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About Belong · Est. by Werner Pelser

Built on faith.Driven by purpose.Made for talent.

Belong director speaking on stage to students and coaches

Belong on stage

02Our story

Belong Talent Academy is a Christian talent academy founded by Werner Pelser, dedicated to helping every artist discover their God-given purpose.

Built on faith and excellence, we provide professional training in dance, acting, vocals and modelling, guided by passionate directors who nurture both talent and character.

Technique matters here. So do creativity, self-expression and the kind of person a performer becomes along the way.

Belong students and coaches posing on stage with certificates and trophies
03Mission & values

“To equip performers through excellence, faith, and creativity, helping each one discover their God-given purpose.”

Our mission
01Faith
02Excellence
03Belonging
04Creativity
05Integrity
Illustration of a dove flying over a sunlit path through mountains

Our inspiration

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

04Leadership

The people who make Belong.

Our coaches are passionate about helping students discover their talents, develop their skills and grow in confidence.

Each director brings unique expertise, creativity and heart, united by one vision: helping every student find where they truly belong.

Werner Pelser

Founder & CEO, Director of Dance

Werner
Pelser

Disciplines

Acrobatics · Contemporary · Line Dance

“Hard work pays off.”

Werner is a choreographer, professional dancer, and event organiser passionate about developing the next generation of performers. He holds an Advanced Teacher qualification in Acrobatics from AFSA and Major Teacher qualifications in Contemporary and Hip Hop through MDF. As the Acrobatics, Contemporary, and Line Dance Coach at Belong Talent Academy, he is dedicated to providing quality training and helping students grow in skill, confidence, and discipline.

Charmoné Walker

Director of Vocals, Hip Hop & Zumba Coach

Charmoné
Walker

Disciplines

Vocals · Hip Hop · Zumba

“No dream is too big.”

Charmoné is a passionate vocalist, dancer, and fitness instructor with a love for helping students develop their God-given talents. She is a dedicated vocalist in the Neo Impact Youth Band at Neo Doxa, Witbank and holds a Major Teacher qualification in Hip Hop through the Mzansi Dance Federation (MDF). She also coaches Zumba, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every class. In 2022, she won her age division at Artium Instrumental.

Alexis Ras

Director of Modelling & Acting, Musical Theatre Coach

Alexis
Ras

Disciplines

Modelling · Acting · Musical Theatre

“If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”

Alexis is a creative performing arts professional with experience in modelling, acting, and performance. Her journey began with dance at the age of four, followed by modelling in 2017 and formal dramatic arts training. She holds an NQF Level 4 qualification in Performance and has starred in five short films and a music video through Speeltoneel. Her achievements include winning Miss Heritage Mpumalanga, earning national recognition for her acting, and being named among South Africa’s Top 10 performers.

Maygan Haarhoff

Disco & Jazz Coach

Maygan
Haarhoff

Disciplines

Jazz · Disco

“Technique, energy, performance.”

Maygan’s passion for dance began at the age of seven and has grown into a love for teaching and inspiring others. She holds a JazzEd Certificate in Dance Teaching, DTMA qualifications in Hip Hop and Disco Dance Teaching, and Major Teacher qualifications in Jazz and Disco through the Mzansi Dance Federation (MDF).

05Testimonials

Words from our Belong family.

Stories from the students and families who make Belong a place to grow, feel supported and find joy in performing.

A note from our community

The dance academy was the most welcoming that I felt while I was looking for a place to join. They understood my limits with my health and the option is always there that I can take breaks when it gets to much for me. If I struggle to do something they help you correct. The dance coach is always friendly. The space feels relaxed. They don't push you to be the best from day one. They understand that it takes time to get used to all the steps and moves. From all the dance schools I considered in Witbank. This one won hands down. I enjoy every class and can't wait for the next week.

Claudine Hibbers

01 / 10

A note from our community

My name is Cammy and my experience at Belong Dance Academy has been amazing! With every single class, my love for dance grows. Werner is such a supportive dance teacher - you truly feel seen and valued. It is such a positive and uplifting environment, and it is amazing to be able to dance for the glory of God🤍

Cameron Joubert-Strauss

02 / 10

A note from our community

A Place Where Our Children Truly Belong ❤️

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Werner and Charmone from Belong Academy for the incredible love, care and dedication they show towards every student.

Our two girls are incredibly happy at Belong Academy, and as parents, there is nothing more special than knowing that your children are in an environment where they feel loved, accepted, valued and encouraged to be the best versions of themselves.

Werner and Charmone do so much more than teach dance. They help build our children's confidence and self-esteem while instilling strong Christian values that will guide them far beyond the dance studio. Their patience, kindness and willingness to always offer a hug, a listening ear or a word of advice make such a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.

What we appreciate most is that they never make a child feel like they are in the way, not good enough or incapable of achieving something. Instead, they encourage each student, believe in their potential and create an environment where every child feels that they belong and that they can achieve great things.

The love and encouragement they give so freely are gifts that extend far beyond dance. They are helping shape confident, kind and strong young girls who know that they are loved and that they matter.

Thank you, Werner and Charmone, for your beautiful hearts, your unwavering patience and for being such wonderful role models to our children. Thank you for creating a space where our girls can grow, learn, laugh, build friendships and, most importantly, be themselves.

Belong Academy is so much more than a dance school — it is a place where children are loved, encouraged, uplifted and reminded of their worth. We feel truly blessed that our girls are part of this special family.

With grateful hearts, thank you for everything you do

Marietjie van der Merwe

03 / 10

A note from our community

Belong Talent Academy has been an amazing experience for us! My daughter has been attending Hip Hop classes for almost 2 years. The coaches are wonderful, professional and so dedicated. We've seen such growth in her skills and confidence. Thank you BTA for creating such a caring and inspiring environment!

Madelein Opperman and Colein Bronkhorst

04 / 10

A note from our community

An Amazing Experience at Belong Talent Academy!

Belong Talent Academy is truly an incredible place to grow, learn, and discover your potential. The team is welcoming, supportive, professional, and passionate about helping every individual become the best version of themselves. They create an environment where you feel comfortable, confident, valued, and encouraged to step outside your comfort zone.

What makes this academy special is the dedication, positive energy, and genuine care they put into developing talent and building confidence. You can see the passion they have for what they do, and it makes the entire experience so worthwhile.

I would highly recommend Belong Talent Academy to anyone looking for a place to grow, gain confidence, develop their skills, and be part of something special. Thank you for creating such a wonderful and inspiring environment! ❤️✨

Nicola Combrink

05 / 10

A note from our community

From a girl who was once scared, shy, and misunderstood, she has blossomed into a confident young spirit who has found her voice, discovered her courage, and found a place where she is finally understood — through the beauty of dance.

Lana Fourie

06 / 10

A note from our community

Cammy danced for 6 years and lost her passion and joy for dance. In 2025, when Cammy went to the opening of Belong Academy she felt at home. Cammy has find love for dance again. Thank you Werner for your passion and dedication to each dancer .

Gail Joubert-Strauss

07 / 10

A note from our community

Our dancing school is so much more than a place where our daughter dances — it’s a second family where she grows, learns, builds confidence, and gets to live her passion. As parents, we are so grateful for the love, support, and opportunities that help our girl shine. Watching her dance is watching a piece of her heart come alive. A place where truly everyone belong.❤️💃✨

Jalani Maree

08 / 10

A note from our community

Complain about Belong Talent Academy!! 💃✨

For keeping our evenings busy and our hearts FULL! 🥹❤️

My daughter has been doing acrobatics for just over a year, and the growth in her confidence has been absolutely incredible. At school, she is a shy little girl, but the moment she steps onto that stage, she SHINES! ✨ Watching her blossom into a more confident version of herself has been one of the most beautiful things to witness as a mom.

Coach Werner and Belong Talent Academy have created something truly special — a safe, supportive space where children learn not only to dance, but also to trust others, believe in themselves, build friendships, and discover what they are capable of.

It’s about so much more than dance steps and performances. It’s about confidence, courage, belonging, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And if dancing isn't your thing, don't worry! The studio also offers line dancing and Zumba classes for those who just want to switch off, have fun, get moving, and enjoy some well-deserved me time. 💃🎶

So yes, we complain about the busy evenings, the practices, and the endless excitement… but deep down, we wouldn't trade it for anything!

Thank you, Coach Werner and Belong Talent Academy, for giving our children a place where they can truly BELONG, grow, shine, and feel loved.

Mariska Smit

09 / 10

A note from our community

We joined the Dance Belong Family and we are so excited and have a feeling that our daughter has arrived were she belong. The excitement and confidence in her is speaking destiny. Thank you BTA. Even on your first day, you learn something new and unforgettable!

Eunice Chego and Siphesihle Mkhonza

10 / 10

We don't justdevelop performers.We nurture people.

Teacher correcting a student's posture in class
  • ·Discipline that builds character
  • ·Mentorship from experienced directors
  • ·Artistic excellence as a habit
  • ·Confidence on stage and in life

Your next chapter
starts here.

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