Hi! I posted a few months ago about the trouble I had with my teacher rescheduling or cancelling my lessons. Well, two things happened--he gave me the go-ahead to seek training from other teachers (so I've taken a lesson a week from another teacher in the studio since), and he got a little better about showing up.
Our plan has been to go to Heart of America in August to compete. I feel like I should have at least 2 lessons a month from now till then, more if I can afford it. It's already June! I had 2 lessons with him in May--we have to have 5 routines ready--American rhythm.
My dilemmma is that I don't see this situation improving. And I love my new teacher--he is fantastic! Just to do something different, we've been working on American Smooth and Latin (bronze). He has lots of time in his schedule for me.
I guess I wonder--how do you know it's time to switch teachers? And then, what do I do at comp? Should I go to a comp later in the year with my new teacher? Should I give him all the videos with all the choreography so I can finish this project (my other teacher & I have worked on this for 3 years!) or just rely on his judgment to decide what it would be best to compete in.
They're good friends, as well, so I don't want anyone to get upset with me. But sometimes I think my usual teacher just wants me to go to the other one, anyway.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

If it were me, I'd go with the teacher who had more time for me. Since they're friends, maybe you could talk to them both about the situation. Remember this is a business and if someone can't hold on to a student then that's their own affair. It's not like the new teacher is "stealing" you -- you are going of your own free will since the first teacher has no time for you.

Good luck!

Some of my usual teacher's cancellations have been over injuries (like this week's, in fact--he cancelled today's lesson), but if there hadn't been so many other cancellations and reschedules that were not injury-related maybe I wouldn't be so frustrated.
I think I'll start talking to my new teacher about going to comp--what we would dance, when we'd go--fall, maybe instead of end of summer--, etc.
Thanks, Laura. You just confirmed my gut feeling. Deanna

I would go with the teacher who will honestly advise you that you cannot seriously consider competing having only two lessons a month.