Step Right Dance consists of Mike Birnie and Madeline Aldred, international dancers who have graced world dance competitions, and who now teach Ballroom and social dance in New Zealand.

Both Mike and Madeline entered the world of competitive dance at a tender age, still wet behind the ears.

Mike Birnie:

Mike started his dancing career in Christchurch at the age of thirteen. Commitment and a determination to achieve led him to compete to a very high level in New Zealand.

The standard of competition overseas drew him to London for a three month experience. It was eighteen years before he would return home! In that time he had risen to No. 6 in the world and was in the semifinals of every major competition going, for two years in a row.

Poor health brought Mike back to New Zealand where he met Madeline, and they have been teaching together ever since.

When Mike's not dancing, you can usually find him trying to lower his golf handicap, or tempting the local fish with his hand-made flies.

Madeline Aldred:

Madeline was brought up to the dance by her mother, a long time professional and international adjudicator. She has competed successfully both here in New Zealand and overseas, and was undefeated champion in Latin American before turning professional.

In addition to dance, Madeline is passionate about horses.  She operates a training school for horses, and also breeds New Zealand Sport Horses.

In her "spare time," she has helped establish a new vineyard near her home in the Waitaki Valley, and she's looking forward to developing an outstanding Pinot Noir.

Together: 

Together Mike and Madeline have strived to develop a teaching technique that enables them to impart their experiences and communicate in a way that suits each individual in their care.

Whilst both Mike and Madeline are very determined people, their Fox Terriers are the bosses at home.