Empire Studios
Claire Baxter-Cardy
Movement & dance
Dance. Connect. Belong. ❤️
Dance may be the medium, but people are at the heart of what we do. We create confidence, connection and belonging, and experiences people remember because of how they made them feel. Creating something that moves people.
Who I help
People of all ages wanting to dance, move and build confidence; businesses and brands needing choreography, performers or creative direction; and people looking for an inspiring, versatile Auckland space for classes, workshops, rehearsals and events.
The problem I solve
I create the space, experiences and opportunities that bring people together. Whether you need to find your confidence on a dance floor, bring an event or campaign to life through choreography and performance, or find the right space to make something happen. Empire brings the people, creativity and place together.
My point of difference
Empire is built around people first. My experience as a dancer, entertainer, choreographer, teacher and studio owner means I understand this industry from every side. Whether you come to us to dance, create, perform or hire our space, we start with what you need and create an experience around you
My niche market
People who want more than just a dance class, a choreographer or a room to hire. Our sweet spot is people, businesses and creatives looking for an inclusive, people-first experience, whether they’re learning, creating, performing or bringing people together. Someone looking for belonging and community.
Key benefits
We understand people. How movement builds confidence, wellbeing and connection. How an idea becomes choreography, performance or an unforgettable experience. And how the right space brings people together. From your first dance class to a major event, we make people feel part of something.
Problems my clients avoid
I bring experience, creativity and an understanding of people. I listen first, understand the outcome, then bring together the right people, ideas and space to deliver it. From an individual finding confidence through dance to a business bringing a creative vision to life, I know how to make the experience matter.
About
Empire Studios is an Auckland home for dance, creativity and connection. We bring people together through movement, performance and shared experiences — from someone stepping into their very first dance class to professional choreography, creative projects and events. At the heart of Empire is a simple belief: people come first. As a mother-daughter team, we’ve created a place where people of all ages and stages can learn, create, perform and belong — and where businesses, creatives and communities can bring their own ideas to life. Dance. Connect. Belong. ❤️
Products and services
Dance & Movement From first-time dancers to experienced performers, Empire offers inclusive dance and movement experiences for all ages and stages. - Youth, teen, adult and active-ager dance programmes - Beginner courses and open dance classes - Private lessons and one-to-one coaching - Pilates and movement classes - Workshops, intensives and performance development - Showcases and performance opportunities - Social dance experiences - Hens parties, celebrations and bespoke group experiences Choreography, Performance & Creative From an initial idea or brief through to performance, we work with businesses, brands, events and individuals to create experiences that connect with an audience. - Choreography and creative direction - Professional dancers and performers - Corporate and brand events - Product launches and activations - Live entertainment and performance - Bespoke workshops and team experiences - Rehearsal and performance development - Creative projects and collaborations Studio & Venue Hire Our five versatile Auckland studios provide a creative home for individuals, businesses and organisations needing space to make something happen. - Classes, workshops and training - Rehearsals and private lessons - Photography, video and content creation - Auditions and castings - Meetings and team experiences - Product launches and brand activations - Intimate performances and showcases - Social and community events - Regular and one-off studio hire Dance. Create. Perform. Hire. There’s room for you at Empire.
Why I am a member
I joined NZ Business Women because I genuinely value the power of women supporting women through business, leadership and community. As both a creative and business owner, I’m passionate about building authentic connections with like minded women who are creating meaningful impact in their industries and communities. Empire Studios was built on the belief that confidence, connection and community can change lives, and I’m excited to be part of a network that champions collaboration, growth, empowerment and shared success. I’m here to connect. To hear what other women in business are working on, understand their pain points, share advice and connections where I can, and learn from their experiences too. I believe business grows through genuine relationships, and I’m excited to grow mine alongside a community of like-minded women.
Skills
- Agencies
- Campaigns & launches
- Community events
- Community venue hire
- Corporate events
- Dance classes
- Drama & performance
- Family business
- Individuals & whānau
- Parents & families
An invitation
Come and experience Empire. Take a class, bring me a creative brief, or come and see what we could do with the space. Whether it’s for you, your people or your business, let’s create something that moves people.