Debra Johnson
Debra Johnson– Principal Head Teacher
Founder and owner of NGDS since September 2010
L.I.S.T.D., ISTD and ISTD CDE in Ballet, Modern and Tap; A.I.D.T.A Ballet; Rambert Diploma in Classical Ballet, Choreography, Contemporary, Character/National, Benesh Notation and History of Dance.
A former professional dancer in the West End, on stage and on television, Debra is an experienced ISTD teacher across all genres and a professional choreographer.
Debra began training at the Woodman School in Canterbury at age three, later reaching vocational level in RAD, ISTD and IDTA Ballet, as well as ISTD and IDTA Modern and Tap.
At sixteen, she passed her first teaching exam, AIDTA Ballet, with Honours and received a full scholarship to the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. While completing her Rambert Diploma, she was invited to teach at the Rambert Junior School and in her third year, taught older Junior Associates on Saturday mornings.
Performing under the stage name Carlie Johnson, she appeared in numerous West End musicals and television shows, including many years with Dougie Squires’ 2nd Generation Dance Company.
Debra’s professional career has given her extensive experience across the classical and performing arts industry.
ISTD FDI and CDE in Ballet, Modern and Tap.
Rachel has taught alongside Debra since Next Generation Dance opened in September 2010. As Deputy Principal, she supports Debra across many administrative roles. She is an experienced ISTD teacher, professional choreographer and former professional dancer, with wide-ranging expertise across all genres and particular strength in classical ballet.
Rachel is also the owner of Rachel Hilton Photography, specialising in family and child photography full of movement and joy
ISTD DDE Modern and Tap, ISTD DDI Ballet, ETM
Sarah has taught at NGDS since 2017. She is an experienced ISTD teacher and choreographer, and a qualified Exercise to Music fitness instructor.
Sarah is highly skilled, with a strong eye for correction and an encouraging teaching style.
As an ISTD exam teacher, she consistently achieves excellent results and excels in choreography across all disciplines.
She also runs a successful social fitness class for mature ladies, carefully tailoring sessions to individual needs. Her adult tap class is both enjoyable and informative for those who attend.
Seren joined NGDS in April 2025. She holds a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and Dance, along with a Triple D* BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre.
Since joining Next Generation Dance Studio, Seren has introduced styles including Street and Hip-hop, Lyrical, Commercial and Vocal Coaching, while creating a fun, imaginative environment for her students.
Her passion for original choreography is reflected in her work with Festival students, tailored to their individual talents, and in her show productions.
James has been working with NGDS since 2015 and is a very important part of NGDS. He creates opportunities for pupils to Dance and Act in such as Professional Pantomines and events. Specialist Teacher and Choreographer in Contemporary, Creative Dance, Musical Theatre, Ex Professional Dancer and Choreographer