Lesley Bandy

Lesley Bandy is a seasoned dancer, actor, and choreographer with a career spanning over five decades. Born in Portsmouth, England, she was raised in Auckland, New Zealand, and began her full-time dance training at the age of 15 at the Scottish Ballet School, followed by the Royal Ballet School in London. 

Lesley's professional journey commenced with the Royal Opera Ballet at Covent Garden. She then expanded her horizons internationally, performing as a principal and adagio dancer in renowned productions such as the Lido in Paris, "Hello Hollywood Hello" in Reno, and "Jubilee" in Las Vegas. Her versatility shone through in classical ballet roles including Giselle, Odette, Cinderella, Sugar Plum Fairy, La Sylphide, and Swanhilda in Coppelia. She also embraced contemporary pieces like "Lizzie Borden," "Red Sun Rising," and "An American in Paris." 

Beyond performing, Lesley has made significant contributions as a choreographer and director across various mediums, including ballet, opera, musicals, cabaret, and fashion shows. She has held esteemed entertainment management positions with Harrah’s Entertainment, MGM Grand, and Universal Studios, overseeing large-scale events such as Mardi Gras and Halloween celebrations. Her expertise was further recognized through her role as a Dance Consultant for the reality TV show "Dance Moms." 

In recent years, Lesley has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers in New Zealand. She offers open ballet classes, provides coaching to both emerging and professional dancers, and directs/choreographs various projects. She founded "Primarily Dance," a project-based company aimed at bringing high-quality contemporary ballet to regional communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Lesley's enduring passion for the arts and her extensive experience make her a distinguished figure in the dance and entertainment industry.