Our Teachers
Our teachers are more than just dance teachers — they’re mentors, role models and part of the Legacy whānau. With a mix of experience, personality and serious passion for dance, they create a fun, supportive space where every dancer can grow, connect and be themselves.
Tash Higginson
Founder/Director/Teacher
Tash has been dancing since she was 7 with a background in jazz then transitioned to hip hop when she was 18 years. She has been teaching hip hop in Christchurch for 25 years and is well known in the hip hop dance scene. This is the second hip hop dance school she has founded and managed. She has done extremely well as a competitor and choreographer in the past and spent some time dancing in London.
She is a mum of three kids and focuses on running Legacy and teaching the younger beginner classes. She is fun and passionate about getting to know each family that join the Legacy family.
Steph Philips
Lead Teacher
Steph has been part of the Legacy family since 2021. She started dancing at four, training in Modern Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop, and competing in solo competitions.
With 23 years of experience teaching Hip Hop, Steph previously owned and ran her own studio, Moon Studios, in Dunedin before moving to Christchurch six years ago. She’s also a busy mum of three!
For Steph, dance and teaching are where she can truly be herself. Her fun, energetic approach and strong whānau vibe create a supportive environment where students can build confidence, connection and a real sense of belonging.
Theresa
Teacher
Theresa’s dance journey began with Siva Samoa at nine years old, dancing alongside her family at cultural and community celebrations. She discovered Hip Hop at 15 and fell in love with its rhythm, creativity and performance.
Teaching since 17, Theresa has taken her passion for dance across New Zealand, Australia and the USA. She specialises in Hip Hop, Contemporary and Street Freestyle, while embracing all forms of movement and expression.
For Theresa, dance is about self-expression, community, connection and the powerful way movement can help people heal, grow and find their passion.
Lauren Bennett
Teacher
Lauren has been part of the Legacy family since 2022. She started dancing at five and has trained in a range of styles, with Hip Hop becoming her favourite.
She has performed for the Canterbury Rams, Crusaders games and various events, and in 2025 her crew placed 2nd at Shakedown. Lauren achieved Excellence endorsements in Senior NCEA Dance and completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Canterbury. She is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching, specialising in Health, PE and Dance.
Lauren continues to grow as a dancer through her own advanced crew and loves helping her students build confidence, reach their potential and enjoy a fun, supportive and connected class environment.
Kathy Oliver
Teacher
Kathy has been dancing at Legacy dance Studio since she was 8 years old. At the age of 9 she was invited to join a hip hop crew where she had the opportunity to perform at many events throughout Christchurch including Coca Cola Christmas in the park.
She's currently a member of Legacy’s competition crew. To date they have performed as half time entertainment for the NZ Football Ferns, Tactix netball, Canterbury Rams and on What Now TV.
Kathy loves to encourage students to believe in themselves, and to become more confident within themselves, and on the stage. She is currently studying a certificate in youth work through Legacy Dance Studio.
