About
Principal:
Maxene Jeffares
Qualifications:
B.Ed, Dip Tchg.
RAD Ballet Teachers Certificate (Distinction)
RAD Ballet Diploma, AISTD Dip Modern Jazz and Tap (Distinction), NZAMD solo Tap. L4 Contemporary (Dist).
Former professional dancer NZAMD, ISTD RAD registered Teacher. National Adjudicator.Celebrating Maxene’s 33rd year of running a dance school in 2025!! .Maxene began dancing at the age of three. At the age of fifteen she was awarded a scholarship to train full-time at the ‘Brisbane Dance Centre’, Australia. She established her first dance school in Levin in 1993 and ‘Maximum Dance Zone’ in 2002 which continues to grow in Palmerston North today. In 1996 Maxene auditioned for a Sydney based company ‘Dance Encore’ and was successful in gaining a place in a tour to Japan which was a highlight of her performance career. Maxene has been responsible for the Manawatu Cheerleading squad, choreography for Miss Manawatu and the tap items in the 2011 show of 42nd Street. She often adjudicates national dancing competitions. Maxene lives with her three boys. She is proud to be able to pass on my love of dance to children. We have an incredibly versatile staff ready to share our skills and extend and challenge the dancers at our studio. Maximum Dance Zone boasts a 100% pass rate.
Qualifications:B.Ed, Dip Tchg.
RAD Ballet Teachers Certificate (Distinction)
RAD Ballet Diploma, AISTD Dip Modern Jazz and Tap (Distinction), NZAMD solo Tap. L4 Contemporary (Dist).
Former professional dancer NZAMD, ISTD RAD registered Teacher. National Adjudicator.Celebrating Maxene’s 33rd year of running a dance school in 2025!! .Maxene began dancing at the age of three. At the age of fifteen she was awarded a scholarship to train full-time at the ‘Brisbane Dance Centre’, Australia. She established her first dance school in Levin in 1993 and ‘Maximum Dance Zone’ in 2002 which continues to grow in Palmerston North today. In 1996 Maxene auditioned for a Sydney based company ‘Dance Encore’ and was successful in gaining a place in a tour to Japan which was a highlight of her performance career. Maxene has been responsible for the Manawatu Cheerleading squad, choreography for Miss Manawatu and the tap items in the 2011 show of 42nd Street. She often adjudicates national dancing competitions. Maxene lives with her three boys. She is proud to be able to pass on my love of dance to children. We have an incredibly versatile staff ready to share our skills and extend and challenge the dancers at our studio. Maximum Dance Zone boasts a 100% pass rate.
Kristina Beddis-McErlean
Qualifications:
A.I.S.T.D Tap (Dist), Inter ISTD Modern, L6 Hip Hop.Kristina was a former student of Maxene’s. Kristina excelled in competition and examination work as a youngster. In 2007 Kristina was a finalist in the NZAMD Hip Hop Nominations. Kristina has a passion for Tap dance. She is a wonderful and encouraging teacher who also runs her own dance classes in Levin.
Qualifications:A.I.S.T.D Tap (Dist), Inter ISTD Modern, L6 Hip Hop.Kristina was a former student of Maxene’s. Kristina excelled in competition and examination work as a youngster. In 2007 Kristina was a finalist in the NZAMD Hip Hop Nominations. Kristina has a passion for Tap dance. She is a wonderful and encouraging teacher who also runs her own dance classes in Levin.
Emma Carey
Qualifications:
NZAMD Teachers Certificate.
Advanced 1 ISTD Modern and RAD Ballet.
RAD Grade 8 Ballet (distinction)
NZAMD SOLO contemporary.Emma has been dancing since the age of 5, and hasn’t wanted to stop ever since. She started dancing at Maximum Dance Zone in 2009 (previously she was taught by Colleen Warren), and started teaching in 2011. In 2017 Emma was a part of the MDZ contemporary troupe ‘Mariella’ which made the top 12 finalists in NZ. In 2019 Emma danced in ‘Legend’ (which she also choreographed) in the PACANZ nationals. Emma enjoys sharing her passion and love for dance with the students and encourages them to do the best that they can whilst having fun at the same time. Emma also continues her passion through choreography and performances in many of Palmerston North’s local theatre shows. Emma graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Sport and exercise in 2017 and continues to promote healthy, active lifestyles through her full time job at sport Manawatu.
Qualifications:NZAMD Teachers Certificate.
Advanced 1 ISTD Modern and RAD Ballet.
RAD Grade 8 Ballet (distinction)
NZAMD SOLO contemporary.Emma has been dancing since the age of 5, and hasn’t wanted to stop ever since. She started dancing at Maximum Dance Zone in 2009 (previously she was taught by Colleen Warren), and started teaching in 2011. In 2017 Emma was a part of the MDZ contemporary troupe ‘Mariella’ which made the top 12 finalists in NZ. In 2019 Emma danced in ‘Legend’ (which she also choreographed) in the PACANZ nationals. Emma enjoys sharing her passion and love for dance with the students and encourages them to do the best that they can whilst having fun at the same time. Emma also continues her passion through choreography and performances in many of Palmerston North’s local theatre shows. Emma graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Sport and exercise in 2017 and continues to promote healthy, active lifestyles through her full time job at sport Manawatu.
Emma Jane Skinner
Qualifications:
RAD CBTS, NZAMD jazz solo dip.Emma-Jane began dancing at the age of 4 taking ballet first, followed by Jazz, hip hop, contemporary and tap. She has been teaching for 12 years and in 2015 completed her Royal Academy of Dance certificate in Ballet teaching studies. She ran her own studio in Pahiatua for 3 years and has enjoyed preparing students for exams, competitions and end of year shows. Ballet is her passion and she loves passing her knowledge on to the students.
Qualifications:RAD CBTS, NZAMD jazz solo dip.Emma-Jane began dancing at the age of 4 taking ballet first, followed by Jazz, hip hop, contemporary and tap. She has been teaching for 12 years and in 2015 completed her Royal Academy of Dance certificate in Ballet teaching studies. She ran her own studio in Pahiatua for 3 years and has enjoyed preparing students for exams, competitions and end of year shows. Ballet is her passion and she loves passing her knowledge on to the students.
Rebecca Pugmire
Hi guys,
I’m Rebecca I’m a 24 year old Makeup artist/business owner and a fully trained jazz dancer who found a huge passion for Hip Hop along the way of my 17 years of dancing .
I grew up training at Dance Unlimited under the tutorage of Carmen Davidson completing both my AJDA Advanced 2 and solo seal with honours in 2014.
Following this I attended Whitireia to study a Diploma of Commercial dance and also trained at The Company NZ as part of the academy team. I’ve continued to attend classes myself over the years as I believe we never stop learning . I have taken classes in London, HongKong Australia and NZ from a number of incredible tutors.
My teaching journey began with assistant teaching at the age of 13 and very soon I completely fell in love with choreography and sharing my love of dance with my students . Since then I have choreographed a number of competition teams/solos and duos that have had placings in multiple competitions throughout NZ I have also taught at many local high schools while continuing to teach regular weekly classes. I’m so excited to join Maximum Dance Zone and can’t wait to meet you all very soon !
Hi guys,I’m Rebecca I’m a 24 year old Makeup artist/business owner and a fully trained jazz dancer who found a huge passion for Hip Hop along the way of my 17 years of dancing .
I grew up training at Dance Unlimited under the tutorage of Carmen Davidson completing both my AJDA Advanced 2 and solo seal with honours in 2014.
Following this I attended Whitireia to study a Diploma of Commercial dance and also trained at The Company NZ as part of the academy team. I’ve continued to attend classes myself over the years as I believe we never stop learning . I have taken classes in London, HongKong Australia and NZ from a number of incredible tutors.
My teaching journey began with assistant teaching at the age of 13 and very soon I completely fell in love with choreography and sharing my love of dance with my students . Since then I have choreographed a number of competition teams/solos and duos that have had placings in multiple competitions throughout NZ I have also taught at many local high schools while continuing to teach regular weekly classes. I’m so excited to join Maximum Dance Zone and can’t wait to meet you all very soon !
Eileen Dunbar
Qualifications:
RAD Ballet trained, Advanced ISTD Modern, NZAMD Level 6 Contemporary, Intermediate 3 American Jazz.
Eileen started dancing age 5 learning ballet and modern jazz with Joan Irvine and continued with Gwenda Britten, later learning American Jazz with Dean McKerras.
Eileen more recently discovered Contemporary (taught by the wonderful Miss Emma at MDZ) gaining NZAMD Level 6 in 2020.
She has enjoyed performing in various local shows. A highlight was being choreographer for Guys & Dolls in 2001 and a member of the 2020 Joseph & the amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat cast.
Eileen looks forward to sharing her life-long love of dance with the students and helping them develop their dance skills & achieve to their potential.
Eileen also enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Qualifications:
RAD Ballet trained, Advanced ISTD Modern, NZAMD Level 6 Contemporary, Intermediate 3 American Jazz.
Eileen started dancing age 5 learning ballet and modern jazz with Joan Irvine and continued with Gwenda Britten, later learning American Jazz with Dean McKerras.
Eileen more recently discovered Contemporary (taught by the wonderful Miss Emma at MDZ) gaining NZAMD Level 6 in 2020.
She has enjoyed performing in various local shows. A highlight was being choreographer for Guys & Dolls in 2001 and a member of the 2020 Joseph & the amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat cast.
Eileen looks forward to sharing her life-long love of dance with the students and helping them develop their dance skills & achieve to their potential.
Eileen also enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Danica Ward
Advanced 2 ISTD Tap(Dist), Grade 8/Intermediate Foundation RAD Ballet & ISTD Modern.
Hi I’m Danica. I have been dancing with maximum dance zone since I was five and have trained in tap, jazz, contemporary, and ballet over my years at the studio. Dance is my passion and I would love to share and pass on my passion to the younger students.
Advanced 2 ISTD Tap(Dist), Grade 8/Intermediate Foundation RAD Ballet & ISTD Modern.Hi I’m Danica. I have been dancing with maximum dance zone since I was five and have trained in tap, jazz, contemporary, and ballet over my years at the studio. Dance is my passion and I would love to share and pass on my passion to the younger students.
Jasmine Zhou
Qualifications:
Intermediate & Grade 8 RAD Ballet, Intermediate Foundation ISTD jazz, Level 5 NZAMD contemporary
Hi! I’m Jasmine and I have been dancing since I was five. I have trained with Maximum Dance Zone in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. I love dance and really enjoy improving my skills. I can’t wait to share my passion with other students at MDZ.
Qualifications:Intermediate & Grade 8 RAD Ballet, Intermediate Foundation ISTD jazz, Level 5 NZAMD contemporary
Hi! I’m Jasmine and I have been dancing since I was five. I have trained with Maximum Dance Zone in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. I love dance and really enjoy improving my skills. I can’t wait to share my passion with other students at MDZ.
Alysha Smith
Qualifications:
Solo Contemporary. Inter RAD Ballet, Grade 8 RAD Ballet. Qualified Acro teacher.
Hi, I’m Alysha and I’ve been dancing with MDZ since I was 5 years old. I am currently training in ballet, contemporary, acro and jazz. I love dancing so much as I am able to learn new skills and push myself to try new styles and moves. I want to pass my passion and love of dance on to the students of MDZ.
Qualifications:Solo Contemporary. Inter RAD Ballet, Grade 8 RAD Ballet. Qualified Acro teacher.
Hi, I’m Alysha and I’ve been dancing with MDZ since I was 5 years old. I am currently training in ballet, contemporary, acro and jazz. I love dancing so much as I am able to learn new skills and push myself to try new styles and moves. I want to pass my passion and love of dance on to the students of MDZ.
Porsha De Cleene
Qualifications:
Adv2 RAD.
Hi, I’m Porsha and I’ve been dancing since I was 7 years old. While ballet is my passion (I can still be found attending a class or doing pirouettes around the house!), I also spent a number of years doing jazz and contemporary. For me dancing is about the feeling it creates and it’s a pure joy to see students find that feeling too!
Qualifications:Adv2 RAD.
Hi, I’m Porsha and I’ve been dancing since I was 7 years old. While ballet is my passion (I can still be found attending a class or doing pirouettes around the house!), I also spent a number of years doing jazz and contemporary. For me dancing is about the feeling it creates and it’s a pure joy to see students find that feeling too!
Emily Sutherland
Qualifications: Adv Foundation/G8 RAD Ballet, L6 Contemporary, Intermediate ISTD Modern (Dist).
Hey, I’m Emily and I have been dancing with Maximum Dance Zone from the age of 3. I have trained in the genres of ballet, jazz and contemporary. I have always had a real passion for dance from little and I enjoy sharing this love of dance with others.
Qualifications: Adv Foundation/G8 RAD Ballet, L6 Contemporary, Intermediate ISTD Modern (Dist).Hey, I’m Emily and I have been dancing with Maximum Dance Zone from the age of 3. I have trained in the genres of ballet, jazz and contemporary. I have always had a real passion for dance from little and I enjoy sharing this love of dance with others.
Chantelle Christensen
(Guest Teacher)
Qualifications: Adv. 2 RAD Ballet.
Former professional dancer Chantelle began dancing at the age of four. Her inspirations were Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and she really wanted to be a tap dancer. However, the Ballet shoes and fairy skirts won and she started ballet. At sixteen she won a scholarship to attend Brisbane Dance Centre as a full time student. She studied all aspects of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, singing and teacher training. After a successful audition Chantelle joined Sydney based company, ‘Dance Encore Productions’. She spent almost five years with them performing shows in Australia, Korea, Japan and New Zealand.
Since coming back to New Zealand Chantelle has been involved in teaching and choreography for theatre shows, school productions, competitions and has really enjoyed all her teaching for Maximum Dance Zone.
(Guest Teacher)Qualifications: Adv. 2 RAD Ballet.
Former professional dancer Chantelle began dancing at the age of four. Her inspirations were Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and she really wanted to be a tap dancer. However, the Ballet shoes and fairy skirts won and she started ballet. At sixteen she won a scholarship to attend Brisbane Dance Centre as a full time student. She studied all aspects of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, singing and teacher training. After a successful audition Chantelle joined Sydney based company, ‘Dance Encore Productions’. She spent almost five years with them performing shows in Australia, Korea, Japan and New Zealand.
Since coming back to New Zealand Chantelle has been involved in teaching and choreography for theatre shows, school productions, competitions and has really enjoyed all her teaching for Maximum Dance Zone.
Competition, Relief & Assistant Teachers
Elaine Stichbury Adv2 ISTD Tap.
Ivy Yang – Adv 2 & Grade 8 RAD Ballet, Solo Contemporary, Adv 1 ISTD Modern Jazz (Dist).
Amelia Sowerby – Adv 1 & Grade 8 RAD Ballet, Adv 1 ISTD Modern.
Maia Smith- Intermediate RAD Ballet, Level 5 Contemporary, Intermediate Foundation ISTD Modern(Dist).
Sophie Simpson – Intermediate RAD Ballet
Elsa Phillips – Hip Hop 7 (Dist), Intermediate Foundation ISTD Modern.