The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) is one of the Southern Hemisphere's leading dance training institutions, preparing students for careers in professional dance performance. Established in 1967, the School has an international reputation, known for producing versatile and employable dancers, skilled in classical ballet and contemporary dance. The School's unique training develops qualities that meet the needs of the dance profession while extending the boundaries of the art form. The architecturally designed, purpose-built facilities are located in Wellington, New Zealand. Around eighty gifted young dancers study full-time at the School. In recent years, this has included students from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Tahiti, Taiwan and the United States of America. An impressive faculty of teaching staff, choreographers, and international guest tutors assist students to achieve two or three-year qualifications in dance performance. School alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to dance, leading outstanding careers and dancing with top companies around the world. The New Zealand School of Dance is a partner school of the Prix de Lausanne, and provides scholarships through the Japan Grand Prix, Youth America Grand Prix and Asian Grand Prix ballet competitions.