Thanks for the advice.

Yes, I payed the full amount up front. Unfortunately, I've been looking for the contract, but I can't find it, which sucks but what can I do. But yes, I believe you are correct about the discount. I did receive a few additional lessons (3 hours of privates, I believe) when I purchased the new contract. Basically, the new contract consists of 5 coaching lessons (which are quite expensive because you have two teachers at the same time) and quite a few private lessons. I have used up 2 coachings so far. However, as I said earlier, I wasn't even finised my first contract, which also included a whole bunch of group lessons that I haven't used.

I just hope that I can get a refund for all of the unused private and group lessons.

About the honestly, I understand what you're saying. However, I am not of the confrontational type and I know for a fact that the owners will start arguing with me on why I hadn't told them before, that I wasn't satisfied. Also, I have a very good friend who is also going to that studio. We actually came to the studio together, and we always come to the parties together and such. I fear they may start questioning her or start acting rudely towards her. It's just the kind of thing I can see happening.

The contract that you have signed, will not be upheld if taken to court ( there are precedents ). In many states , it is illegal for dance schools to pre sell beyond a very small amount .
secondly-- most schools do not want the publicity.

tell them up front that you are not going to fulfill the balance ,and are quite prepared to go to law-- they will, i feel certain-- back down .

The industry has a very bad reputation on matters such as this-- you are by no means the first to challenge .

That makes me feel a bit better...

And actually, I'm in Canada, and I have no idea about the laws here.

I'm just mad at myself for having signed and payed for another stupid contract...

Two things popped into my mind:
1) terence2: you don't know that the contact won't be upheld unless you know which state's law controls and whether the existing contract violates those laws - so don't be too hasty in advising berry about contractual issues; and
2) I find it very annoying that everyone automatcally assumes that a studio owner will flat-out refuse to refund money if a student wishes to terminate a contract. My reading is that Berry hasn't yet asked about terminating the contract - it could be that the studio owner will cooperate fully.
Will he ask WHY the student wishes to terminate? Sure! If he's a responsible studio owner OF COURSE he'll want to know why a student is unhappy. Will he try to offer to fix it and ask you to change your mind - sure! Wouldn't YOU want a chance to put things right if someone is unhappy??? Asking questions doesn't automatically make the owner mean and nasty.

Berry, read your contract and go and talk to the owner. You don't have to start out pounding your fist on the table and shouting. Tell him you want to terminate the contract and tell him what you think you're entitled to as a refund, given your reading of the contract's termination provisions. If he wants to question you and offers to fix things, don't get offended. Just say thanks and that you appreciate the offer, but you still want to end the contract and get back the money that you're entitled to.
Sorry, I just don't see what's so difficult and offensive about this.

Clary, thank you for your advice. As I said, I am more upset at myself, because I have to deal with this situation now.

My initial question is, how do I approach my instructor about this? Do I tell him after my lesson? I read something about having to send some sort of formal letter telling the studio that I want a refund. I'm just very particular about how I will bring up the subject. Also, as I said I have misplaced my contract, so if anyone has had one of these contracts before and could share some information about it, that would be great.

Thanks again.

Berry,

I recently had a very similar situation. I really enjoyed my teacher and many of the other staff there. I had my reasons for leaving and I went to the studio manager and told him I needed a break to take care of some personal issues. I made no promises about when I might return. I did not pay the total package in advance and I did end up owing a little bit, which I settled immediately. Could you wait until a few days after the party you want to attend to talk to the manager?

I also found a great independant studio that I switched to with all the same ameneties that you describe in the one you found. Remember, no one can tell you how to run your life..........so worrying about how the studio will react just hurts you...................I know...I did the same thing. I am very happy where I'm at.........wish I would have made the change sooner. Every studio would like you to think they are the only and the best........NOT TRUE!!!!! Follow your heart and your conscious........ and Good luck to you.

The way I went about it when I had to cancel my last contract (lady partner left me) was that I spoke to the owner, handing over my signed cancellation at the same time.
This way you have both something in writing (well, at least a copy) and can explain verbally why you want to cancel.

Thank you Chris,

I will definitely do that. The only thing I'm dreading is my instructor's reaction...

Berry,

Why are you worried about your instructor's reaction? Are you worried about hurting his feelings? You have to take care of you.........trust me, when I left the other studio (as described in a prev posting) it hurt a bit and I missed some of the other teachers and students there.........and I thought my teacher was just THE best.......but I was wrong. And it didn't take me more that two-three weeks to realize that I made a move for the better. Your instructor should behave as a professional and graciously accept the news that you are leaving......if he doesn't, well, then there is immediate evidence that you are doing the right thing by leaving. If he does accept it well...........in a manner that communicates "I appreciate your business and perhaps you will be back in the future"....then no bridges are burned and you can go back later if you so choose, knowing that you got the idea of trying another studio out of you system, and confident that the first studio is the right one.

Remember......to any teacher, business is business.......and a good parting relationship is what will help him maintain his positive reputation, and keep other students and possibly you coming back to him.

"...to any teacher, business is business...and a good parting relationship is what will help him maintain his positive reputation, and keep other students and possibly you coming back to him."

Yup! I tutor middle and high school math on the side and I always make a point to part on good terms, whether I'm dropping the student or vice versa for whatever reason(s).