How to switch a dance studio?

Question

My 14 year old daughter goes to a dance studio and has been going there since she was 4 years old. This studio is run by a young girl who is very nice and has been wonderful to my daughter and our family. Our problem is that it is becoming obvious that my daughter's dance skills are getting a little beyond what this studio can offer to her anymore. She is not learning anything new at this studio and her skills are starting to become lacking because the instruction is just not there for her. I am not blaming her teacher, but I think my daughter is at the point where she needs to be in a studio where they can teach her more of what she wants to know and will help her to be a better dancer. In other words, she needs more "professional instruction" rather than just "fun" instruction. She loves to dance and someday wants to make a career of it. So, how do I switch dance studios without hurt feelings on the part of her current director? Dancing at both studios is not an option as the studios in this town are very competitive with each other. Any advice for me?

Answer 1

Sit and talk with your daughter. She is 14 now so I think she would understand. And, if she wants to go pro, let her know that she will need more training, and a school that offers more.  

Answer 2

Just say to the director of the studio what you just told us in your question. Say that you think that she should go to a studio that has more professional intruction and that would challenge her more. She should understand.

I don't advise just switching studios without advising her or anything. It would end it in a bitter way and thats not what you need. Trust me, some of the girls at my studio have done that and the director and the teachers were NOT happy. One girl did that and then she didnt come back for a year. All of a sudden she shows up to register again this year and let me say this...it was very awkward.

Look up in the yellow pages some dance studios in your area. Go and visit them to see what the studio is like and how the classes are run. Then choose the one you and your daughter find suits your needs better. I hope I could help! :)

Answer 3

well since shes 14 is she in high school yet? cause if she is she can try out for her high schools dance team. dance team is good, especially if the team is one that has done good in the state tournament, then it will give her a challenge. but i had to give up studio for dance team, and i'm glad i did cause now i'm dancing at a varsity level and last year i was on jv. but to do dance team its hard to do both studio and dance team. and dance team only does high kick and jazz funk.  

look around at some local studios and choose the one that you think will give her a challenge.

you can tell your current studio that you think shes getting too advanced for these classes and you want her to show her potential.

or you could be like some people and not say anything and just switch.

Answer 4

Tell the studio exactly what you said here. Thank them for their teaching which has been invaluable in your daughters life, and let them know your plans to go to the other studio. You may want to leave on a good note by buying a small gift (maybe chocolates or something). A card would be a good way of saying thank you, as it is often hard to say everything you want to out loud. In the card you can truly thank them deeply for all the work they have put in for your daughter. Leave the studio on a good note, and everyone will be happy.

There is NOTHING wrong with growing out of a dance school. It happens to many people, and its good to have a change. If it will make your daughter into a better dancer, then do it.