About the Dance IM Studio
We’re more than just a dance studio – we’re a community.
A space where people come together to move, connect, express and grow through the joy of Brazilian Zouk.
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Founded in 2012, Dance IM has become a home for Zouk dancers in Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford, and beyond. Whether you're taking your very first steps or refining your flow, we’re here to support your journey with fun, accessible classes and a whole lot of good vibes.
Our Philosophy
We believe everyone can dance – and that dance is for everyone. Dance is all about good vibes—it lifts your mood, helps you connect with others, lets you express yourself, and sneaks in a bit of wellness while you're having fun.
That’s why we:
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Teach with kindness, clarity and humour
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Welcome dancers of all backgrounds, bodies and experience levels
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Foster connection over perfection
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Celebrate expression, creativity and community
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Encourage progress, not pressure
Brazilian Zouk is more than just a partner dance – it’s a conversation, a collaboration, and a creative outlet, and we’re here to help you discover what it can be for you
The Story Behind Dance IM
Dance IM was founded in 2012 by Izzy Washington,
Passionate about the joy and fulfilment she gains from dance, and particularly the flowing style and culture behind Brazilian Zouk, Izzy created DanceIM. With the belief that dance is for everyone, she wanted to share the love, knowing that dance just makes life better.
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DanceIM is now one of the longest-running Brazilian Zouk schools in Australia—and internationally—reflecting the strong community, positive energy, and dedicated students it continues to attract.​
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What’s in a name?
Dance IM is more than just a name—it’s a statement of being.
“I am dance. Dance I am.” It’s a quiet reminder to be present: I am dancing. I am connecting. I am expressing. I am here.
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In a world full of screens and distractions, stepping into class is your chance to unplug, tune into your body, and share real moments with real people. It’s about moving with purpose, laughing together, and feeling totally alive—if only for an hour.
It also plays on Imagination in Motion—a reflection of the studio’s creative, expressive, and thoughtful approach to Brazilian Zouk. At Dance I M, movement isn’t just about steps—it’s about flow, feeling, and finding freedom through connection.​
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Today, DanceIM is more than the people who started it—it is a thriving community known for its welcoming environment, high-quality teaching, and positive energy. Dancers from absolute beginners to advanced come here to learn, grow, and connect through the joy of Zouk.
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Whether you’re stepping into your first class or developing your own style, DanceIM is a space for connection, growth, and shared good times.
Izzy & Steve
Traveling artists, principal teachers, choreographers, performers
From Melbourne and with over 40 years of combined experience, they have been a vital part in the growth of the Australian Zouk scene, and head up the DanceIM team. This dynamic partnership is best known for insightful and creative workshops, emotive choreographies and deep knowledge not only of Zouk & Lambada but of dance, human movement, anatomy and skill development.
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Izzy and Steve have been training, teaching and performing together as dance partners since 2016. Training around Australia and Brazil, They have received many accolades and are recognised for their great accomplishments including the growth of Dance IM and the promotion of Brazilian Zouk in the Melbourne social dance community and around Australia. The dynamic duo both love to teach their students, and together they excel at what they do.
Our Teachers
Izzy
Owner, Founder, Principal Artist, Teacher
Izzy Washington discovered Brazilian Zouk in 2009 and has since transformed her passion into a vibrant community and teaching career . With a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, and Latin dance and extensive studies in Europe and Brazil, Izzy blends artistic flair with scientific insight to empower every dancer. Her innovative approach and commitment to fostering a supportive, creative community have made her a beloved leader in Melbourne & Australia’s dance scene, inspiring students to unlock their full potential on the dance floor.
Steve
Principal Artist, Teacher, DJ, Games Master
Steve Reilly discovered Zouk in the vibrant streets of Porto Seguro, Brazil, in 2000 sparking one of Australia's first Zouk socials. With a rich background in ballroom and Latin dance—and experience teaching Salsa across multiple schools including his own, Steve quickly excelled when rediscovering Brazilian Zouk in 2015. He rapidly became a well known & regarded figure in the Zouk community. Known for his infectious humour, meticulous attention to detail, and emotive performances, Steve is a respected teacher, qualified judge, and passionate about bringing out the best in every student.
Nici
Teacher, Yogi, Resident Hugger
Nici has been studying Brazilian Zouk in Melbourne for over 10 years, and has been a long term student at DanceIM, joining the teaching team in 2024. She is also a qualified & experienced Yoga Teacher and has completed Zouk Professional Development training with Gui Prada & Alisson Sandi in 2026 and a 200 hour Zouk Teacher Training in Bali with Layssa Valentina in 2024. Nici loves teaching and sharing her passion for movement, yoga dance and expression, particularly around body conditioning for Zouk and in learning new ways to connect with others. ​ Nici is particularly passionate about teaching beginners and getting dancers out of their heads and into their bodies to move and express.
Adam
DJ, Teacher, Groove Maker
​Adam’s passion for music began at 14 with his first guitar lesson. That lesson would unlock a life-long interest and dedication in musical expression and song structure. Adam’s first exposure to latin dance came 12 years later through a chance encounter while travelling. He was passionate about Tango, and it was not long before musical diversity drew him to Brazilian Zouk. Adam has been a regular fixture in class and dedicated member of the DanceIM team since 2018, and a teacher since 2022. Adam’s musical passion and skill lead him to become a Zouk DJ in 2023, and he DJs around Melbourne and Australia at various festivals. Through his DJing, he hopes to ignite the same creativity and passion for Brazilian Zouk he himself experiences, & provide the perfect musical canvas for dance expression.
Ready to try something new? Zouk could be exactly what you are looking for!
Brazilian Zouk is more than just a dance – it’s movement, music, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
Come see what it’s all about with a free class in Fitzroy or Abbotsford. No partner or experience needed – just bring yourself.