He began formal training at the age of 9 where he studied at Norma's Academy of Dance under the direction of the late Norma B. Mitchell and her daughter Djana Bell. In 1984, Payne went to Northside School of the Arts, and studied under the direction of William G Densmore and performed in Atlanta's Showbiz Kids. He then joined the Harrison Dance company under the direction of Gary Harrison before moving to Los Angeles where he soon met longtime personal idols Kenny Ortega, Michael Peters, Debbie Allen, and Paula Abdul.
Payne
William G Densmore