About Us
Forget everything you think you know about dance studios.
At Dance Habit, we do dance differently.
Ideally located in Melbourne’s inner west, we’re a dance studio that teaches all styles of dance to people from all walks of life. But it’s how we go beyond dance that makes us pretty special.
We’re not here to mould you or your child into the next prima ballerina. Instead, we’re all about using dance to create a generation of kind, accepting, well-adjusted and socially-conscious humans.
Will you learn correct technique from highly trained instructors? Absolutely. But you’ll also be part of something bigger – a community of like-minded people who’ll likely become treasured friends.
Habits aren’t casual which is why we don’t do casual classes. Instead, we offer affordable memberships for kids and adults of all ages and abilities. If you’re ready for a dance class to become the highlight of your week, we’ll help you fall in love with movement and make dance a part of your identity.
We embrace everyone. But we’re not for everyone.
And that’s ok.
We’re your happy (dance) place if:
You want dance to enhance your child’s life, not be their entire life.
You celebrate people of all ages, bodies, abilities, races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.
You prefer capped classes led by highly qualified and caring teachers.
You want to look after your child’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing with age-appropriate movement, music, and costumes.
You’re an adult who’d love to try or resume dancing in a warm and body-positive environment.
You’re not into competitions but would love the chance to dance in two studio performances per year without having to remortgage the house to pay for costumes.
You’re ready to commit to at least one class a week.
We’re probably not your vibe if:
You or your child are striving to be a professional dancer.
You take offence to a rainbow flag and preferred pronouns (seriously, please exit stage left).
You believe in an old-school approach that’s all about perfect demi plies and strict discipline.
You think people should have a certain body type to dance.
You identify with Christy on Dance Moms.
Your favourite things about dance are the sequins, high kicks, make-up, and Insta-famous movements.
You want to participate in dance competitions (totally ok, it just doesn’t work for us).
You only want to attend classes casually, if and when you feel like it.
A word from our director
Megan Jessop (she/her)
Visionary | Industry advocate | Mum of two
From the minute I walked into my first ballet class at the age of 3, I was hooked. Training at an elite studio helped me forge a dance career on stage and in film. It also unveiled the darker side of dance whereby talented dancers or those who look the part get the spotlight while the rest are left feeling invisible and inadequate.
Since opening Dance Habit in 2011, I’ve been determined to do dance differently. Instead of focusing on looks, talent and trophies, I’ve created a studio where everyone can experience the life-affirming power of dance in an inclusive and uplifting environment. My purpose is to build confident, kind and independent people who contribute positively to their respective communities.
I’ve curated a team of talented instructors who share my passion for teaching, inclusion and social justice. I believe that a career as a dance instructor should be fulfilling and financially viable which is why I offer all my instructors the employment contracts their profession deserves. When I’m not in the studio, you’ll find me hanging out with my supportive husband, Jason and two gorgeous kids, Noah and Neve.
Our Values
Strong communities are built on a foundation of shared values that inform our collective thoughts, words, and actions.
These are ours:
Kindness
We lead with kindness, always, because we believe that kindness is the gateway to all good things in life – friendship, community, self-love and joy.
Inclusion
We believe in equal rights, equal access and equal opportunities for all people, without exception.
Empowerment
We empower you to achieve your goals with a focus on progress over perfection. While we won’t do the work for you, we’ll hold your hand every step of the way and we’ll be the first to celebrate your wins.
Growth
We support everyone – our teachers, students and broader community - to adopt a growth mindset so they can show up in the world as the best version of themselves.