I'm an amateur dancer of 3 and 1/2 years. I'd like to take 6-8 private lessons per month but my teacher seems to have less and less time for me. I'm wondering if I should take from another teacher in the studio. Should I speak first to the potential new teacher, the head of the studio (my teacher's wife), or directly to my private teacher? I'm trying to be sympathetic--my teacher and his wife have babysitting issues (getting sitters so they can teach), and recently have been sick.
I was on the injured list myself last year for 4-6 months with a bulging disc, due in part to a dance injury. But I'm good as new now and stronger than before my injury. I'm beginning to think that our schedules just don't coincide this year. And I'm sure that if I had children, too, that we'd never get to have a lesson.
My frustration level is building, and I'm not reaching my goals.
We have a coach coming next week. I'd like to go to a comp this year, too. If I switch teachers, wouldn't it be better to do this sooner instead of later? (Before the coach comes in, if possible, instead of after?)
Frustrated. Any advice is welcome. Thanks! Deewoman

I take it you're wanting to do a Pro/Am competition with your teacher?

I kind of went through something like you did a few years ago. My teacher was travelling a lot to get coaching, plus he had family obligations, plus we both went through periods where one or the other of us was sick or injured. I was taking two privates a week -- or at least trying to.

If your teacher doesn't have time for you, switching to another teacher who does have room in his schedule is a reasonable idea. After all, this is a business relationship. You are the customer. If you aren't getting what you want and need then it's no skin off of anyone's nose to move on.

Just make sure you know that:
* The new teacher really will have schedule openings for you for the next year -- it would be too bad to switch and then find yourself back in the same situation again in a few months
* How your teachers compare to each other. No two teachers teach or dance the same way, and it might be pointless to switch if the new teacher isn't as good for you

As for the coach who is coming in, do you even know if the new teacher would have time in his schedule to dance with you on the day the the coach is here? He might have other students booked or something, so if you switch teachers this week you might not get that coaching at all.

Thanks for the advice, Laura. We had a lesson yesterday and had a pretty intense talk beforehand. I will get my coachings this weekend, and my teacher seems to think things will get better in the next few weeks. I made sure he knew my goals--that I wanted to go to pro/am comp this summer, but I couldn't go without my teacher! He said he understood if I took lessons from other teachers, too, if the meantime.

Sooner better than later is the operative here. My opinion is to address the situation NOW. Be prepared to deal with a little rejection at first but, square your shoulders and hold your head high while you forge ahead. Owen