Our mission

To raise awareness about mental health through the power of movement.

Through the creative medium of dance, music and videography I hope to firstly raise awareness for mental health, that it exists and that it’s ok to not be ok.

Secondly we want our viewers to engage in conversations, respectfully of course, learning more about other people's perspectives, experiences and cultures. Creating an online space where people feel welcome to share and learn.

Thirdly we hope to create a safe space and offer community classes through dance and fitness that support mental and physical health.

Ultimately it’s a place of empowerment and hope that whatever personal battle you may be facing there is a way to claim victory.

Disclaimer: We are not trained professionals in therapy, please seek help and contact your GP if you feel you are facing an emergency. We speak through our experiences and open a platform for discussion in hopes to provide support for those feeling alone.

" it's okay to not be okay"

Kirsten Ocampo from Valour Projects dancing

Why you'll love it here...

A space where you belong
No matter your background, experience, or journey, you deserve a place where you feel welcome and supported. Here, your voice and story matter.

Movement that feels good, inside and out
Feel stronger, more energised, and refreshed. Our approach connects movement with well-being, so you leave feeling better in both body and mind.

Connect, create, grow
Dance, music, and creativity bring people together. Join a community that inspires, supports, and lifts each other up.

View Classes

Valour means...

facing life's difficulties

With an attitude of strength and courage found from within oneself, with the collective support of a community and with a little faith.

Often times it's the battle of the mind where strength and courage is needed the most.

Valour is a brand that recognises there is strength in admitting weakness or finding the courage to speak up and ask for help.

Battles are not just fought and won on a field physically anymore. They are fought and won in the mind internally.

Our Story

Valour Projects originated from two friends who have both experienced their own hardships. Growing up with dance and fitness was our way of expressing our mental health issues.

We started by only doing creative projects and using arts as a language to foster open conversations about mental health. We soon realised the power of creative expression.

Organically in-person classes fit to create a community. It now has dance, fitness, and film, to create a space where individuals can:

Find support
Join a community
Promote mental well-being

We wanted to break down stigma and encourage personal growth, leading to the establishment of where Valour is now.

Compassion

Connection

Wellness

Approachability

Meet Kirsten

Kirsten is a dancer, instructor, and all-around creative with a strong passion for the arts.

Certifications, Training & Experience

Diploma in Performing Arts (Commercial Dance)
Danced professionally in New Zealand
Additional dance training in Los Angeles
Certified Barre instructor
New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Exercise, and Leisure
Diploma in Business, Management, and Accounting

Kirsten loves a variety of dance styles, from ballet and jazz to lyrical and hip hop.

After facing some tough times, including dealing with depression and trauma, she’s found her true calling in helping and inspiring others through movement.

She believes wholeheartedly that dance is a powerful way to connect, heal, and uplift, and she’s dedicated to creating a space where everyone feels supported.

Work with Kirsten

How our classes have inspired and uplifted our community

"Helped me feel safe"

On Studio Retreat:
Valour has always been my way of checking in and being present with myself. It has helped me feel safe, releasing and tapping into deeper parts of me with other beautiful individuals, making you feel that you’re not alone. This community means a lot to me and holds a very special place in my heart.
- Alhene C
"There was no judgement"

I can finally say I attended my first Valour Projects dance class. It pains me to admit that what brought me here was losing a friend to mental health two months ago. I never imagined such physical pain could be associated with losing a friend this way, which got me thinking about how I might be able to release these complicated emotions.
By chance, I saw Kirsten was holding a class and thought I might as well give it a try. Knowing that Kirsten’s Valour Projects focused on mental health, I took the plunge. I’m so glad to say I loved this class a lot! I have never felt so safe in a dance environment. It provided the perfect outlet to release emotions and continue on this healing journey. It was clear that others in the class felt the same way, and there was no judgement placed on any of us. I can’t thank Kirsten enough for providing such a comfortable and safe dance space.
- Rose C
"Loved every single class"

The Valour lyrical classes have been exactly what I have needed since moving to Wellington. They have been such a positive environment to figure out my own relationship with dance and learn to love it outside of all the competition dance creates. I have loved every single class with all my heart and they came to me at a time when I needed it the most.
- Willa M
"Welcomes anyone"

Kirsten creates such a safe and creative atmosphere that welcomes anyone regardless of their dancing ability. Vai-60 is truly a space where you can express your innermost emotion through dance and feel entirely accepted by the community she has created.
- Alex H
"Helped me to let my feelings out"

I had a big break, 10 years ago I left the dance team because of work. But I always tried to find time for dancing. This is my passion.
Having lost and left everything behind because of the war in Ukraine, I could not pull myself together. I'm very glad to have found and met you! Thank you for your support, attention! It helped me to let my feelings out, to continue not to give up dancing when there are professionals dancing around me. Thank you for reminding us who we are, communicating with us. Through your dance classes I found hope to continue living. And now I'm more determined to study because through dance I want to convey the meaning of life, healing. Thank you for starting the second block after June. You're the best! I will be looking forward to the new dance block!
- Oleksandra M
"Leave with your cup filled"

The first time I walked into a Valour class, I immediately felt welcomed.
Valour has since been an outlet for me to release, to come into a space to enjoy dance and just be - in a supportive and non judgmental environment.
I can truly say that I’ve found growth through these classes, not only in my dancing, but also as a person living my day to day. It’s nice being able to come to classes where your background doesn’t matter, experienced or inexperienced. Just come in and leave with your cup filled.
- Jet
"Her choreography continues to challenge me"

On Inner Vai-90:
Kirsten continues to create a space that’s expressive, wholesome and safe. Her choreography continues to challenge me to push myself outwardly and inwardly and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to do so.
- Mikaela A
"I enjoy her choreography"

On Studio Retreat:
I loved my time at the studio retreat. Kirsten provides a safe space for us to be able to express ourselves authentically. I enjoy her choreography as it is so deep and thoughtful. It allows us to move with meaning so that we can work through our emotions physically.
- Kaylee M
"Beautiful choreography"

On Studio Retreat:
I came along to Valour as a complete newbie to dance, with a lot of huge emotions that were so delicate to even begin to process. Valour gave me a safe space to feel them out and connect with them in amongst friends.
Each class provides me with a song that helps me return to the peaceful space Kirsten creates in each session. As scary as it was to join a dance class with minimal experience, Kirsten made me feel welcome and supported, and I really enjoyed the brain challenge of rapidly learning and experiencing her beautiful choreography.
- Becca B