ODA EXECUTIVE 2026
PRESIDENT:
INESE VELDE
Kia ora ODA! I feel hugely privileged to be ODA's President for 2026 and beyond excited to be working with this executive. I hail from Pōneke and this is my fourth year with ODA! I have spent my first year on exec as a production officer and my second as an events coordinator. Through weekly classes and three showcase productions I have fallen so in love with this club. Dancing has always held a special place in my heart since I couldn't keep myself still from age four. When I am not in the studio with you all, I can be found learning about our coastlines in Aotearoa as I begin my adventure into my first year of my MSc in Environmental Management. I am so excited to get to know everyone! Please don't hesitate to come and have a chat. Our ODA community is so special. I want you to be apart of it because I know you will go far with us.
_HEIC.png)
VICE PRESIDENT:
SAM EALES
Kia Ora!! My name is Sam Eales and I am so happy to be the 2026 Vice President for Otago Dance Association!! I am originally from Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Wellington and I am in my third year studying a BSci with a major in forensic analytical science and minor in pharmacology. I have been dancing for thirteen years and I love that ODA has allowed me to continue dancing while in University. As Vice President my goals are to continue to foster the amazing environment ODA has within our weekly classes and ensure everyone whether they have been dancing for years or are new can continue to grow their skills as dancers while having fun. I also aim to organise workshops that are engaging and introduce members to new styles of dance they might not be familiar with.
SECRETARY:
ELLEN THEOBALD
Kia ora! I’m Ellen, and I am the ODA Secretary for 2026. I'm in my second year studying an LLB and BA majoring in History and Politics. I started dancing when I moved to NZ at the age of five and haven’t stopped since! For me, dancing has always been about creating a safe, joy-filled space for people to express themselves creatively. I absolutely love the community that ODA creates, and I am super grateful to be a part of the exec team this year! In my role, I aim to keep on top of communications and make sure that things tick along nicely. I’m always open to chat about ODA or dance in general, especially with people who share the same passion as me!
TREASURER:
EMILY WAHAB
Kia ora. My name is Emily and I am the ODA treasurer for 2026. I am a fourth year student from Tauranga, studying my masters in Marine Science. I have been dancing since I was four years old and I am so happy I have been able to continue it with this club while at university. This is my fourth year being involved with ODA, but my first as a member of the executive so I am super excited to give back to this amazing club that has gotten me through the last three years of my degree.
ODAPT Administrator:
CAPRICE GIFFORD
Kia ora, my name is Caprice and I am the ODAPT Administrator for 2026. I have had a love for dance for as long as I I can remember and now I continue to immerse myself in dance whenever I can. I started my Bachelor of Dance Studies in Auckland and have now transferred to Otago to finish my studies this year graduating with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. I am a member of Otago Dancers, RASA Dance Company and ODAPT Hip Hop, so I am the admin girl as I know how to navigate being booked and busy. My goal for this year is to simply make the troupe managers lives as easy as possible so that they can put all of their effort into creating wonderful choreography for our teams. I hope to get us a few new performance opportunities that we might not have had before and to continue to build a welcoming team environment where everyone in both troupes can push themselves and contribute to the beautiful dance community here in Dunedin.
ODAPT Jazz & contemporary MANAGER:
Hayley macduff
Hey, I’m Hayley and I am ODAPT Jazz & Contemporary Manager for 2026 !! I’m born and raised in Auckland and currently in my third year at Otago studying a Bachelor of Science and majoring in Marine Science. I have been dancing since I was four years old, so dance has always been a major part of my life. Being able to continue my dance journey with a new dance community at ODA is something that has been deeply rewarding. This will be my second year dancing with ODA and ODAPT, and my first year stepping into the creative director role. I aim to challenge and support the members in this club and troupe as best as I can in their dance journey throughout this year.
ODAPT Hiphop manager: lILLY gREIG
Hi everyone!! I’m Lilly Greig, a second-year student at the University of Otago studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sport Management and Development with a minor in Dance Studies. I am the new ODAPT Hip Hop Manager for 2026. I can’t wait to perform with an amazing group of dancers who love sharing their passion for dance with the beautiful Dunedin community. Dance has been a huge part of my life since I was three years old and has blossomed into a passion that I continue to pursue and love.
I have experience dancing both recreationally and competitively in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop. I’ve travelled internationally competing with Hip Hop crews, and I would love to bring the growth, learning, and experience I’ve gained to the ODAPT Hip Hop team. What I love most about hip hop is the dance culture and the creativity it brings to performers and the dance community. Hip hop brings people together from all around the world, sharing, creating, collaborating, expressing their love for dance. This is the energy and connection I hope to bring to ODAPT Hip Hop for 2026. I’m really looking forward to continuing to express and share my passion for dance this year with ODA. While continuing to grow and challenge myself as a student, choreographer, and performer.
EVENTS Coordinators:
Sylvie Kidd & Amelia Kauder
Kia ora! My name is Sylvie, and I am so excited to be one of ODA’s events coordinators for 2026 alongside Amelia. I’m in my third year at Otago, halfway through my LLB and BA, majoring in classics. I have been dancing for 17 years, with a particular love for ballet, and I love that ODA has revitalised a passion in me that I otherwise would have lost. This year, we aim to make our events as welcoming as possible- ODA has such a great community, and we can’t wait to watch it grow!
Kia Ora! My name is Amelia and I'm one of your events coordinators for 2026. I'm a Christchurch girl and in my third year of a BSc in Psychology! I grew up dancing, mostly jazz and contemporary, but since coming to uni I've found that hiphop is more my style! I'm super excited to be working with Sylvie to bring you guys some awesome events this year xx
Production officers:
Lucie Holtz & Emily Robertson
Hello I'm Lucie! I have recently Graduated Otago Polytechnic with a Degree in Design Communication, and I am one of the Production Officers for 2026. My Goal as a Productions officer is to use my skills and passion for film making to help show the values of ODA through creative content for our Social Media and Youtube Channel. Helping bring more people into the world of dance, whether they have never danced before, have been a competitive dancer or dance just for fun, is a goal I have! I have loved dancing since I was little, it has always been a way to express myself and I hope through ODA others are able to rekindle or discover their own love for dance. ODA helped bring back my passion for dance again and has allowed me to try so many new styles I was always too scared to try, so being able to give back to this club is an honour.
Hi I'm Emily and I'm one of your productions officers for 2026, alongside Lucie! I am very excited for this role and even more excited for the things ODA has in store for this year. I am a fourth-year psychology student and this is my last semester at university! I am originally from Christchurch, which is where my love of dance began. I have been dancing since I was 3, with my all time favourite style being contemporary. I am stoked to be a part of the executive team this year, it is such a great opportunity and I can't wait to meet many new faces! If you see me at one of the classes, come say hi! ♡
Social Media & Marketing Manager:
ROSA ADDIE
Kia Ora! My name is Rosa, and I am your Social Media and Marketing Manager for 2026! I’m a third year student studying Marketing and Management. A big highlight of coming to Otago was joining ODA as I got to continue dancing here at uni while meeting so many fabulous people! I’m super excited for my role this year and to continue growing ODA’s online presence! Be sure to follow our social media accounts to stay up to date with all the exciting things coming this year!
Merchandise & Sponsorship Manager:
GRACE CLAUSEN
Kia ora koutou! I’m Grace, your Merchandising and Sponsorship Officer for ODA 2026. This is my fourth year living in Dunedin, and I’m currently wrapping up my postgraduate studies in Microbiology at the University of Otago (but I’m originally from Wellington!). When I’m not dancing or in the lab, you’ll probably find me out climbing, hiking, swimming at the beach, or just making the most of being outdoors. This year, I’m really excited to build strong relationships with our sponsors and create affordable, fun merch that you’ll all love to wear!
well-being mentor:
ASHLEY GEUSEBROEK
Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m currently in my final year studying Sport and Exercise Science, with a minor in Sport Development and Management. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old, and my favourite styles are jazz and contemporary. I love dance because it’s an escape from reality and a way to express yourself, while also connecting with others.
This year I’m part of the ODA exec as the Wellbeing Mentor, and I’m really excited to support dancers both on and off the stage. My goal is to create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, confident, and able to enjoy dance to its fullest.
ODAM: CHARLIE BUTLER
Kia ora koutou! For my last year in Dunedin, I am hugely honoured to be ODA's official 'Mother'. I've been involved with ODA for four years in nearly every aspect: I was the 2025 President, spent three years performing with the ODAPT Hip Hop troupe, three years on our showcase directing teams and enjoyed two years as ODA's secretary. I am hugely passionate about dance - for the past eighteen years it has joyfully filled my life with many exciting opportunities. When I am not having a boogie you will find me in the library studying as I am in my fifth year of my Law(Hons) and Politics degree. ODA means so much to me because of the manaakitanga it brings me: our community is so special! If you see me around, please do not be afraid to say hello - I would love to meet you.
