The Do's and Don'ts of Leaving Your Dance Studio
In the last few weeks, I’ve covered how to choose a school for dance, the types of schools that you’ll encounter, and why where you send your child to dance matters.
If after reading the posts, you’ve realized that you need to regroup and choose another studio, this post is for you. If you’ve reached a ceiling in your training and need to move on to another school, this post is for you. Finally, if your child is unhappy and you’ve worked with studio faculty to resolve the situation but recognize that a change needs to be made— well, this is for you too.
It happens. Sometimes, you need to leave your dance studio and select another school. But there are ways of handling this transition that minimize the damage, respect relationships, and put you on the path for a better future.
Do:
Talk with the faculty at your present facility. Be honest about your reasons for leaving. If the education and facility are appropriate, see if there are ways to repair the relationship between your student and the staff before moving on. Your teacher likely cares about your child much more than you know. An educator’s goal is to see your child succeed.
Don’t:
Talk to all the other parents in the studio about your decision. It isn’t their business. There is no need to spread your discontent or try to gather a group to push for change. More often than not, this will not get you the results that you are hoping for. This change is about what is best for you and your child.
Do:
Thank your teacher(s) and staff for the investment that they’ve made in your child. Find the ways that you can be grateful for the experience, regardless of your present feelings.
Don’t:
Bad mouth the faculty and staff. Bad news spreads like wildfire. Rather than reflecting badly on the studio, it can end up reflecting badly on you! Don’t arrive at your new studio with a poor reputation proceeding you.
Do:
“Leave the place better than when you found it.” Or at least squarely. Settle any debts and finish the season, when possible.
Don’t:
Quit before a performance or event. It is a poor lesson for your child and it is unfair to the rest of their class, ensemble, or company. Of course, there are exceptions. But generally speaking, finish what you’ve started to the best of your ability.
Transitions are difficult for both families and studios. However, do your best to make the most of it! You have valid reasons for leaving. Don’t muddy it with negative attitudes and actions. Let this be a teachable moment for your child.
The dance community is small, especially as you reach higher levels. You may run into faculty members in other dance or community settings. Your faculty may know other dance professionals and you may be unaware of those connections. Work to avoid burning bridges by using the guidelines above.
Your child will spend many hours in the dance studio. Don’t be afraid to find the best fit for your child, but also do your best to facilitate a smooth transition.
Feel free to leave your comments below. Do you have questions about dance? Submit your questions here.
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