Why We Use a Membership Fee Approach

At our studio, we do things a little differently. Instead of paying per class or per term for children’s lessons, our families enjoy a simple fortnightly membership fee that runs evenly across the Dance Year (typically late January to mid-December).

Simple & Stress-Free

No more juggling term fees and lump sums. Membership spreads costs evenly, so you can set and forget with one regular payment. This takes the stress out of managing class fees and allows us to focus on giving your dancer the very best experience, not just in their lessons but through the care, planning and support that happens behind the scenes.

Why Not a Per-Class Fee?

We know some people like the idea of paying per class. That’s a valid approach, and it works for many activity-based services. But it’s not what we choose - because it limits what we can offer.

Behind every lesson, there’s a lot of unseen work that makes our classes safe, informed and supportive. A per-class model only values the time spent in the studio, not the training, planning, communication, and preparation that truly shape the experience.

Our membership model allows us to:

  • Provide sustainable, stable employment contracts for our teachers - something that is sadly rare in the dance industry.

  • Offer pathways to permanent roles while reimbursing casual staff for all planning and preparation time.

  • Run weekly or fortnightly 1-1 meetings with our director, ensuring teachers feel supported, resourced, and ready to give their best.

  • Further develop and improve our curriculum, provide student support and communicate effectively with families.

What About Holidays?

When classes pause for school holidays, membership fees are still hard at work. While dancers rest, our team is:

  • Reviewing and updating syllabus and class content so students return inspired.

  • Attending training and development to bring new skills into the studio.

  • Running special holiday events included in your membership - fun opportunities to connect with other students and age groups.

Happy Teachers = Happy Dancers

Children thrive when their teachers are consistent and invested. By valuing our team, we’ve built a teaching staff who love what they do and stay with us year after year, creating genuine relationships that matter.

Community is at the heart of what we do, and it takes a holistic approach to nurture it. At the time of writing, our first permanent employee has reached Long Service Leave, with two more close behind - something we’re very proud of.

So Much More Than a Class

A membership guarantees your child’s place in class for the full calendar year, but it also ensures:

  • Consistency - familiar teachers and classmates build trust and support.

  • Connection - strong relationships create confidence and belonging.

  • Safety - regular communication means our team understands each dancer’s needs and goals.

  • Growth - ongoing review allows teachers to adapt and develop content as our students progress.

For us, it’s about building more than a dance class. 

Our membership model keeps things simple for families, consistent for dancers, and supportive for staff because we believe that when everyone is cared for, everyone can thrive. Our consistent teachers and secure class placement can be particularly helpful for students who benefit from routine and predictability, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all. Certainly, the value of the membership model is evident in the strength of our community, which is on full display daily.

Come and check it out!

Megan Jessop (she/her)

Visionary | Industry advocate | Mum of two

From the age of three, I was a dancer, but my professional career taught me that the industry wasn't always a welcoming place for everyone. In 2011, I founded Dance Habit with a mission to change that. Our focus is on the transformative power of dance, creating an inclusive and uplifting environment where we help people grow into confident, kind, and independent individuals. I’m honoured to work alongside an amazing team of instructors who are committed to these same values, and who I ensure have fulfilling and financially viable careers. Away from the studio, I'm a wife to Jason and a mum to Noah and Neve.

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