ALLISON AUMANN

Our admin extraordinaire Allison is here to take the stress out of your wedding planning! Our main contact for booking in lessons and events - she is incredibly efficient, warm, friendly and nothing makes her happier than creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for our clients. Allison is super organised and here to answer any questions you have throughout your entire booking process with us. Customer satisfaction is her top priority, she really is our admin fairy god mother!

NATALIE PERONI

Natalie has been teaching with TNSC for many years and her expertise and knowledge are second to none. She has extensive performance experience, highlights include touring internationally with Crystal Cruises for many years, touring Australia with ‘West Side Story’, dancing at Crown, the Australian Open and Commonwealth Games to name just a few!

She trained professionally full time at Spectrum Dance in Melbourne, and has taught many styles of dance over the years. With her comprehensive partner-work skills, you’ll be sure to feel comfortable and confident right away! Natalie is super friendly, patient and extremely supportive - you’re going to have so much fun learning with her!

SUZIE MELLOY

Suzie brings warmth, joy and positivity to her lessons. Suzie comes from a Musical Theatre background, and has worked as a professional dancer for over 15 years. She graduated from WAAPA with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre and has since performed around the world. Amongst her impressive list of performing credits, she has worked in shows such as Anything Goes, We Will Rock you, Thoroughly Modern Millie and has toured Asia twice as a lead role in the musical Cats. 

She loves to choreograph and inspire that passion for dance with her couples. You will feel right at home with Suzie, her calming presence and love for what she does will get you dancing in no time!

STEPH CLARE-COVER

Steph is a passionate performer who loves the opportunity to bring a couple’s dream wedding dance to life! She has developed her love for exploring movement and choreography through 15 years of extensive dance, performance and state-level gymnastics.  She can be seen both on stage in musical productions around Melbourne, as well as behind the scenes as a producer, director or choreographer. She holds a double degree in Music Performance (Voice) and Science (Physiology) from Monash University, and is a graduate of the Music Theatre short course at VCA.

Steph loves working with couples of all abilities, relishing in the chance to make the big dance on the big day a memorable and personal highlight!

NATALIE SMOEL

Natalie began her dance journey at the tender age of three and has remained unwavering in her dedication ever since. She received her training on a full scholarship at Kelly Aykers Full-Time Dance.

Her artistic journey has taken her across borders, captivating audiences in both Australia and overseas. Most recently, this has included Shanghai Disney Resort, where she has performed for thousands daily in both English and Mandarin. Natalie's remarkable talents have also found a home in the corporate world, where she has shared the spotlight with luminaries such as Marcia Hines, Todd McKenney, Rachael Beck, Nathaniel Willemse, Paulini Curuenavuli, and many more. Her performance experience in the entertainment industry is extensive; including renowned events like the 'Australian Open,' 'Mercedes-Benz Launch,' 'National Basketball League (NBL),' and 'Moomba Festival’.

Natalie’s true passion lies in spreading joy and happiness through creating special memories. She eagerly awaits the opportunity to dance with you soon!

KATE THOMPSON

Kate has a knack for creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere for all the couples she works with. With an incredible 12-year tenure as a professional dancer, Kate has performed alongside international icons like Shania Twain, Jason Derulo, Kelly Rowland, Dua Lipa, and Olly Murs. Her appearances span major events and TV shows including ‘The Masked Singer’, ‘The X Factor’, ‘The BRIT Awards’, and ‘MTV EMA's’. Transitioning from the spotlight to behind the camera, Kate has since delved into Movement Direction and choreography. Notably, she was involved in Disney’s live-action film 'The Little Mermaid', collaborating closely with the choreographer and director, and playing a pivotal role in motion capture, puppeteering, and principal movement.

Alongside her plethora of experience, Kate brings so much energy, positivity and encouragement to all of her couples!

SARAH RADAM

Dancing since a very young age, Sarah is versed in many dance styles. Trained with a technical background in ballet, over the years she has discovered many other styles including a passion for latin dance. Sarah has been performing professionally in Melbourne for over 10 years and runs Melbourne entertainment company ‘Hype’.

Sarah’s plethora of skills also include fashion design where she designs custom made dance shoes for dancers across the world. Along with her eye for detail, Sarah is incredibly organised, warm and personable. Making you feel and look relaxed on your wedding day is her speciality!

CHIMENE STEELE PRIOR

Chimene is a Melbourne based performer, teacher and choreographer. She studied at the New Zealand School of Dance (Diploma of Dance Performance) and at WAAPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts). Chimene has worked as a performer with an array of independent artists and companies across the world. Amongst her impressive performance credits, Chimene worked extensively with Opera Australia for ten years, touring throughout Australia and China.

Chimene’s choreographic work has been presented at the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Lawler Theatre, Dancehouse and Melbourne Fringe Festival Hub. Her solo work IN FORMATION II was nominated for a Green Room Award for Concept and Realisation in 2015. In recent years, Chimene has been exploring larger scale choreographies on graduating students at Transit Dance, NICA, and Albert Park College. In May 2024, Chimene presented ‘The Presence of the Past’ with M Collective at Dancehouse. Chimene is a Certified Counter Technique Teacher and is passionate about facilitating people’s connection to joy and trust in their own bodies.

She has experience teaching all ages and abilities and is excited to be working for The Next Step, and contributing to creating special memories for people on their special day!

ANJELICA SIMATOS

Anjelica began dancing at the young age of 7, training in all styles. Anjelica trained at ‘JWDA’ and at the prestigious ‘Brent Street’ in Sydney. After graduating, Anjelica was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts and made the move down to Melbourne to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance. Since then, Anjelica has been performing professionally for many years. Highlights include performing with the Melbourne Storm, Melbourne United and Melbourne Aces Cheerleaders. She has travelled both nationally and internationally for Bollywood events, and many tribute shows.

Anjelica loves being able to share her love and passion for dance with her First Dance couples. She absolutely loves being involved and witnessing their dance journey leading up to their big day.

HANNAH MACAULAY

Based in Sydney, Hannah stretches her professionalism across many industries and has been performing professionally and teaching for many years. Beginning her career as a professional dancer she has seen her path broaden into acting, presenting modelling and choreographing.

Excellent at working with total beginners, Hannah relishes in sharing her love of all things dance. She finds helping her couples gain confidence on this transformative learning experience incredibly rewarding and cannot wait to work with you!

GRACE LENAN

Grace is originally from the Central Coast of NSW and has performed internationally for over 10 years. She most recently finished performing at Tokyo Disney in Japan, and other impressive credits include working with "The Crazy Paris Show" and for "City of Dreams" in Macau, Princess Cruises, MSC Crusies and as a singer/dancer for Crystal Cruises.

She trained full time in Performing Arts at Brent Street in Sydney, and has trained extensively overseas to well round out her teaching and choreographing abilities.

Grace is passionate about facilitating lessons that are fun, achievable and confidence building. She especially loves helping her couples foster a great connection and helping them create lifelong memories!

GEORGIA BLACKMORE

Georgia is passionate, determined, up and coming performer based in Sydney. She grew up on the beautiful Central Coast and has been dancing for as long as she can remember. Graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts from Ed5International in Sydney, Georgia has over 18 years of extensive training in many styles of dance. When she isn’t teaching Georgia performs in gigs all across Sydney including live performances, short films and music videos. 

With her experience in teaching all levels and abilities of dance, Georgia is very passionate about bringing couples the comfort and fun needed to make their first dance experience memorable. Georgia is so excited to join the team at The Next Step Co and welcome in the Sydney expansion!

MELISSA RUSSO

Melissa began dancing at the age of three! With a love for all genres of performing, she is a WAAPA Musical Theatre graduate. Her career highlights include: QPAC’s Fiddler on the Roof with Topol, and feature film ‘In Her Skin’.  Melissa’s impressive credits include world-class productions such as musicals ‘Cry Baby’ and ‘9 to 5’, and the world premiere production of the hugely successful Australian musical ‘Fangirls’. She has also been part of Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Musical in Concert ‘Funny Girl’ at the Sydney Opera House.  

Other highlights include touring the world for Norwegian Cruise Lines with roles in ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ and ‘Burn the Floor’. Melissa also featured in the Ben Elton film ‘Three Summers’, currently on Netflix.

Melissa has such an uplifting and encouraging nature; she is passionate about helping each and every one of her couples relish in the process of learning their First Dance.