The MBassy Dance

The MBassy Dance is a street and urban dance studio in Docklands, Melbourne, founded and directed by Ming-Li 'Minx' Hafon, a multi-national champion and international artist. The studio offers group classes across more than 17 different dance styles, private lessons, competition coaching, wedding choreography, and corporate team building. You'll find 20+ dance classes every week across styles including Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Dancehall, K-Pop, Twerk, Jazz, Latin Fusion, Heels, and Stretch & Strengthen, with skill levels for beginners to experts.

The studio is housed in a purpose-built space inside The District Docklands shopping centre on the Ground Floor, featuring over 148 square metres of floorboard dance floor across two rooms (the Purple Room at 132sqm and the Green Room at 16sqm). The space includes extra high ceilings suitable for partner lifts, air conditioning and heating, a Bose professional sound system with Aux connectivity, a laser 4K projector, ballet barres, a reception area with seating, and wheelchair accessibility. Public toilets and a parents' room are on site, along with a small fridge stocked with bottled water and Powerade.

The teaching staff are of international standard, each bringing world-level experience in teaching, training, competition, performance, and judging. Minx herself has over 18 years of teaching, choreography and judging experience, five Australian professional solo titles, and was the youngest recipient of the Award of Excellence for commitment to the Australian Latin dance scene in 2019. Her competition troupes have won numerous National titles. Other instructors include Steve Fernandez (Salsa, with two decades of professional experience, 8th place in the world in 2010, and multiple National titles), Daniel Jon (Jazz & Lyrical, with nearly two decades across theatre, television, cruise ships and competitions), Etienne Khoo (Hip Hop, internationally respected with 5th place globally at the World Hip Hop Championships in San Diego and back-to-back Australian Hip Hop Championship titles), and Kaelynn Yoonsung Kim (Hip Hop & K-Pop, founder of Rika Crew with extensive performance experience across street jazz, Afro influences, reggaeton and deep house).

The studio operates on an 8-week course system with a 2026 term calendar including Summer Term (Jan 12–Feb 8), Term 1 (Feb 9–Apr 4), Term 2 (Apr 6–May 30), Term 3 (June 15–Aug 8), Term 4 (Aug 10–Oct 3), and Term 5 (Oct 5–Nov 28), with Mid-Year and End of Year showcases. Solo classes are recorded and accessible to students for one week, supporting both in-studio and live-stream attendance. Many students have become National champions; teachers also coach other dance teachers.

The studio functions as both a teaching space and an event venue. Full venue hire is available at $99 per hour off-peak (Monday–Thursday, 9am–5pm) or $150 per hour peak (Friday–Sunday), with add-ons including high bar stools, cocktail tables, velvet rope barriers, LED and spotlight customisation, microphones, logo projection, and a fold-out bar. A $165 cleaning fee applies per booking. The space welcomes private events and functions, and alcohol may be served by guests with their own license.

Drop in for a casual class or register online in advance to secure your spot—classes are kept small and intimate. Wear comfortable stretchy clothing and appropriate footwear (sneakers, jazz shoes, Latin heels or flats; thongs not recommended). Bring a water bottle and expect an energetic, supportive environment where you don't need a partner and everyone rotates partners throughout class. Teachers break down moves in easy-to-understand terms and encourage individuality and style.

Founding Director Ming-Li 'Minx' Hafon brings 18+ years of teaching, choreography and judging experience, five Australian professional solo titles, and Award of Excellence recognition. Steve Fernandez (Salsa) has two decades of professional experience and multiple National titles. Daniel Jon (Jazz & Lyrical) has nearly two decades in theatre, television and competitions. Etienne Khoo (Hip Hop) achieved 5th place globally at the World Hip Hop Championships and created Australia's first comprehensive Hip Hop dance syllabus. Kaelynn Yoonsung Kim (Hip Hop & K-Pop) founded Rika Crew and brings diverse street dance and Afro influences.

No partner or dance experience required; the studio is a zero-judgement zone and partners rotate throughout class so moves work with anyone.