Wollongong | Kiama | Coledale
A dance school for all ages & abilities
Our Staff 2023
Our Staff 2023
All of our staff have their current First Aid certificates, Working With Children Checks, and at least two COVID-19 vaccinations.
Miss Zoe
(Principal - Wollongong/Kiama/Coledale Studios)
Miss Zoe established Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in late 2006 and currently teaches most of the weekly classes. Miss Zoe has danced for the past 30 years and has experience in a variety of styles ranging from ballet to hip hop. She has been teaching for the past 21 years and has experience in all styles but specialises in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Miss Zoe has taught dance to people of all ages and abilities as well as to intellectually and physically disabled people for the MZSOD along with The House With No Steps.
In 2018 & 2019 Miss Zoe was selected as a Finalist in the Most Outstanding Business Person of the Year category at the Illawarra & South Coast Local Business Awards. MZSOD was also nominated as a Finalist in the business category in 2017 & 2020 and we won the Most Outstanding Dance Studio Category in both 2018 and 2019. In 2020 & 2019 we were also named as a Finalist in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
Working for years as a preschool teacher and hockey coach, Miss Zoe has also completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Wollongong and a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at the University of New England. Miss Zoe is also a passionate advocate for all things health & fitness & started Fitness classes for all ages in 2017. She is also currently writing a health food cook book!
Under Miss Zoe's guidance her students have successfully auditioned for Wollongong Highschool of the Performing Arts, competed in local eisteddfods and competitions, performed at a variety of fetes, festivals, and community events, and enjoyed numerous successful end of year and mid year concert days. Miss Zoe's focus is on fun, fitness, and inclusion of all ages, body types, and abilities - no pressure is put on students and everyone has an equal opportunity to perform. Miss Zoe loves what she does and feels privileged to teach you and your children.
Before opening Miss Zoe’s School of Dance, Miss Zoe taught at Vincentia School of Dance 2001-2003; Vincentia Public School, NSW, 2002-2004; Jervis Bay Public School, NSW, 2002 (Wakakiri Performance); and the University of Wollongong Dance Club 2004-2006. Miss Zoe also held executive positions in the University of Wollongong Dance Club in 2004/05.
Miss Zoe completed HSC Dance in 2003 as well as performances for the HSC Dance CD-ROM for students in 2004. Vincentia High School’s Excellence in the Arts Award was won by Miss Zoe in 2001 and 2003 for her contribution to dance within the school. Miss Zoe has attended numerous dance camps and workshops over the years; as well as performing in eisteddfods, half-time entertainment for the Wollongong Hawks, Southern Stars, Dance Festivals, and more. In 2009 Miss Zoe was nominated for a Top Gong Award for her work in the performance industry and encouraging success in young girls.
Working With Children Check Number:
WWC0717292E
Miss Mia (Wollongong/Coledale Studios)
Miss Mia started dancing at Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in 2006 – she was one of our original students! Miss Mia has experience in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Contemporary and is skilled at all. Miss Mia has won many awards over the years.
Miss Mia is a dedicated member of Miss Zoe’s and we were thrilled to have her begin her student teaching in 2013, and moving into a teaching role in 2016.
Miss Mia completed school at Wollongong Highschool of the Performing Arts and is currently studying Primary Education at UOW. She has choreographed award-winning Wakakirri routines for Kiama Public School.
Working With Children Check Number: WWC1964053E
Miss Lilly-Rose (Kiama Studio)
Miss Lilly-Rose has been dancing since 2010 and joined Miss Zoe’s in 2018. Lilly-Rose loves all styles of dance and has experience in jazz, hip hop, ballet and contemporary. She is a quiet student who is always willing to help wherever she can.
Miss Lilly-Rose began student teaching in 2019, and stepped into a teaching role in 2020. She has quickly become a confident and well-loved teacher, earning her the Teacher of the Year award in 2021! She has a natural ability with younger children, being extremely encouraging and patient when helping them. She always strives to be a positive role model for the younger students to look up to.
Miss Lilly-Rose is head teacher at Kiama Studio for 2023
Miss Han (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Han was one of Miss Zoe’s original students! She started in 2006 and has never missed a beat at Miss Zoe’s – her attendance is impeccable & she is extremely dedicated. She has experience in ballet, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz.
Miss Han was a member of the Costume Club and in 2017 commenced her student teaching. Miss Han is an extremely talented dancer and has always been keen to help out at Miss Zoe’s whenever needed. 2015 saw her receive the Miss Zoe’s School of Dance Student of the Year – very well deserved!
2019 saw Miss Han step into a teaching & admin role. 2022 saw her win Teacher of the Year and she will continue her awesome teaching in 2023!
Working With Children Check: WWC2296980E
Miss Laura (Wollongong/Coledale/Kiama Studios)
Miss Laura began dancing at Miss Zoe’s in 2012 and has experience in ballet, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz. Miss Laura is a quiet achiever – always trying her hardest in class and steadily improving. In 2022 she was awarded Wollongong Soloist of the Year!
Miss Laura began her student teaching at Wollongong in 2018, and Coledale in 2019. In 2021 she stepped into a teaching role and has grown into a confident and well-respected dancer, teacher, and choreographer.
2023 will see Miss Laura across all 3 studios in both teaching and admin.
Miss Rachel (Office Manager)
Miss Rachel joined Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in 2018. She has experience in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and tap. In 2018 Miss Rachel was awarded the Kiama Studio 2019 Scholarship for her hard work and dedication as a dancer.
2019 saw Miss Rachel join Miss Zoe’s as an Administrator at the Kiama Studio and in 2020 she continued this role as well as teaching our Saturday classes. Unfortunately in 2022 Miss Rachel had to move from the Illawarra so can no longer teach, however she is still working hard behind the scenes to keep the dance school running smoothly!
Miss Rachel has helped at many concerts with makeup and hair. She is dedicated, passionate and eager to learn and help wherever needed.
Working With Children Check: WWC2185254V
Brendan (Wollongong Studio)
Brendan joined Miss Zoe's School of Dance in 2012 as a student teacher for tap classes and has taught a variety of classes at Miss Zoe’s ever since. He previously trained at a number of studios for 16 years covering various styles of dance such as Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatics and found his niche in Tap. Having competed in both local and national eisteddfods since the age of 5, Brendan has a great amount of experience to offer. He was very successful at these eisteddfods having achieved a large number of 1st place awards in Wollongong and Sydney and was awarded 2nd place in the Dancer of the Year at the Showcase National Dance Championships. At the age of 12, Brendan was approached by Tap Dogs choreographer/founder Dein Perry and was invited to attend their advanced adult classes.
Brendan has also choreographed and assisted in teaching others ranging from beginners to more experienced tappers. For more than 2 years during high school, Brendan choreographed routines at The Illawarra Grammar School for the senior boys tap troupe. The routines were performed at various school events for charity. Brendan has also completed & taught various levels of the Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus.
Brendan’s students love his enthusiastic, fast-paced teaching style and everyone loves seeing him perform himself! Brendan has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wollongong.
Working With Children Check Number: WWC0744204E
Miss Issy (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Issy has been dancing at Miss Zoe’s since 2011. She has experience in ballet, jazz, broadway jazz, contemporary, acrobatics and solo performances. Miss Issy loves all the opportunities to perform including fetes, flash mobs and concerts. She works hard in her own lessons, always striving to do her personal best.
Miss Issy has won many class awards over the years, as well as Most Improved in 2018. She began student teaching in 2019, and took on her own classes in 2020. 2023 will see Miss Issy take on a larger role in the studio, teaching many classes and private lessons.
Miss Amy (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Amy joined Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in 2007 (although she has danced with Miss Zoe for all of her life!) and has not only danced at a consistently high level, but has also always helped out with bookkeeping, make up, performances, rehearsals, etc. In 2008 she was awarded Miss Zoe’s School of Dance Student of the Year.
Miss Amy has been dancing for the past 25 years and has experience in the styles of: Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Modern Expressive, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Miss Amy has been teaching at Miss Zoe's for the last 11 years in the styles of Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary; as well experience with teaching people with disabilities.
Miss Amy completed HSC Dance in 2007 and won Vincentia High School’s Excellence in the Arts Award in the same year for her contribution to dance and art within the school. Miss Amy has performed with great success in eisteddfods, Southern Stars, Dance Festivals, school ceremonies, and dance performances for both Miss Zoe’s School of Dance and Vincentia School of Dance.
Miss Amy is also a practising artist and has a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts), University of Wollongong. In 2011 she was the Wollongong Youth centre's Artist in Residence.
Working With Children Check Number:
WWC0313272E
Miss Helen (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Helen joined Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in 2018, and has been a dedicated member of the Senior Ballet, Pointe and Contemporary classes for the past 4 years. In 2021 Miss Helen joined the teaching team, introducing us to Irish Dance!
She started dancing at age 6 at the Wollongong Academy of Irish Dance, where she danced at State, National and World Championship levels, as well as in the professional Irish Dance Show Gaelforce. She is a qualified T.C.R.G. with over 20 years of experience in teaching Irish Dance to a wide range of ages and levels of ability, in both solo and team categories. Her students have performed at many different events from schools fetes and nursing home displays, to competitions and professional shows. She has also prepared many students for grade examinations and entrance auditions. Choreography is one of her passions and she has developed routines for many different settings and situations including concert performances for many years.
Outside of dancing, Miss Helen has an honours degree in Science/Arts, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Education. She has been a Science teacher at a local high school since 2004, and specialises in boys education.
Working With Children Check Number: AAP0838914
Miss Chelsea (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Chelsea joined Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in 2009 and has experience in the styles of Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pointe, Acrobatics, and Contemporary. Miss Chelsea has always been a dedicated member of Miss Zoe’s, performing at any chance she gets. She has also won a number of trophies at Miss Zoe’s including Most Improved in 2012 and Teacher of the Year in 2015.
In 2016 Miss Chelsea started teaching for Miss Zoe's School for Dance. Miss Chelsea also performed at a high level in dance at Keira Highschool and is a very mature, responsible member of the Miss Zoe’s team. She is a very talented dancer, teacher, and choreographer. All of her student adore her and she is a great example of what Miss Zoe’s is all about!
Working With Children Check Number:
WWC1814123V
Miss Caitlin (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Caitlin has a number of years experience in dance, with a strong background in tap, as well as training in jazz, hip hop, ballet and contemporary. Over the years she has taken part in a number of performances including competing in eisteddfods with both solo and troupe dances.
Miss Caitlin joined Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in 2014, continuing her tap training. In 2017 she taught all tap classes at the studios and Miss Zoe was very excited to have her on board – her students caught her enthusiasm for tap as well as her lovely smile while performing!
Miss Caitlin possesses a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and works locally at a day care.
Working With Children Check Number: WWC0159495E
Miss Nicole (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Nicole came to Miss Zoe's in 2017 with over 15 years of dance experience. She won Most Dedicated in Senior Ballet in 2017 and Most Dedicated in Senior Contemporary in 2018. Trained in jazz, ballet, pointe, contemporary, hip hop and musical theatre, Miss Nicole's favourite style to teach is jazz though her favourite to perform is contemporary.
Miss Nicole likes to see her students growing in ability and confidence, and also having fun! She has been teaching for many years and loves passing on her long-standing passion for dance. After teaching casually at Miss Zoe’s in 2018 she joined the team in 2019 teaching
It is a family affair with Miss Nicole’s two young children also taking classes at Miss Zoe’s – Miss Zoe is thrilled to have her on board!
Working With Children Check Number: WWC1048695V
Miss Annalise (Wollongong/Kiama Studios)
Miss Annalise has been dancing since she was 3 and has experience in many styles such as jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, ballet, acro and musical theatre. She has competed at many eisteddfods in both group and solo performances, and performed in many years worth of concerts. Her favourite style is lyrical but enjoys everything; as long as she’s dancing! She is passionate about helping children learn and grow and is currently studying to become a primary school teacher. She is excited to share her love for dance with students as she believes dance is a good fundamental activity to build confidence and skill for all people.
Working With Children Check: WWC2594050E
Miss Jazlyn (Wollongong Studio)
Miss Jazlyn began dancing at Miss Zoe’s in 2011. Miss Jazlyn has experience in Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary and gymnastics. Over the years, Miss Jazlyn has won numerous awards such as 2016 Most Improved, 2017 Scholarship and 2020 Student Of The Year. Miss Jazlyn loves any chance to perform and aspires to be the best dancer she can be. She is looking forward to helping the studio and hopes to pass on her passion for dance.
2023 will see her take on a class of her own, as well as continue with assisting in a number of classes.
Miss Mica (Kiama Studio)
Miss Mica has been dancing every year of her life since the age of 3 and joined Miss Zoe’s in 2018. Mica has experience in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and tap.
Mica loves performing and has danced in many concerts and eisteddfods, and is passionate about sharing her love of dance with others. Mica loves helping others to improve their dancing and displays a natural affinity towards younger students, she is always happy, friendly, patient and kind and keen to assist.
2023 will see her teaching Kids Tap, as well as team-teaching acrobatics!
Miss Ella (Coledale Studio)
Miss Ella has been dancing since the age of 5, and joined Miss Zoe's in 2021 with experience in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop & Acro, as well as performing at concerts & competitions. She quickly proved to be a dedicated and talented student, and was awarded our 2021 Coledale Scholarship. Miss Ella loves to dance and share her passion and knowledge as a student teacher!
2023 will see her teaching Tumbling, assisting with classes, and admin duties.
Student Teachers
Wollongong Studio
Miss Pippa has been dancing for 5 years, with experience in contemporary, ballet and jazz. She has achieved many class awards throughout her time at Miss Zoe’s. Miss Pippa loves performing at flash mobs, fetes and concerts! She loves to dance with others and in larger groups.
Alex joined Miss Zoe's in 2018 in our Musical Theatre class, and instantly loved it! He feels very dedicated and passionate about the art of Musical Theatre, and has won the Most Dedicated class award, as well as the Star Potential Award in 2020.
Miss Katie has been dancing at MZSOD since she was 3 years old. She
has experience in Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary. Over the years she
has achieved many class awards and 2 major awards, Star Potential
and Soloist of the Year. Miss Katie loves any opportunity to perform
at concerts, fetes, markets, events and flash mobs in groups or as a
soloist. 2023 will see her start her student teaching in Lil' Ballet/Contemporary.
Miss Taraji
Kiama Studio
Miss Viena has been dancing since the age of 6, and started at Miss Zoe's in 2019. She says that dancing makes her feel "happy and free" and she enjoys performing with her friends. Viena is a dedicated and friendly quiet achiever, she has won class awards, and performed at concerts & markets in a group and as a soloist. Viena says that she has learnt so much as a student, and cannot wait to continue sharing her passion for dance as a student teacher.
Coledale Studio
Miss Bronte
