Thread: Ever feel like there is something mysterious going on you don't know about

long title for a thread, I know, but lately I feel like there is something weird happening around my little town and I can't decide if it's just paranoia or nothing.

So I'm starting new classes next week. I've begun advertising online and had some delays with my regular fliers and postcards, but it's coming together. I had a decent response, but now I'm having a few back peddlers. I realize it's normal for there to be more people saying they want to come and fewer actually showing, but to have people sign up enthusiastically then suddenly decide they aren't sure, and maybe they'll try the first class and see if they like it or cancel altogether. I mean it's probably nothing, but I've had a couple of these cold-feeters pop up and it's just making me wonder, is somebody talking smack about my classes and they just got wind of that talk? Or is it just an individual thing.

The other weird thing is that I've heard rumor that "Shems" (that would be me, normally) is the regular weekly dancer at a local venue, except, I'm not working there, so who is? Is somebody else in town now dancing under the same name as me? Or has the venue been claiming me falsely?

I haven't gotten around to calling them and honestly it's probably nothing again, but every so often I just get this weird feeling like something is going on I don't know about that maybe I should?

(insert twilight zone music here)

...

Originally Posted by stetzlaff

As for the other 'Shems', maybe you could stake out the local venue and catch the imposter in the act. .p::

I would totally do this. I think first I'd call and say "I heard Shems is dancing there! Is it true? I wouldn't miss her dancing for peach pie! When does she perform?"

If they say yes, I'd quietly show up that night. .p::

Enthusiastic students suddenly uncertain -- yes, if I were having a rash of that, I'd have trouble shaking a suspicious feeling, too. But maybe it is just the economy.

from my own experience (and i'm sure others will concur), back-pedaling is not unusual.........it seems to be cyclical............i've had classes up to a dozen students, now i have an average of 4 regulars....my studio, which teaches ballroom is having similar issues, so it's not just ME dance...

as far as beginners, i've noticed they're excited at first blush, but when the day comes, they balk (too busy, too tired, too fat, too skinny).....this happens with ANY physical activity). as far as experienced students, let's face it, our market area is SATURATED....everyone from experienced teachers to six-week-wonders.....many are probably committed on the same day to another teacher, or it's more geographical in nature, so that's hard to overcome

it ain't you :D, or smack.....it's the GP for the most part.....retention is hard once they realize that "wow, you actually work/move/sweat, and it's not just easy wiggling and gyrating"......just the nature of the beast........

as for the venue.....that's a mystery.....care to pm me the venue?

With all the calls I got about my beginner class that started last night - 2 showed up! Aarghh! Usually more trickle in in the next couple of weeks so I hope I don't have to cancel the class...

"six-week-wonders" ....

..l;, ..l;, ..l;, ..l;,

Potential students' enthusiasm for classes is totally genuine, in a theoretical way. Then things start to get in the way... they're tired from work, or someone wants to go to the movies -- there are a million little excuses (just like the ones that have kept me from going to the gym for a couple of weeks ). Before any class session, I'm besieged with phone calls and emails from students who can't wait to take class! And is there room for 4 more students?? And can their neighbor come too?? I honestly have no idea prior to class how many will show up that first night. But I know if I tell 30 students they can come to class, the room won't be over-crowded because at least half of them won't show.

Since my students pay for the whole session up front, I also get emails toward the end of the session saying, "gee, a bunch of stuff came up and I couldn't make it to class. Can I have a refund?"

I don't take any of this personally. It's just human nature, in many cases...

Latifa

ETA: Shems, your reputation and skills are top-notch. I honestly don't think there's any kind of mysterious anything going on re classes. Now that restaurant thing, that's weird!

Originally Posted by ouroboros

With all the calls I got about my beginner class that started last night - 2 showed up! Aarghh! Usually more trickle in in the next couple of weeks so I hope I don't have to cancel the class...

I hope not...those poor disappointed baby bellies!

Shems, nothing in your post raises much of a red flag for me. However, you are definitely feeling as tho there's something else going on 'out there.' The reasons for those feelings are always hard to articulate. If your instincts are telling you to be wary listen. Artists tend to be very sensitive and I've learned that when I feel like somethings up it's because somethings up -- even if it takes a bit of time to come to light... I'd definitely scope out the other venue, especially as your intuition is making a connection.

Case in point, when I read your thread title I knew instantly I would be telling you to trust your instincts .

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I would totally do this. I think first I'd call and say "I heard Shems is dancing there! Is it true? I wouldn't miss her dancing for peach pie! When does she perform?"

..l;, ..l;, wouldn't miss Shems's dancing for homemade rhubarb or blackberry even! ..l;, ..l;,

on a related note, sorry I haven't signed up yet. It is a drive for me, and I want to make sure I really have the time.

--Lorelei

Thanks, everybody, (I love rhubarb pie!) - it's probably nothing but my own nerves concerning new classes, I understand the economy and life etc. (Otherwise I'd be at more of Latifa's workshops, so I definitely get it.)

I'll have to do a little sleuthing about the venue.

I wouldn't really worry about the students backing up - it doesn't mean someone has been talking about you. Things do come up, and especially if someone hasn't even started a class, they back off very easily.
I had quite a few students who took their first class with me, were very happy and enthusiastic and then I never saw them again.So don't worry about that so much. I was surprised, but something must have happened.

As far as hearing your name, and you know you are not dancing at that place - you can easily find out, and see if someone just cannot remember names correctly, or a venue is using your name for advertizement. Like others said, you can call to see what they say, and then show up and see what happens.