Lorna Borrett (She/Her)

BA (Hons), I.S.T.D, B.B.O

Lorna began dancing when she was just two years old! She studied Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Disco and Contemporary to advanced level gaining a BA (HONS) in Performing Arts Specialising in Dance from Middlesex University, London. Following this Lorna gained a scholarship to complete an additional diploma at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance.

In 2004, after several years of dancing and choreographing professionally, Lorna decided she would like to explore teaching opportunities and this was when she truly found her passion. In England she taught for various private dance schools, mainstream education schools and also developed her own dance and fitness business. In 2006 Lorna decided she would like to work overseas, which is when she moved to New Zealand, now her home.

In the past Lorna has been a tutor at Whitireia Tertiary Education Institute NZ, teaching on the Commercial Dance and Musical Theatre diploma and degree courses. She has adjudicated dance competitions around the country over many years, appeared numerous times on TV One's "Good Morning" Show teaching Pilates segments and has choreographed and acted in numerous theatre shows.

Lorna is also the principal and owner of Spiritus Dance Company, a dance school exclusively for adults, is the co-owner of Wellington's exquisite dance studio, Dancetopia and mum to seven year old Archie.

Olivia Watts (She/Her)

Olivia's dance journey began at the age of 2½, and she has been a passionate dancer ever since. Starting with ballet, she studied RAD and ISTD syllabi, before expanding her skills across a variety of styles. She has trained in Jazz (ADJA), Modern (ISTD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary (NZAMD), and, of course, Hip Hop.

Currently a student at Te Auaha, Olivia is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Creativity with a specialisation in Commercial Dance. In 2024, she earned a Diploma in Commercial Dance.

Olivia has teaching experience with several studios in her hometown and Wellington. She holds both Bronze (Assistant Teacher) and Silver (Teacher) accreditations in Ready Set Dance, showcasing her dedication to education and development.

In her final year of high school, Olivia was awarded the prestigious Performing Arts Dux and received the overall Dance Academy award. She led troupes at Dance NZ Made and has been part of many winning groups herself, solidifying her place as a talented and accomplished performer.

Olivia is thrilled to be teaching Hip Hop classes and leading Hip Hop troupes at Leaping Lizards. She is excited to share her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm with her students and looks forward to exploring the dynamic world of Hip Hop together, seeing her students grow as dancers and as a community.

Libby Finkle-Vern (She/Her)

Miss Libby took her first ballet class at age four and has been moving and grooving ever since! She has studied at several different dance schools but six years ago found her home at Spiritus Dance Company, (Leaping Lizards’ sister school).

Miss Libby started teaching with Leaping Lizards in 2022.  This sparked a passion for teaching which led to her returning to study as an early childhood teacher. She now works at a community preschool.

When she isn't dancing or teaching Miss Libby keeps herself busy as the Studio Manager for Leaping Lizards.

Meg Tisdall (She/Her)

Miss Meg started dancing at the age of 3 and has since shown a strong passion for dance and Musical Theatre. She studied Jazz and Ballet as a child and later successfully completed a Bachelors degree in Theatre Studios alongside Contemporary dance. Never to stop learning and developing Meg has since excelled in Tap through classes with our sister school, Spiritus Dance Company.

Over the past few years, she has performed in many local theatre events and dance shows with Spiritus - one year she performed in nine dances in one show!!

Miss Meg is excited to extend her dance and theatre experience into the teaching field. She is excited and honoured to share her passion for dance at Leaping Lizards and particularly spend time with our littlest dancers.

Charlie Adams (They/Him)

Charlie has been grooving with our adult sister school, Spiritus Dance Company for 7 years and loves to move!

Their bachelors degree in early childhood education, plus adoration for young learners, makes Charlie a passionate teacher who strives to unleash the silliness, creativity and natural drive, in young dancers.

Deborah Donkin (She/Her)

Returning to dance as an adult, Deborah spent a large amount of her twenties dancing and learning tap and jazz routines in the UK that were performed on stage twice a year, every year, for many years.

When her three children were young Deborah started a small dance school teaching tap to children aged between 3 and 11 years old. This school ran for over four years and then she took a break to travel.  Deborah returned to teaching in 2018 at Leaping Lizards School of Dance.

Deborah also teaches for our sister school Spiritus Dance Company for the adult Beginner Tap class, as well as participating in the Advanced Tap class and Jazz class as a student.  Deborah's fun personality makes her classes a blast!