A couple of weeks ago I posted a message regarding my interest in possibly switching to from an Astaire studio to an independant studio. I had not at the time made up my mind and still have not. My reasons are mostly financial; the independant is far more affordable......which means more lessons. I also loved the family atmosphere of the independant studio. I had a blast at the 2 parties I attended at the indie studio........far more than I ever had at the Astaire parties. I have been dancing only 5 months and feel quite comfortable at the studio I am at. I also adore my teacher..........he's had 7 years of experience and he is very articulate and he works hard to meet my needs as a student. The other day I mentioned to him that I had attended a party at the other studio. He told me that if I took any lessons at that studio that the owner of the FADS studio that I attend would probably return the balance of my money and sever ties. This has not been sitting well with me. It didn't bother me so much at first,,,,but as I thought about it, I became a little upset and almost offended. Is taking lessons at two studios at the same time unethical? I have not taken any lessons elsewhere at this time............but isn't this my money and my time and my decision? Am I wrong for considering this? Or are they wrong for stating that I should not study with any one else. My instructor used the term...."private club". I ran into several students from the FADS that I attend at the party (at the independat studio) and I mentioned to them what my teacher had said. I almost felt guilty and like I was cheating on my instructor by going to this party after what he said. I just wanted to take a couple of lessons at this other studio to see if I like it. Also, the indie studio teaches the Argentine Tango.....which I desperately want to learn...the Fads does not. I'm confused.......am I wrong for wanting to save a little money and also learn from some different teachers? Am I caseing a conflict of interest..........I would love some unbiased advice.....Thank You!

Yeah, but they just want it to be their's.

Not trying to sound flip, OB, but I have enough to do both, if I plan carefully........it is more than the money to me.

Hi there... thought I'd put my two cents in, for what it's worth.

I taught at a FADS, and now have my own independent studio. I opened my own studio just as much because ballroom courses through my veins just as much as blood, as for the reason that I think franchised studios have it backwards. FADS is very particular and very rule oriented. They are VERY against independent studios, which they refer to as "pirates". You are not wrong for going and checking out other studios if you feel it's time to make a change and your interests fall outside what they can offer. I think the only downfall here was maybe sharing with FADS that you were exploring other options, until you were ready to switch.

Here's their thinking: Learning from multiple instructors causes confusion. Instructors have MANY different teaching styles, and may give you conflicting information to get you to the same end goal. What they are afraid this translates to you is that one is right and one is wrong, or worse, one is better. Ego has a big role in it.

I'm sorry for the frustration. Keep to yourself, but explore teachers until you find a right fit for what you want, then stay put until your needs/wants change. For what it's worth...

Hugs,
T

You have a right to do what you want withh your time and money. A good teacher should WANT you to take from other instructors for different perspictives purposes. As long as you keep taking lessons from your current teacher he/she shouldn't care what you do with the rest of your money. It's a private and personal matter.

I am a dance studio bigamist. I take private lessons at one and group lessons at another. At first, I was careful to keep it a secret and then I thought "hell no", I don't care who knows. One studio is a little more sensitive than the other but they don't want to lose my business completely so I have not received any negative comments. There are lots of great instructors, and FA knows it, don't let them dictate where you dance.