Anya Down
Performer

Ngāti Toa

Born and raised in Pōneke, Anya brings a rich blend of Māori and Irish heritage to her artistry, proudly connecting to Ngāti Toa. She began her dance journey training part-time at Chilton Ballet Academy while balancing her academic studies, before moving on to the New Zealand School of Dance, where she majored in contemporary dance.

During her time at NZSoD, Anya embraced a range of performance opportunities, including the Pacific Dance Festival, working with choreographers Deja Vukona (2023) and Braedyn Togi (2024). She also performed in the 2022 World of Wearable Art show under the direction of Malia Johnston. Her experience expanded further through collaborations with artists such as Felix Sampson, Kit Reilly, Matte Roffe, Victoria Columbus, Taane Mete, and Zoe Dunwoodie in the school’s End of Year Performance Seasons (2023 & 2024).

Graduating from NZSoD in 2024, Anya makes her professional debut with The New Zealand Dance Company in 2025. For her, contemporary dance is more than movement—it’s a way to express ideas, channel emotions, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Beyond dance, Anya finds joy in swimming in the ocean, playing the guitar, and heading to the cinema. She’s excited to see where this next chapter in her career will take her.