Our Team
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As the founder and director of Ballroom Baby, Zac is the driving force behind the studio and its vision for the future of DanceSport in Geelong.
Raised in Geelong and dancing since the age of 10, Zac has trained with some of Melbourne’s leading coaches and studios, competing successfully throughout Australia and internationally. After spending time living abroad, he returned to Geelong with a vision to create a new kind of dance studio — one that would bring fresh energy to ballroom dancing and provide ambitious, high-quality training for dancers of all ages.
More than 10 years later, Zac has successfully coached hundreds of dancers, from complete beginners through to medalists and competitive dancers, while building Ballroom Baby into Geelong’s leading DanceSport training studio.
Zac is Geelong’s most qualified ballroom coach, and is currently the only ballroom instructor in Geelong holding formal DanceSport coaching and adjudicating qualifications. He is qualified across all three disciplines — Standard, New Vogue and Latin — and regularly appears on adjudicating panels at competitions throughout Australia.
Zac is also a committee member of DanceSport Victoria, contributing to the development and growth of DanceSport across the state and continuing to build his knowledge and expertise within the wider DanceSport community.
“I feel incredibly proud of what Ballroom Baby is, and of the work we have all done in bringing it to life. It is a place full of creative, positive energy that means so much to so many people. It is incredibly humbling to be at the helm. Dancing is in my blood, and I’m proud to follow in the quicksteps of my grandparents, who were also studio proprietors.”
At Ballroom Baby, Zac leads adult social, advanced and experienced classes and works privately with dancers preparing for competitions, medal examinations and high-level performance, with particular expertise in Ballroom and New Vogue. He also trains and mentors emerging instructors and is available for medal and competition examining.
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Tammy began dancing later in life, training in Melbourne and completing medals in all styles including latin and street latin.
After teaching in Melbourne, Tammy operated her own studio in Bendigo for a number of years before moving to Geelong and joining Ballroom Baby. Tammy loves teaching and sharing her knowledge with all the new people at Ballroom Baby.
Tammy leads our introduction dance classes. She is available for private lessons for social dancing and weddings.
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Mel has been dancing since age 3 and ballroom dancing since age 14. Having trained in Queensland, England and Melbourne, Mel now resides in Geelong and teaches at Ballroom Baby Geelong. Mel is also a regular participant in Dancesport competitions.
Mel leads our advanced dance classes, as well as debutante training programs.
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Leighton started dancing locally in early childhood and was a mainstay of the Australian competitive circuit for many years. At age 22 he packed his bags for England where he would train under world leading coaches for 6 years, and compete against the worlds best. After returning to Australia he joined the Professional division and has since made every major final in the country. After working as a freelance coach for many years, in 2021 he founded Dance Lumiere, aiming to share his love for Ballroom dance to the next generation of Australian dancers.
He is passionate about introducing dancing to as many new people as possible, focusing on sound fundamentals from the very beginning, and promoting confidence and inclusivity as part of the coaching process; to produce not just excellent dancers, but people too.
Leighton joins us weekly from Dance Lumiere in Melbourne and is available for private lessons on a Monday.
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At the age of 14, Shane started his dance career in Brisbane Queensland, rapidly rise through the ranks, he decided to move to Perth WA, After 5 years in Perth with many State & National wins, Shane then moved to London to train with some of the world masters. Shane returned to Australia where he turned Professional making all State & National finals.
Shane decided Melbourne was the place to be for their career where they achieved every state and national final including 3rd at the Australian Dancesport Championships - Professional Rising Star Latin American.Shane is available for private lessons for competition, medals, social and weddings.
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Tom brings over 20 years of experience in the ballroom dancing industry, with a career that spans teaching and competing. An accredited coach with Dancesport Australia, Tom has worked with dancers of all ages and abilities, helping them build strong technique, confidence, and a genuine love of dance.
A former competitor, Tom understands the journey from the inside out and brings that insight into every lesson. He has also held key roles behind the scenes, including studio manager and Executive Assistant to Mark Wilson, renowned Dancing With The Stars judge.
Beyond the dance floor, you’ll often see Tom in an MC role, having hosted numerous DanceSport championship across Australia. Tom is passionate about creating positive, inspiring dance experiences for every dancer he works with.
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With a lifelong passion for dance, Victoria brings both grace and experience to the ballroom floor. She began dancing at an early age and quickly discovered her love for ballroom, dedicating herself to mastering a wide range of styles including Latin, New Vogue and Standard. Over the years, Victoria has competed in numerous Dancesport events, gaining not only valuable performance experience but also a deep understanding of the discipline, technique, and artistry that define ballroom dancing. Her competitive background has shaped her teaching style—focused, encouraging, and always tailored to the individual needs of her students. Currently continuing her own dance education, Victoria believes in lifelong learning and is committed to staying current with modern technique and teaching methods. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your performance, Victoria brings both professionalism and warmth to every class, helping dancers of all levels grow in confidence and skill.
Victoria leads our Monday Night Classes with Terry, and is available for private lessons for social, medals and early competitions.
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Terry is a lifelong dancer with a deep passion for ballroom and years of experience on the competition floor. Currently, he competes alongside his wife in Dancesport events across Australia, achieving success in Latin, Standard, and New Vogue styles.
Known for his energy, precision, and love of dance, Terry brings a wealth of knowledge to every class he teaches. His competitive background and commitment to excellence make him a strong, encouraging presence in the studio.
Terry leads our Monday night classes with Victoria
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Heather is the newest member of our teaching team and brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to our kids beginner classes. A successful competitive dancer in Dancesport events, she combines strong technique with a fun, engaging teaching style.
With her bright personality and encouraging approach, Heather creates a positive environment where young dancers feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. She’s passionate about helping kids build not only their dance skills but also a lifelong love of movement and music.
Every class with Heather is full of energy, smiles, and progress—making her a favourite among our youngest dancers and their families.
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Maddie brings energy, warmth, and a lifelong love of dance to every class. With experience across a variety of dance styles, she found her passion for ballroom and Latin three years ago and has been dedicated to growing her technique and performance ever since.
Her teaching style is supportive, encouraging, and focused on helping students feel confident and comfortable on the dance floor.
Maddie creates a fun and positive learning environment where dancers of all levels can thrive while developing both skill and artistry.
From first steps to feeling fabulous on the floor, Maddie helps dancers learn, grow, and enjoy every moment of their dance journey.
Interested in working with us?
Ballroom Baby is always open to hearing from experienced ballroom dancers who may want to start or continue their coaching career with us. We have a variety of options including direct employment, floor hire or consulting - or our ‘cadetship’ program for new teachers.
Send us an email to hello@babygeelong.com.au which includes; a brief introduction of yourself, relevant ballroom dance experience and qualifications, other relevant employment history and availability. We look forward to hearing from you!