Hi everyone,

I thought I would post this question here, as there are many knowledgeable people who have probably dealt with this situation before...

I've been going to a chain studio for about a year and a half now. A few months ago, before my contract expired, my instructor talked me into buying another package of lessons. This package wasn't as big as my initial one, but still a substantial amount of money. As stupid as I was, I bought the package.

Now, I'm starting to feel more and more disappointed with the studio. I feel as if I'm being held back from learning new steps, and I feel as if their teaching method is not using my abilities to their full potential. In addition, I am getting irritated with the fact that they are constantly trying to sell me more and more, when, they are hiring teachers with no previous dance background. I am not even kidding when I say that I can dance better than all of their teachers combined (except for the owners).

I have recently discovered a fairly new studio in my area who is independently owned and whom the instructors are very highly qualified. And the best part is that they charge much less than the franchise studio, with no packages. Plus, they are a competitive studio, who go to REAL competitions, as opposed to the chain studio competitions which are a big waste of money.

Now, my question is, how do I get out of my contract and get a refund? I want to do this as soon as possible. I have a private lesson in two weeks and a dance party a few days later (which I want to attend). Specifically, how do I approach my instructor, who is the owner of the studio? Do I tell him after my lesson, or do I call him and tell him over the pone? Also, what do I use as a reason for leaving? Personally, I think I would be better off lying about it and saying I need the money for something else, but I know he will question me.

I just want to get out of this as easily as possible without causing too much trouble.

Any advice would be appreciated!

There's no need for you to degrade yourself by lying. Simply read your contract, look for the termination clause and use that as your guide.

You probably received a discount as part of your package deal. The contract probably specifically states that if you terminate, the used portion will be charged against the unused portion at the full class rate. This is fair because you did not actually fulfill the qualification to get the discount.

However, it means that if you did not pay all up front, you may actually owe a little money, or, at the very least, you won't get back quite as much as you may expect. However, if you are fairly early in the contract, not too much damage has been done yet.

You can be honest by just saying that you feel you are not getting good value for your money and would like to move on. You don't need to elaborate, it's not required.

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...