New GEMA Fee Structure Divides German Dance Schools

A shift from area-based to revenue-based licensing fees has sparked mixed reactions from dance school operators.

GEMA's new licensing model replaces square meter-based fees with revenue-based categories for dance schools, effective January 1, 2025.
Some operators, like Ramon Gechnizdjani of Saarbrücken, welcome the change, citing fairer treatment for businesses with large spaces but limited class activity.
Critics, including Timo Bertram-Breuer of Neustadt an der Weinstraße, warn of significant cost increases and administrative burdens under the new system.
The Deutsche Tanzschulinhaber Vereinigung (DTIV) is challenging the new structure in court, arguing it exploits GEMA's monopoly and threatens smaller schools' viability.
GEMA defends the model as fair and reflective of economic benefits from music use, while rejecting claims of exorbitant fees compared to EU norms.