8 Count Dance

Specialties

Specialising in Out-​of-​the-​box Hen’s Parties, Unique Wedding Dances, & Group Dance Classes. Ballet, Jazz, Stretch & Tone, Mums & Bubs, Kids Jazz & Acrobatics.

8 Count Dance is a company that cares about the well being of the student. We love what we do. We’re passionate & knowledgeable. It’s important to us that we care for each individual differently & help each person to accomplish new experiences safely, and fulfil your need for dance in the way that it suits YOU.

Most of all, it’s all about fun! Instructors at 8 Count Dance are here to fill your world with music, movement, & laughter. We’re known for getting to know each student & enjoy watching them develop over the years. So take a look around, & welcome to the family.

History

Established in 2014.

Maria Hontalas, the Director of 8 Count Dance has been teaching and managing dance studios across Melbourne for 5 years. Originally from California, the epicentre of the entertainment industry, her credits include Feature Film, Music Video & Theatre both in Los Angeles and Melbourne.

8 Count Dance is fresh new company that collaborates exceptional teachers, years of experience, ever changing knowledge, and above all fun, easy going fitness. «To this dance I firmly believe in fairness, & that anyone can dance. Fitness should be attainable no matter who you are.»

Meet the Business Owner

Maria H.

Business Owner

«I’ll never forget celebrity choreographer Shane Sparks. I used to take his hip hop classes in LA, and once at a film audition, he asked me why he hadn’t seen me in a while. I told him the truth; things were tight & I just couldn’t afford it. He gave me his phone number & told me that any time I wanted to take class, just call him, & he would put me on the list. To this day, I firmly believe in fairness, & that ANYONE can dance. Fitness should be physically & financially attainable no matter who you are.»

Maria Hontalas started her Classical Ballet training fifteen years ago in San Francisco. She has since developed her skills in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Pole Dance, Acrobatics, & Burlesque. She’s had the pleasure of working with celebrity choreographers & actors in Los Angeles & Melbourne. Her experience includes feature film, «The Appearance of Things» leading role, former manager of Fusion Dance, & Glittery Tapping Wonderland, & starring in the touring show «Simply Burlesque».