Dance On Academy Staff - 2027
At Dance On Academy we are so fortunate to have such a hard working, experienced and dedicated team. We make sure that we provide a safe, nuturing, professional and engaging experience from your child’s very first class all the way through their dance journey.
Our Team.
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Emma Zinner (Principal)
I have been involved in the dance world for 30 years and have been teaching for the past 13 years in the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, exam and performance work. From 2011-2012 I completed a full-time course at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, with a certificate of training. I then completed my Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management.
I love teaching a wide variety of ages and styles, from our youngest dancers in our Tiny Tots classes to our Open Age performance students. I have a real passion for our junior school students and love watching the joy on their faces as they grow, explore and discover what their bodies are capable of.
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Taryn Jacobs (Principal)
I have 28 years of dance and performance experience with 20 years of teaching ballet, pointe, ballet exam work, jazz, tap, contemporary, conditioning and performance work.
I completed my Cecchetti Ballet Examinations from Grade 1 through to Advanced 2 and hold a ‘Bachelor of Contemporary Arts: Dance’, a ‘Master of Secondary: Teaching’ and a ‘Certificate IV in training and assessment’.
I have been a member of A.T.O.D (Australian Teachers of Dance) since 2014.
I take a particular interest in dance education, dance technique, performance work and health and fitness. I am passionate about teaching students of all ages and constantly learning about children’s growth and development, social interactions and best teaching practices for different age groups, levels, abilities and interests. I love helping students prepare for exams or competitions and seeing the excitement and joy my students gain from their accomplishments.
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Michael Zinner
I have been dancing since I was 3 years old, starting off with Ballroom and Latin for 12 years and then moving into Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Contemporary, ballet and musical theatre. I completed 2 years of full time dance at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance and received a Certificate IV in Training.
I have been lucky enough to have done various performances and events including dancing for Delta Goodrem at the 2012 TV Week Logie Awards, performed in Sydney as a lead dancer at a corporate event for Fine China, a lead tapper at the 2013 release of the new Porsche model and lead solo dancer in Mark Andrew’s Elvis Tribute shows. I also represented Australia in the World Junior 10 dance Championship in Russia in 2009. I currently hold a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Deakin University and am working at a local primary school in Officer. I have been dance teaching for 12 years and absolutely love inspiring students and watching them grow as dancers, artists and stars!
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Jaylee Vella
I am a professional dancer, choreographer, performer and teacher with a lifelong passion for dance, beginning ballet at just two years old.
I discovered my love for hip hop at a young age, competing with a hip hop crew and achieving 3rd place in the world in Queensland.
At 14, I was named Best Female Dancer in Victoria. I completed my VET and VCE Dance studies at Berwick College Dance Academy before completing my Certificate III in Dance through full-time training at Spectrum Dance Studios in 2021.
My performance credits include Principal Dancer and Dance Captain for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular on Channel 7, dancing for Melbourne United in the NBL and WNBL, and performing with Circus Royale as a dancer and box jumper. I have also featured in music videos, advertisements and modelling campaigns, and run my own entertainment company. With extensive experience in teaching and choreography, I have created pieces for corporate events, music videos, VET solos, workshops, classes and more.
My choreography has also been nominated for the Wakakirri National Festival Award for Entertainment Story Award.
Passionate about helping dancers build confidence, develop their technique and express their individuality, I strive to create an inspiring and supportive environment where students can grow as performers and enjoy every step of their dance journey.
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Samantha Potrich
I have been dancing since I was 6 years old, 20 years in total, and have been teaching for the last 11 in styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, acro and hip hop.
As part of my high schooling I completed VET Dance and have also taken part in 2 trips to the USA with Dance Around The World where I had the privilege of performing at places such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Hollywood Boulevard.
I love watching students learn and develop as dancers. I especially enjoy the one on one time I get with students during solo lessons as it allows me to develop a deeper bond with them and help them achieve their goals.
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Isabel Hermansen
I have been dancing since the age of six and have always had a strong passion for the art of dance. Throughout my training, I have developed skills across a variety of styles, including Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz, Acrobatics, Tap and Hip Hop.
In 2024, I trained at SCIMM Dance Pre-Professional, where I further developed my technique and performance skills across Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. During this time, I also completed my Certificate IV at SCIMM Dance.
Throughout high school, I completed VCE Dance and successfully undertook ATOD Ballet examinations, progressing from Silver Medal through to Advanced level.
I have also had the incredible opportunity to perform internationally in Los Angeles in 2016, 2018 and 2025 with my dance team. These experiences included performances at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios and Hollywood Boulevard.
I teach a range of styles, including Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Acrobatics and Ballet.
As my journey in dance progressed, I discovered a true passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers. I am dedicated to sharing my love of dance with my students, nurturing their individual strengths and helping them develop their technique, confidence and artistry. I strive to create a positive, warm and supportive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to explore their potential, celebrate their achievements and grow not only as dancers, but also as individuals.
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Amy Heitmann
I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and haven’t stopped since. I’ve trained in all styles of dance including; jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, acro and pointe. I completed Southern Federation of Dance examinations in tap, ballet and jazz. I’ve competed in various dance competitions around Victoria in both solo and troupe sections and was undefeated in my tap solo.
My love for dance grew which led me into teaching, I love watching my students achieve new skills and improve each week. I’ve been teaching for the last 5 years in various styles of dance including conditioning and competition classes. I’ve taught students from the ages 2-18.
I completed VCE dance in 2018 and was chosen to performed my composition solo in VCAAs Top Class Dance performance.
Last year I completed my first year of full time dance at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance and am currently completing my second year, working towards my cert IV in dance teaching management and diploma of dance elite performance.
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Melissa Wallace
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Ayrlee Smith
Dance has been a huge part of my life since the age of two. Growing up, I competed in solos, duos, trios and troupes, developing a lifelong passion for performing and the performing arts.
Throughout my training, I completed Bronze Star through to Advanced ATOD ballet examinations, VCE Dance Units 3 and 4, and full-time training at Dance Force, where I completed my Certificate IV in Dance. I have trained in a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, commercial, hip hop, commercial heels, latin, acrobatics, and musical theatre, alongside singing and acting.
While performing will always hold a special place in my heart, one of my greatest passions is teaching. Watching my students grow, develop their confidence and achieve even the smallest milestones makes me burst with pride.
I believe in creating a balance between strong technique, discipline and enjoyment, while ensuring every student feels comfortable, supported and valued in my classes. My goal is to create a positive and encouraging environment where students feel confident to be themselves, challenge their abilities and develop a genuine love for dance. Being able to share my passion and inspire the next generation of dancers is something I feel incredibly grateful for, and I hope every student leaves my classes feeling proud of themselves, both as dancers and as individuals.
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Bella Gardner
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Leigh Banner (Administration)