Jake Starrs

In 2017 Jake completed his training in the NZAMD contemporary syllabus at the Auckland Academy of Dance (A.A.D.). He was fortunate enough to be invited to the NZAMD Scholarship Awards, where he placed second nationwide. Since then he has continued his contemporary training in the Lucidity syllabus by APDA at Dance 24/7. To accompany his contemporary training, Jake is nearing the completion of the JDNZ jazz syllabus.

Throughout his training, Jake has been a part of numerous competitive dance troupes. In 2018 one of these teams, in which he danced as lead, made it to NZ National Finals.

He has performed in many shows, including dance-based renditions of Mary Poppins, and Cinderella at the AAD. He has been involved in the ensemble of musicals such as Chicago, the Wizard of Oz, Back to the 80s, and Our House. Jake has also performed in large scale events such as The National Body Art Awards 2018, and Farmer’s Santa Parade.

Alongside being an avid performer, Jake also enjoys choreographing. His solo pieces “time” and “nE1” have been performed at multiple showcases and events. Jake has also choreographically co-lead for his high school’s performance for Gen X, a multi-media performance event. This piece won many awards including ‘Best Choreography, and ‘The People’s Choice’ awards.

As part of The Arts Factory, Jake hopes to get involved with various opportunities to enrich his performance skills.