A Berwick-based dance studio is celebrating 10 years of teaching dance, self-confidence and fun to people of all ages.
Megan’s Dance Studio was established in 2011 by Megan Miller who said being a part of the community her students come from is important.
She based her classes over the past 10 years within two local neighbourhood centres, Lyrebird Community Centre, Carrum Downs, and Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, Berwick.
“I love being a part of the community that my students are involved with and partnering with the local centres really adds to the community feel of the studio,” Megan said.
In June, the studio celebrated a decade in the business with a party like no other with past and present families joining together for a night at Funtopia Carrum Downs, which included face painting, a photo booth, balloon artist, pizza and, of course, cake – all sourced from local businesses.
Megan and her students were joined by Dunkley MP Peta Murphy for the celebration.
During the 2020 lockdowns, Ms Murphy joined the teenage class via Zoom to talk with them about how they were finding the lockdowns and how dance was keeping them motivated.
“Like many small businesses, the dance industry was hit hard by the pandemic but with Zoom, online classes and fun activities each week, we continued to engage and inspire our students throughout the lockdown period and come through to the other side,” Megan said.
When the studio began in 2011, there was just 40 students.
Now, Megan’s Dance Studio has more than 280 young people reaping the benefits of dance.
“Dance isn’t just a physical activity- it provides students with support and an outlet for social skills as well as working on coordination and self-confidence,” Megan said.
“What sets Megan’s Dance Studio apart is the non-competitive environment that allows students to learn, love and enjoy dance. We provided a fun and creative introduction to the dance industry, providing students with experience in a range of dance styles and music appreciation.
“Students gain a broad skill set, with a focus on the fundamentals of dance, strength and flexibility.”
Having had over 1000 students on the dance floor in the last 10 years, Megan said she was proud to have seen students go from her studio to performing in large scale theatre productions which Megan uses as an opportunity to take current students on theatre outings in the city.
While Megan is the sole teacher at Megan’s Dance Studio, she employs five junior assistants, all of whom have come through the ranks and therefore understand the values and goals of the studio, she said.
“I aim to help build children’s self-confidence and help them to grow and develop as their own people,” Megan said.
“The senior students love being asked to become an assistant and the younger students look up to them and dream of becoming one.
“After all that 2020 and 2021 have brought us, celebrating 10 years of dance, self-confidence and fun is a joy to behold.”
