I started teaching at an Arthur Murray studio not too long ago and one of the first thing they did was come up with a fake name for me. I am told not to ever tell my students my real name, even when I go out and talk to strangers. The studio manager even told me to go to the DMV and get protected plates so that no student could trace my license plate and find out my real name or know where I live. Is all this really necessary? Or is the studio manager putting fear on me as a way to control their employees? They act like they are looking out for me but I feel as there is a hidden reason for everything. I think that by making me feel that they are looking out for me, they want me to feel like they are my best buddies. But what really worries me is this, are they establishing hidden and fake identies because of something they are doing illegally or involved in some kind of trickery which they may have me involved in later? Are they really protecting themselves rather than me? What is the reason for all the secrecy? I am told that I will be fired if I ever tell anyone my real name.

Ashley - Not my real name.

Wow. I've never heard of this! I've worked for two studios and neither suggested this. Maybe they've had problems with their teachers being stalked by admiring students? Ballroom teachers tend to be the recipient of many student crushes. :)

Hi,
I used to work for Arthur Murray also.
I was with them almost 15 years. This is an old school idea. On your time slip there is a line for 'legal name ' and one for 'studio name'. This used to be common practice but I haven't heard of this in years. The idea is that students can't look you up in the yellow pages or stalk you. Just an old concept. Is the franchisse your working for older?

Sorry I forgot ...Terry...Thats my real name. But don't tell anyone !!

Sound crazy to me, but perhaps they've had problems with students either stalking or trying to sue teachers in the past? I don't know, it just strikes me as weird. I know my teacher's home number, cell number, full name, date of birth, wife (I even went to his wedding), hobbies, etc. I've never called him except if he's called me first and left a message, and other than going to his wedding I don't even try socializing with him. So, you can see why I think hiding personal information is a little odd. As for my other teacher, I know her real name, cell number, phone number, home address, husband, have taken care of her cats, have been to her home, and might even go into business with her.

Does your studio not trust students and teachers to act like responsible human beings?

2dance,please email me@ sparkle4awhile@yahoo.com I would like to talk to you re:your experiences at AM.Im a current student thanks!

Right about now, the idea of being purused by one of my students doesn't sound half bad.

That sounds a little extreme. My wife and I go to a studio run by a former Arthur Murray teacher, and while he discourages fraternization between students and teachers, there's nothing like the level you're talking about (false name, etc).

I can understand some level of caution for respecting the privacy of (especially) female teachers. Some of the single male students can seem lonely, and sometimes more than a little odd.

-John