Originally a primary school teacher by trade, I began my own dance wear/costume design business ten years ago whilst living in Hobart. In 2008 I relocated to Melbourne to further pursue my amateur ballroom dancing career. I did a wide range of freelance design and production work when I first moved.

 For the past four years I have owned and operated Stagezone Dancewear in Altona. I have a wonderful team working for me, and we have a fabulous customer base over in western Melbourne. Our website is www.stagezone.com.au if you would like to have a bit of a look at that side of my business. One of my business goals has been to develop Stagezone to the point where it is independent of me on a day to day basis, so that I can also explore other projects.

 Running parallel to the above work & business, I have always maintained a line of bespoke ballroom costumes. I have called this side of my business Anna-Maree Designs.

Because my primary focus has been Stagezone, I have deliberately kept it small, and quite close to my heart. I am selective about the jobs I take on, and usually do all the work personally.

 About a month ago we finally got around to putting together the beginnings of a website:

http://www.anna-mareedesigns.com.au

Please keep in mind it is very much a work in progress, but it will give you a bit of an idea of my work, even though most of the photos are older (there is even a baby faced Thomas & Kayla who are now in Strictly Ballroom).

The main pics are of my sponsor couple.

Sarah’s black and pink gown won two “best dress” awards last year and the “Gown of the Year” at the Industry Awards. Her current black and white dress has also won two “best dress” awards recently. So I must be getting something right

 My dance partner and I have been the Masters 1 Open national champions in Ballroom and New Vogue for the last two years and I am having the time of my life.

I bring my knowledge of the industry and my experience as a dancer into everything I make.

I aim to provide original and beautifully engineered dresses that enhance the dancer. To make sure that this happens, I provide an in depth consult where I can sit down with you and chat to find out what you like, what will suit you and which styles you prefer.

I aim to give you the best experience you can have when you choose an Anna-Maree designs creation.