Thread: Small town instructor issues

So I was reading the thread on instructor issues and I am facing one of my own. I really don't know what to do about it. I moved to a small town where there are 2 belly dance studios, each has their own style and offer different types of classes. I started dancing at Studio A, and stayed there for 2 years until I moved away for 2 years. I stayed friends with the owner and troupe members (as in they danced at my wedding). Now that I am back, I kind of want to see what Studio B has to offer-I know several people there and they are nice etc. I just want to check it out. I really adore the girls at Studio A, they have been friendly to me, and I truly care about them and want to continue taking the majority of classes there. I am also hoping that eventually I can be included in their troupe (always a dream of mine). I think in the past there may have been some bad blood between the 2 studios. I hesitate to go to Studio B because I am by nature a very, very loyal person and I don't want to hurt anyone at A's feelings (trust me I am pretty sure they would find out, and plus I wouldn't want to try to hide it). But at the same time I like to take from different people, like most of us. But I am thinking I can't be expected to included in a troupe at A if I take a class or 2 at another studio? I don't know! What do yall think? Any similar experiences? In the worst case scenario I will stay with A and just take workshops (may be a better investment anyway than spending on extra local classes). I am torn between my natural curiosity and my loyalty issues. Help...

If you're still good friends with the girls at A - then just ask them how they'd feel about it? I'm sure they'll give an honest opinion.

Can you e-mail or call your Studio A instructor and say exactly what you've said here? See what she says.

I was in a very similar situation some time ago, and e-mailed my instructor to tell her I was thinking of taking with another studio. She told me -- without going into detail, which I appreciated -- that 'our' studio had so much bad blood with the other that it might be awkward for everyone involved. She encouraged me to take from other instructors (luckily in my case there were others to choose from) but not that one. She never badmouthed the other instructor, though.

Now that I know more about the situation, I realize that the bad blood was more recent and stronger than I could have known, and I would have been eyeballed as a spy and mistrusted in both groups if I'd tried to move back and forth between them. I was glad my instructor was honest with me.

Hopefully the situation with your two local instructors is better than that, but the only way to know is to ask.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Can you e-mail or call your Studio A instructor and say exactly what you've said here? See what she says.

I was in a very similar situation some time ago, and e-mailed my instructor to tell her I was thinking of taking with another studio. She told me -- without going into detail, which I appreciated -- that 'our' studio had so much bad blood with the other that it might be awkward for everyone involved. She encouraged me to take from other instructors (luckily in my case there were others to choose from) but not that one. She never badmouthed the other instructor, though.

Now that I know more about the situation, I realize that the bad blood was more recent and stronger than I could have known, and I would have been eyeballed as a spy and mistrusted in both groups if I'd tried to move back and forth between them. I was glad my instructor was honest with me.

Hopefully the situation with your two local instructors is better than that, but the only way to know is to ask.

Yeah I wasn't sure how bad it had gotten, and I wanted to avoid exactly what you said. I need to talk to her I guess. Makes me nervous! I don't know why.

Relax, teachers are just people too! You know, your instructor is probably already aware of your curiosity... artists tend to be pretty perceptive. But even if she really doesn't have a clue you can diffuse the potential awkardness by talking to her now and making her feel included in your decision.

Well I don't think these issues are just limited to a small town. We have the same thing going on here between studios and some instructors. I personally don't let these issues interfere with my studies. I go where the Instructors are that I want to learn from. If one is teaching out of studio A and another out of studio B you can bet I am going to both. No one has ever said a word to me.

I have far to much to worry about than a studio owners ego.....

Oh sigh.....I have had several students lately come over from other studios, to my classes. I tell them to take everywhere, classes and workshops. I think that 1 or 2 studios may not like it, but as long as they are happy i dont mind where they go. I have one studio that I even go to and their students then in turn come to me. It just depends on the teachers and the situation.I say go for it, say you are just going for a visit to see if you can come up with some new material, and ideas so that you are a truely unique dancer. Rather than just dancer from studio A..........

I "grew up" in a situation like that, except there were more studios where I lived. If you stay some place for too long, you are likely to become a clone of your teacher unless you work super hard to expose yourself to other influences.

If it were me, and I have the time and money, I would take a class at both places. If anyone asks you about it, say you just want to learn as much as you can. No one person or studio can encompass it all.

If I could take classes at all the sudios in town - I WOULD!!!
But it always seems that there is some kinda 'thing' going on.... I have actually tried to attend more than one dance school but have been 'declined' acceptance. There was the proverbial 'bad blood' between the principles. It's just the way it is. I was up front with the teacher, but she was doubtful of my intent. To be fair, I could see her point - I am teaching at one school and want to take classes at another. I was happy to sign a disclaimer saying I wouldn't teach or perform her choreographies, but to no avail. I just want to dance and learn as much as I can!!!
I'd say, be honest and hope for the best. I encourage students of mine to attend as many workshops and classes as they possibly can. I don't feel I own the student. It can be scary thinking they might leave you because they prefer another teacher, but that's the way it goes.
Try not to limit your exposure to other styles or teachers if you can help it. You sound nice and open and friendly and genuine in your post - stay that way and both classes will love you!! Be discreet, don't talk about one class at the other class, don't talk about dancers or the other teacher. You may just be ok!
Good luck with this!! I hope you can do both!

Thanks to all of you-I am still kind of feeling it out. I just don't want to step on toes!!!