Dance On Academy Staff - 2025

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.

  • Emma Zinner (Principal)

    I have been involved in the dance world for 29 years and have been teaching for the past 12 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.

  • Taryn Jacobs (Principal)

    I have 27 years of dance and performance experience with 19 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.

  • 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!

  • Jaylee Vella

    I have been dancing ever since I could walk.

    I started with a Ballet class at 2 years old and found my true love for Hip Hop not to long after which lead me to be in a Hip Hop Competition Crew where we competed Interstate and placed 1st in ADCC and was named Best Female Dancer In Victoria at 14 years old. From there my love for dance grew and I was accepted into Berwick College Dance Academy where I completed my Certificate’s in VET & VCE Dance. From there I became an all rounded dancer and Singer.

    I was also given the amazing opportunity In being a principal Dancer and Dance Captain for The Victorian State School Spectacular which was aired on Channel 7.

    In 2021 I completed my Certificate 3 in Dance at Spectrum Dance studios Full Time Dance. From there In 2022 I was Teaching at High schools all around the South East for Dance classes, Competition routines, VET and VCE classes. My Choreography for The Wakakiri Story-dance was nominated for the National Festival Award: Entertainment Story Award

    I have been teaching for the past 8 years In all styles and have such a love and passion for it, I love watching the students grow and improve each week, It’s such a rewarding place to be.

  • Samantha Hanegraaf

    I have been dancing since I was 6 years old, 19 years in total, and have been teaching for the last 10 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.

  • Isabel Hermansen

    I began dancing at the age of 6 and am now in my 14th year. I have 7 years of teaching and assisting experience in a range of ages and styles including; ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and acrobatics.

    During high school I completed VCE Dance Units 1-4 as well as receiving Certificate 1-3 in Dance. I have completed my ATOD ballet examinations from Silver Medal through to Advanced.

    In 2016 and 2018 I performed in America (Disneyland, California Adventure Park, Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios and down the main street of Disneyland in their parade).

    After dancing for many years, I knew I wanted to teach dance and inspire the next generation of dancers. I love watching kids grow and achieve their dance goals.

  • 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.

  • Victoria Pickard

    I began dancing at the age of 6. Since then I haven’t stopped. My training started with Jazz, Ballet, Tap and over the years moved into other styles including Contemporary, Ballroom and Hip hop. through all of this I gained a strong passion for Musical theatre.

    In 2023 I graduated from Patrick School of the Arts where I completed their Performing Arts course and received my Cert IV in dance

    I have taught students between the ages of 3-18. I love seeing students achieve their goals and learn new things. Witnessing the progress and growth of my students brings me immense joy and fulfillment, further fueling my passion for teaching and inspiring others through dance.

  • Leigh Banner (Administration)