OUR TEAM

Belinda Payne – Principal (S.F.D)

Belinda is the Principal and Director of Next Generation Dance Studio, has been teaching dance for over 15 years and dancing herself for over 25 years. Belinda has her teaching diploma through the Southern Federation of Dance and is a member of Acrobatique (acro dance syllabus).

Her passion is teaching, choreography and she takes great pride in offering many opportunities to her students such a performances, competitions, workshops and overseas opportunities.

Belinda has built Next Generation Dance Studio into a school that caters for every dancer and prides herself on providing a professional, safe, family friendly and inclusive environment.

In 2017 Belinda was invited by Kids Artistic Revue (KAR) to judge in numerous locations including the USA and Australia.

To Belinda fostering the love of dance to all students remains the most important thing!

Poppy Donaldson

Poppy has been dancing for 18 years, training in all genres including Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Commercial and Musical Theatre. In 2011 she completed her Certificate of Dance specialising in Contemporary, Character and Ballet at Hagley Dance Company. Poppy then moved to Melbourne Australia and spent two years training full-time in all styles of dance to achieve her Diploma in Commercial Dance Performance at The Edge Performers School, learning from some of Melbourne’s elite teachers and choreographers.

Her teaching career began eleven years ago choreographing and teaching locally in her home town in New Zealand. She teaches all ages and levels, from Creative Dance through to Seniors and adults.

Poppy has performed in numerous public events including the Body Festival, Immersed Dance Industry Night, ‘Homework’ charity event at the Crown Palladium, Once upon a time Masters of Choreography, Fashion Aid and DCI Poppy is also currently a member of “Urban Beat” hip hop dance crew.

Poppy is involved in our Senior & Junior Elite Programs, our Senior classes, and is responsible for the Hip Hop and Inter/Senior Competition Troupes.

Sera Schuller

Sera began dancing at the age of 5 at Suncoast City Performance Arts Centre in Queensland. She trained in all genres and participated in eisteddfods and exams for Ballet, Jazz and Tap. At the age of 15 and wanting to pursue a career in Classical ballet Sera travelled to Switzerland to participate in the prestigious Prix de Lausanne (world renowned ballet competition).

Continuing her classical training in Australia with Suzanne Way, Sera was accepted into Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto, Canada in 2014. After spending 2 years training in Canada, Sera moved back to Australia to join the Victorian State Ballet in their 2017 season and remains a member of the Victorian State Ballet currently.

Sera is an integral part of our Elite Program in Ballet (including en pointe) and Technique. We are fortunate to have Sera as part of our teaching staff to share her knowledge and experience with her students.

Ashlea Black

Ashlea has been dancing for 20 years, training in all genres including Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Tap. In 2010 she completed her Diploma of Dance Teaching and Business Management specialising in Jazz, Contemporary, Character and Ballet. Ashlea then spent two years training full-time in all styles of dance to achieve her Diploma in Commercial Dance Performance at The Edge Performers School, learning from some of Melbourne’s elite teachers and choreographers.

Her Teaching career began eleven years ago. She teaches all ages and levels from Creative Dance through to Seniors.

Ashlea has performed in numerous public events including Masters of Choreography productions, the Short Sweet Dance Festival, Immersed Dance Industry Night, Make A Wish foundation gala evening and ‘Homework’ charity event at the Crown Palladium.

Ashlea is our Ready Set Dance & Ready Set Ballet head teacher and teachers many other styles within our weekly timetable including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop & our Tinies and Junior Competition Troupes