Our Team
At Dance Habit, we believe that the success of our students is directly tied to the quality of our teaching team.
As such, we are highly selective in our recruitment process, seeking out passionate educators who demonstrate a genuine love for teaching and a deep understanding of the transformative power of dance.
We take great pride in our commitment to prioritising job security, fostering a collaborative team culture, supporting ongoing professional development, and providing opportunities for growth within the organisation. We are proud to be industry leaders in this space – making dance education a truly rewarding career pathway.
Our team is comprised of individuals with a wide range of expertise and specialties, from contemporary and jazz to ballet and hip hop. Let us introduce you.
Megan Jessop (she/her)
Director
New Zealand born Megan trained in all styles of dance at Mt Eden Ballet Academy from the young age of three. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling career in the industry working on stage, TV and film but found her true calling when offered an opportunity to teach dance for Jacqui Cesan at The Dance Studio, Auckland. Megan has since adjudicated dance competitions and been sought out as a guest tutor for dance workshops in New Zealand, and further abroad. Establishing Dance Habit in 2011 was the fulfilment of Megan’s childhood dream, and the result of many years of hard work including a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Dance) and Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management. Megan continues to teach while also nurturing her team so that they too can enjoy rewarding careers in dance education.
Teaching style: Empowering students to challenge and champion themselves.
“I love being part of the personal growth that students of all ages experience through dance because it flows into their life outside the studio too. There is no job more rewarding than this one.”
Payge O’Shea (she/her)
Operations Manager
Payge found her love for dance at the age of three with Vicki’s Dancing Academy in Morwell. Training in all styles, she took a particular interest in Contemporary dance and went on to study this at Transit Dance, completing a Diploma in Dance – Elite Performance as well as a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Payge has been with Dance Habit since 2018 and during this time, she has become especially passionate about working with children with additional needs. She utilises her Rhythm Works certification and experience in this area to ensure dance is accessible to all.
Teaching style: A creative and fun approach to learning
“I love seeing the journey each student takes as they learn, grow and achieve their goals”
Monica Diaz (she/her)
Creative Lead & Inclusion Ambassador
Monica was born and raised in the Canary Islands (Spain). She started as a rhythmic gymnast at the age of four but in an attempt to improve her technique, discovered dance classes. She says she “fell in love with the art form, so left the sport”. Monica trained, performed, and taught in Madrid and New York before migrating to Melbourne. She has been with the Dance Habit Team since 2017 and has been pivotal in leading our inclusion efforts, making dance accessible to students of all ages, bodies, abilities, races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.
Teaching style: Structured classes with adaptive content. Strong focus on musicality, foundations and history.
“I love making dance accessible for all kinds of humans, so they can experience joy through movement and music”
Cassie Pugh (she/her)
Cassie was born and raised in Perth and started dancing at the age of four, training in all styles of dance. She discovered a passion for teaching when she began assisting classes at her dance school from the age of 12. Migrating to Melbourne in 2010, Cassie studied dance full time at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. Cassie has since spent time abroad dancing in the UK and on cruise ships before returning to Melbourne and making a commitment to dance education as a career pathway, commencing with the completion of her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Cassie has been on the Dance Habit Team since 2016.
Teaching style: Fun, energetic and motivating.
“I love getting to know my students and watching them progress over the years we spend together”
Leisel McCormac (she/her)
Leisel has always had a passion for dance and music. Originally from Queensland, her dance education began at the age of three, training in all styles in addition to singing, music and drama. In later years, Leisel went on to complete a Certificate IV in Musical Theatre and then a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition). Leisel joined the Dance Habit Team in 2019 and has had great success, especially in the Adult Tap space.
Teaching style: A dynamic, fun and encouraging approach to learning filled with patience and positivity.
“I love uplifting my students, helping them reach their goals and creating a safe and positive space for them to learn”
Chelsea Lynch-McClymont (she/her)
Chelsea has successfully completed many ballet exams in both the Cecchetti and Royal Academy of Dance syllabi, as well as performed in countless competitions, showcase concerts and professional performing work. She holds a Certificate II, III and IV in Performing Arts – Dance from Patrick School of the Arts and is a versatile teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all styles of dance. Chelsea joined the Dance Habit Team in 2022 and is currently studying Education at University.
Teaching style: Encouraging and energetic with the aim to create student ownership and self-motivation towards learning.
“I love being able to form meaningful connections with my students. Knowing that you are playing an important role in their growth and development is really fulfilling!”
Mel James (she/her)
New Zealand born Mel trained in dance from the age of four, with a focus primarily on ballet. She started teaching dance while studying at university, completing a Bachelor in Performing Arts (Dance) and later a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management. Mel also studied Pilates with Brenton Surgeonor and discovered a special interest in the benefits of Pilates for dancers. Mel has been a valued and essential Dance Habit team member since 2012. In addition to adult classes, she leads our Senior Ballet students, including through external examinations with the Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD).
Teaching style: Technical focus with some laughter thrown in, maximum efficiency with the least amount of effort is the goal.
“I love bringing joy through dance”
Kate-Elissah Wilson (she/her)
Originally from Tasmania, Kate-Elissah has a rich performing and teaching history in dance, theatre and performing arts. Among many other prestigious qualifications, Kate-Elissah holds a Bachelor in Dance, Diploma of Performing Arts (Classical Ballet) and Diploma in Dance Teaching and Studio Management. Like many dancers, Kate-Elissah has a personal journey of injury and recovery, and as such, has become an advocate for recognising and implementing safe dance practices in every one of her classes. This journey has cultivated a keen awareness of the significance of warm-ups, proper technique, and thoughtful conditioning to fortify the body against the demands of dance, whether vocationally or for recreational purposes. We are excited to welcome Kate-Elissah to our teaching team in 2024!
Teaching style: An approach to dance that not only celebrates the artistic brilliance of movement but also prioritizes the dancer's physical health.
“In the delicate balance of discipline and creativity, I strive to instil not only the techniques of ballet but also a profound love for the art form”
Jazmin Patey-Ford (she/her)
Jazmin was born and raised in the UK and began dancing at the age of 3. As her passion for the performing arts grew, so did her dream of training professionally. So at the age of 17 she completed a four year BA hons Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Doreen Bird Conservatoire of Dance and Musical Theatre in London. Since graduating she has embarked on many adventures within the industry, from her first performance, an international arena tour of ‘My Little Pony the Musical.’ Some of her other credits include an appearance of The Jennifer Hudson Show in Los Angeles, multiple UK Theatre tours and guest entertaining on cruise ships in Wannabe the Spice Girls Show and The Little Mix Show. She has also played the leading roles in the classic UK pantomimes: Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Jazmin has been teaching the art of dance throughout her career bringing to the classroom what she has learnt from within the industry. Now she is embarking on her new adventure of moving to Australia and sharing her passion for the arts with the students of Dance Habit.
Teaching style: Enthusiastic approach to creating a safe and empowering learning environment.
“I love inspiring others the way I have been inspired by this incredible art form”
Sophie Graham-Jones (she/her)
Sophie is a musical theatre performer originally from Tasmania. She has studied and worked with the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, National Institute of Performing Arts and Opera Australia before relocating to the Arts Academy in 2021. Sophie now holds a Bachelor of Musical Theatre along with extensive extensive experience performing, teaching and choreographing. At the Arts Academy, she was fortunate to perform in productions that include The Glove Thief (Mary Seaton, Dance Captain) directed by Kim Durban and Momo (Cassiopeia, Movement Team) adapted by Anthony Crowley and Rick Chew. Sophie’s choreography has been seen in Exquisite Corpse 3.0 sevENDS Calling directed by Scott Middleton, and she was recently involved in MOROT-MOUTH LOVES SUCKFACE, An Apocalyptic Musical by Anthony Crowley. Sophie joins our teaching team in 2024 and we are so excited to welcome her to our dance family!
Teaching style: Engaging and fun class style with strong emphasis on foundational technique and theatrical elements.
“I love creating a comfortable class environment where my students feel like they can be their true selves”
Lisa-Marie Hooper (she/her)
Conditioning Coach
New Zealand born Lisa-Marie is Dance Habit’s original Tap teacher, joining the team in 2012. She is trained in all styles of dance and has completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Dance). She also holds a Diploma in Dance Teaching & Management and is a fully qualified personal trainer. Over the years, Lisa discovered a passion for dance conditioning and after further study, launched her business, The Online Dancer. Now based on the Surf Coast, Lisa is our Conditioning Coach, working closely with students working toward Pointe, recovering from injury, or looking to build strength, mobility and/or flexibility. Lisa is also an Affiliated Professional of Body Positive Fitness Alliance and proudly assists us in this space to ensure our classes are inclusive and accessible for all body types.
Teaching style: Making the movement fit the individual. A bit of anatomy, a few visualisations and a lot of compassion. All with a splash of laughter.
“Sharing my passion and knowledge is such a privilege and something I don’t take lightly. I learn something from each and every student and I hope they feel the same when we work together.”
Madisson Salan (she/her)
Private Lessons
Madisson’s professional training began at age 11 when she was accepted into the Australian Ballet School’s Interstate Training Program. She went on to earn a Certificate II in Dance and completed her RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Advanced II examination with Distinction. Madi continued her studies, gaining an Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. During her studies she began guest teaching for various schools in WA and VIC before graduating and commencing regular teaching work across Melbourne. Alongside her teaching Madisson loves to perform and in recent years has been a company artist with Dancebourne Arts and Lionheart Dance Company. Madi joined Dance Habit in 2022 and currently works one-on-one in private lesson capacity.
Teaching style: Classes always include plenty of laughter, creative imagery and opportunities for self-expression with the goal to develop not just dance skills but self-confidence too.
“I love creating environments in which people can grow and feel celebrated. Witnessing them achieve their goals is so rewarding!”
Nicola Watson (she/her)
Receptionist & Assistant Dance Teacher
Nicola began dancing at Dance Habit in 2013 at the age of four. Dance quickly became a safe space for her and through the years she has studied a wide range of different styles but found a passion for ballet. She has always had a love of working with children and began her teaching journey in 2017 when she joined the DanceStep assistant teaching program. Nicola is now making her transition from student to assistant to teacher. She is officially joining the team in 2024, assisting in preschool classes on Saturday mornings and working reception on Mondays and Wednesdays!
Teaching style: Creating a space where everyone feels safe, included and empowered.
“I love watching the students faces light up as they enter the studio.”
Carla Destito (she/her)
Receptionist & Relief Dance Teacher
Carla began her dance training with Dance Habit in 2011 at the tender age of ten. Over the years, Carla has studied several different dance styles, but found a special place in her heart for jazz and tap. From a very young age, Carla expressed the desire to be a teacher and has indeed gone on to study Primary School Teaching at University. Carla has been a valued member of the Dance Habit family for over a decade, making the unique transition from student, to assistant, to teacher. She officially joined our teaching team in 2020 taking on Junior Tap classes and quickly proved herself to be a committed and passionate educator. While Carla is not teaching regular classes, she will often be seen stepping in to cover when needed. More regularly though, you’ll catch her on reception!
Work Values: A fun and inclusive work place where questions are always welcome.
“I love the inclusive environment and seeing all of the dancers come rushing in with big smiles”
Breanna Duspara (she/her)
Receptionist
Breanna started as a student at Dance Habit in 2017. After her first year coming back to dance after a 5 year break, she expressed interest in our DanceStep Assistant Teaching Program. Here she was exposed to different styles of dance and worked with different teaching staff and students of all ages and abilities. As Breanna came near the end of graduating high school in 2021, undertaking the DanceStep Program influenced and helped understand her passion for educating and supporting students. Breanna is currently completing her third year of Primary Education at University. If not attending Adult classes as a student, you can catch Breanna on reception throughout the week!
Work Values: A work environment that is trusting, transparent and authentic with themselves and wider community
“Seeing all the energy and joy before students start classes is so inspiring”
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