Meet the Finchley Team
Zoe Newell
Founder, Director, Studio Manager, Street Dance Musical Theatre, Troupe
Dance has been my lifelong passion. From my tiniest dancers aged two to young adults finding their love of dance, I take pride in nurturing every student’s confidence, skill, and creativity.
Starting my own journey at just three years old, I knew dance would always be part of my life. After graduating from the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama in 2004 with a Diploma in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance, I performed in touring productions, pantomimes, and theatre in education across the UK, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Golden Goose, and The Witches.
Over the past decade, I’ve grown from teacher and choreographer to founder and director, a journey I’m incredibly grateful for. A real highlight was our school being named Dance School of the Year in 2021, a proud moment reflecting the dedication of our students, families, and team. In 2019, we had the unforgettable honour of opening for The Royal Family dance team with one of our competition teams.
Each year, we create and direct over at least 4 full-scale shows, celebrating the passion and progress of every dancer.
Many of my students have gone on to perform professionally in productions like Matilda, The Lion King, The King and I, Back to the Future, Sunset Boulevard, Cats, and 42nd Street.
Along the way, Emma and I have opened three bespoke studios across London, providing supportive spaces for dancers of all ages. Community has always been central to my work. For over 15 years, I’ve partnered with Oakleigh School for children with complex needs, taking their students onto the stage at the Barnet Dance Festival.
After Covid, I introduced new partnerships with local charities to support children’s mental health – something I care deeply about.
Beyond technique, I believe dance is a tool for empowerment, joy, and connection. My aim has always been to make dance inclusive and inspiring.
Today, you’ll find me teaching musical theatre, street dance, and more at the Finchley and Ealing Studio – Often with my Son’s Isaac and Beau at my side (you will get to know them).
Ella Betts
Ballet, Contemporary
Born in Newcastle Australia, Ella began her training with Susan Shiner (RAD syllabus).
She attended the Hunter school of the Performing arts and was a member of the NSW State Dance Company and various ensembles and troupes. At the age of 15 Ella was given a scholarship to attend the McDonald College in Sydney for classical ballet and complete her HSC and her Royal Academy of dance examinations. She was a member of the Premier state ballet company and also performed in the annual Evening of classical ballet held in the Sydney Opera House, Ella also performed as an extra in the Australian Ballets Sydney season of Manon. She later graduated from the Australian International Ballet Academy before taking a position as a company Trainee with the Ajkun Ballet theatre in New York City. Ella was an assistant teacher for the Ajkun ballets Young Dancers program and in her spare time completed her yoga teaching certification, she also danced for the nutcracker season with The Albany Berkshire ballet Company.
Ella then moved back to Australia and taught at numerous schools, primarily based in Newcastle at Susan Shiner Dance academy and Newcastle Ballet Theatre. Whilst in Australia she ran the auditions for the Ajkun Ballet theatre in Melbourne and Sydney. Ella started teaching ballet and contemporary classes at iD in 2016 after she moved permanently to the UK, whilst still dancing with Ballet Classique De Paris (2019) And currently, Prague Festival ballet company and the London Ballet Company ( 2016 to present ).
Fun fact : Miss Ella’s won a title of longest wall sit in her gym, 4 hours and 13minutes.
Jumar
Street Dance, Troupe
John aka Jumar ‘Jumanji’ Aben has been teaching at innovation dance since 2017. Teaching street dance, breakdance & is a core teacher for ID’s competion teams. A versatile dance artist who enjoys teaching all levels & ages how to move, groove & improve as a dancer or mover.
John aben discovered a passion in dance through music & movement. Self taught at a very young age. His first performances & choreography was in northside primary school creating pop dance routines. He began his professional training at 15 years old studying in Laban CAT scheme, Barnet college & Graduating from the university of east london in 2014.
John has since worked & performed with boy blue ent, spoken movement, b-hybrid, MCDC, heavy trackerz, adobe, reebok, plan b, monroe, saddlers wells, Jason Mabana, move it & dejavu ent events.
Teaching has always been very important, to be able to share knowledge & watch the growth of a student is priceless.
Fun fact - basketball was his first passion!
Ella G
Contemporary, Commercial
Hi everyone! My name's Ella, I'm a professional dancer and have enjoyed working a variety of jobs such as music videos, live events and arena shows alongside my teaching work. I grew up in the middle of the countryside in a small village in Cambridgeshire and moved to Epsom for my professional training at Laine Theatre Arts before moving to Finchley. This is when I stumbled upon Innovation and saw Zoe after about 15 years - she taught me when I was growing up - small world! I've been working at Innovation since the beginning of 2022 and currently teach Commercial and Contemporary here at the Finchley studio.
Fun fact: When I was a child I performed with the Royal Ballet Company as a mouse in 'The Tales of Beatrix Potter' at the Royal Opera House. We got to wear big mouse heads and I used to pull faces at my chaperone because she couldn't see me and I didn't like her.
Sammy
Street Dance
Sammy (Cherry) Ceriani from London UK has been dancing since the age of 10. Starting with competition training and commercial styles then moving onto further training at Swindon Dance Academy where she trained in classical styles as well as street styles across the board. She went onto training at university where she obtained her degree in dance, since then has trained, and performed with the likes of BoyBlue, Boadicea, FunkOfTheFuture, CompanyB, BirdGang and more.
Further credits include: LENNY KRAVTIZ (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL), ITV IDENT, NETFLIX, BBC The greatest Dancer, DAVID ALBURY (artist), ARIA GREY (artist) BELISSA JOHN (artist) , Bhangra Paa Lee Bollywood movie as a featured dancer, Breaking Convention, Olympia, MoveIT, Deja Vu Events, Icon Festival, Barbican Theatre and Theatre Royale.
Francesca Brown
Adult Tap
Francesca is originally from the North East of England and moved to London in 2019 to train at Laine Theatre Arts where she achieved a BA Hons in Musical Theatre. Her most recent professional work was performing in the parades of Disneyland Paris!
Marie
Reception
Marie is an actress, director, and fight choreographer from Brussels. After earning a master’s in communication in Belgium and training at The Bridge Theatre Training Company in London, she qualified as a stage combat teacher with ACTT.
Her screen credits include MAYFLIES (BBC) and MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE (Warner Bros). As a fight choreographer, she’s taken on stage productions like AS YOU LIKE IT and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.
Fun fact: Marie leads thrilling fight demonstrations and workshops at Shakespeare's Globe! Whether teaching students to duel or transforming aspiring actors into sword-wielding heroes, she’s all about bringing drama and excitement to every performance!
Cat
Musical Theatre, Street Dance, Tots Ballet
AKA : Miss Catty!
have taught for Innovation Dance Studios for over 10 years now, teaching styles in Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Ballet. My training was in Contemporary dance technique gaining a BA honours degree in performing Arts/Dance at Middlesex University. Ive also trained in Paris to gain experience in other dance styles. I’ve learned a great deal since teaching for Innovation and it’s been a pleasure and highlight for me to co train our youngest competitive troupes for street dance competitions.
Fun fact : I was once played and very famous Mouse (and princess ) whilst working in Disneylandresort Paris :)
Tina Crane (BA (Hons), PDTD, MAE
Ballet
Tina started dancing from the age of 2 at the Ellis Ballet School, London. Tina graduated from the London Studio Centre with a BA Hons in Theatre Dance and went on to perform internationally on various theatre and cruise contracts.
Since gaining her teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance, Tina has taught at various recreational and vocational schools including the Central School of Ballet. Tina has completed her Masters’ in Education from the Royal Academy of Dance since returning from teaching ballet in Dubai.
Gabriel
Break
Born and raised in London, UK, Gabriel Infante more commonly known as "Bboy Infante" in the dance industry is one of UKs leading Breaking/Breakdancing Coaches and experts.
Infante displays his specialist knowledge through his enlightening teaching approaches that advances student's skills and knowledge, delivering an exhilarating energy that engages the entire space. He has taught at a variety of professional institutions to a diverse range students.
Some notable organisations range from University of Guilford, Team GB Youth programs, Ville d'Ales (France), Break Force and more.
Infante has been on the frontline in some of the most prestigious events in the competitive and performance industries on a national and international scale. He had recently taken first place in International finals of "Break Mission" and in Germany's "Good Good Battle" in 2024 as well as previously representing the country in World Chamionships in China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Belgium and more.
On top of that he has also performed on highly acclaimed stages such as the Royal Albert Hall, O2 Arena and Wembely Arena for a variety of artists and brands such as BBC, British Basketball League, Brit Awards, Coca Cola, Adidas, Little Mix and Stormzy to name a few.
With his extensive experience, Infante is driven to share the amazing benefits that the discipline has on any individual through his own curated teaching/coaching system that has not only produced excelling student in Breaking/Breakdancing skills, but also people that have gained a strong sense of character and enhanced self-esteem.
Toni Farrer
Tap
Toni trained at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts after making her West End debut at the age of 12 in ‘Bugsy Malone’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre. She went on to perform in various shows including ‘Magical Moments’ for Walt Disney, ‘Spirit of the Dance’ (worldwide) and played the part of Sister Mary Leo in the musical ‘Nunsense’. Toni was an assistant choreographer for The Thursford Spectacular having previously been a dance captain in the show for 4 years. TV credits include ‘A Song for Europe’ (backing vocalist), ‘HolbyCity’ and Strictly’s ‘It Takes Two’ where she performed as part of Theatre Tap London.
Toni is a qualified ISTD teacher who enjoys coaching students for their exams and performances and loves encouraging children to reach their full potential. She regularly attends classes and seminars keeping up to date with the latest techniques.
Toni loves dogs and buying different coloured tap shoes!