DanceIM
Brazilian Zouk in Melbourne: beginner-friendly partner dance with experienced…
Dance IM is one of Australia's longest-running Brazilian Zouk schools, founded in 2012 by Izzy Washington.
Before your first class
Completely beginner-friendly; free trial class available, no partner or experience required, and classes are specifically structured for absolute beginners.
Wear something comfortable you can move in.
Free parking available on Johnston Street and side streets; 4-hour parking on Sackville Street and Lulie Street; pay attention to parking signs for clearways and time restrictions.
About this studio
Dance IM is one of Australia's longest-running Brazilian Zouk schools, founded in 2012 by Izzy Washington. It's based at two studios: Platform Studio in Abbotsford (Tuesdays) and Lionheart Integrative Therapies in Collingwood (Thursdays), both near the Johnston Street and Hoddle Street junction.
The studio is headed by Izzy Washington and Steve Reilly, two of Australia's most respected Brazilian Zouk instructors with over 40 years of combined experience. Izzy brings a background in ballet and human movement; Steve comes from ballroom, Latin dance, and street Latin. They're supported by teachers Nici (a yoga teacher who joined in 2024 after over 10 years as a student), and Adam (a DJ and teacher since 2022). Together they've shaped the Australian Zouk scene and guide students with care, humour and genuine commitment.
Classes run for 5–6 weeks progressively, from Level 1 (Basics) for absolute beginners through to Level 4 (Mastery) for advanced dancers with 18–24+ months of experience. Each class focuses on new techniques, movement drills, and dance practice with personalised feedback. The studio emphasises connection, flow, musicality and creative expression over perfection.
Beyond group courses, Dance IM offers free trial classes for newcomers, private lessons (available Saturdays and Thursday afternoons, priced $120–$220 depending on configuration), bootcamps, workshops, and monthly social nights with pre-party classes. Private lessons include one hour of coaching, a video summary of key points, and suggested technique to practise between sessions.
The studio's philosophy centres on the belief that everyone can dance and dance is for everyone. Classes welcome all backgrounds, bodies and experience levels, with no partner or prior experience required. The environment is described by students as welcoming, well-structured, fun, and energetic.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your first class is free. You'll learn the basics of Brazilian Zouk, meet the community, and get a feel for the music and vibe. Just wear something comfortable you can move in; no partner or prior experience needed. Classes are held weekly on Tuesdays in Abbotsford and Thursdays in Collingwood, with dedicated beginner-friendly sessions.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Izzy Washington (owner, founder, principal artist, teacher) discovered Zouk in 2009 and brings a strong foundation in ballet, jazz and Latin dance alongside studies in Europe and Brazil. Steve Reilly (principal artist, teacher, DJ) discovered Zouk in Porto Seguro, Brazil in 2000 and has extensive experience in ballroom and Latin dance. Nici is a yoga teacher and longtime student who joined the teaching team in 2024 after over 10 years of study and professional development training. Adam is a DJ (since 2023) and teacher (since 2022) with a background in music and Latin dance.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Completely beginner-friendly; free trial class available, no partner or experience required, and classes are specifically structured for absolute beginners.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Wear something comfortable you can move in.
Studio history
Founded in 2012 by Izzy Washington, Dance IM is one of the longest-running Zouk schools in Australia. Izzy discovered Brazilian Zouk in 2009 and created the studio with the belief that dance is for everyone. The studio has since become a thriving community known for welcoming environment, high-quality teaching, and positive energy, attracting dancers from absolute beginners to advanced.
Styles offered
1 dance style taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
DanceIMhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own DanceIM, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about DanceIM
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does DanceIM teach?
DanceIM teaches Zouk. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is DanceIM located?
DanceIM is located in Abbotsford, VIC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does DanceIM offer private lessons?
Contact DanceIM directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does DanceIM teach kids and adults?
DanceIM welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at DanceIM?
The fastest path is to visit DanceIM via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at DanceIM?
Free parking available on Johnston Street and side streets; 4-hour parking on Sackville Street and Lulie Street; pay attention to parking signs for clearways and time restrictions.