the programme has run at multiple sites across the country, including Rimutaka Men’s Prison, Arohata Women’s Prison, Christchurch Women’s Prison, Auckland Women’s Prison and Rolleston Men’s Prison. 

More recently, RNZB’s Education and Community Manager Lauren Byrne has been teaching ballet to people at Tongariro Prison and Northland Region Corrections Facility.

For people who are part of the programme, Lauren’s work and the opportunity to express themselves through movement has brought joy, peace, a positive sense of self-worth, and an improvement in wellbeing.

Creative expression can empower people in prison to shed old self-identities and explore new, positive ones, as well as offering hope and the ability to envision a better future – critical factors in reducing the likelihood of re-offending.

“Each programme usually runs over a period of four to eight weeks,” says Lauren. “During that time, I teach multiple groups, often delivering one session per group each week, and sometimes up to two sessions depending on demand.

“The structure can vary depending on each prison’s availability, scheduling, and staffing, so there’s a level of flexibility built into how and when the programme is delivered.

“There isn’t a final performance element in this programme. Introducing a performance would shift the focus away from the core intention of the sessions. Rather than being about how the movement makes them feel, being present in the moment, and having fun, the classes would become about working towards an outcome.

“I also think a performance would add an extra layer of pressure and stress, which could discourage many men from participating. Simply walking into the room and dancing in front of others is already incredibly intimidating for a lot of them, and many arrive feeling self-conscious or insecure.

“That said, I do always invite the programme coordinators to come in toward the end of the final session to quietly observe, see what the men have been working on, and experience the energy in the room.”

Volunteers at Rolleston Prison in Christchurch

Volunteering in prisons

Volunteering in prisons can be challenging, but the work our volunteers do helps people we manage to grow their skills, connections, and confidence.

Staff at Tongariro Prison cannot emphasise enough the impact that the programme has had on the men involved.

“The feedback forms speak for themselves. The men genuinely enjoy dance and the simple joy that comes from moving their bodies and Lauren helped unlock that again.

“Lauren and the RNZB’s support have helped shape one of our most engaging and impactful programmes.”

Lauren has noticed an overwhelmingly positive impact throughout the programmes she’s delivered.

“I’ve always understood how important dance is for my own wellbeing and mental health, but seeing it have the same effect on people from such different backgrounds, in such a challenging environment, has been incredibly powerful.

“It’s deepened my belief in the work we do at RNZB and reinforced the power of dance as a tool for connection, wellbeing, and positive change. Watching how it can shift energy, confidence, and mindset has been one of the most meaningful parts of my role.”