Thread: Studio Owners who don't listen...

Hi Bhuz.

Ok, so...about a month ago, I was "hired" to teach a beginning belly dance class at a new dance studio in town.

The owner asked me to provide her with a couple of dates and times that would work for me, and said that SHE would work around that in scheduling the classes.

I just got a call from her asking if we could do 4-5 on Sundays...which was not one of my options that I gave her. I polietly told her that I can't do Sundays due to prior commitments, but reminded her that I'd given her several options during the week that would work with the time slot she was proposing.
I doubt she heard any of it though, because she was going on and on and on about a million different things.

I really want this opportunity to teach, but I haven't started working for her yet, and she's driving me crazy.

Have any of you had this experience? Where you try to politely discuss things with the studio owner and she just doesn't listen? Or doesn't let you get a word in edgewise? I've tried to schedule a time to sit and talk with her in person, but she hasn't said a word about it, only :No I can't do that now, I'm busy.

Any suggestions?

Can you discuss things through email with her?

Originally Posted by gothique

Can you discuss things through email with her?

That is a good idea...I'll have to try to get her to write down her e-mail again, because the last email address she gave me didn't work.

I agree with continuing the discussion and making any confirmations in writing/email as well as signing a contract when everything is settled.

Good luck, Yasmin, I hope it works out for you!


Khalida

We've had similar experiences. The first semester we worked with the owner was a little rocky, but things are good now. It's a mutually beneficial relationship.

I ad something similar. I had signed up to teach 2 classes and - well - the person in charge double booked the room and had to change all the times around to accommodate the class that has "squatter's rights".

It was hell getting there but now that we are there - everything is running so smoothly and I dig this gig more than my last one.

Communicate as much as possible. If you can, meet with her face to face. That way - you can both look at the schedule and make decisions. Once the schedule is ironed out - it will be smooth sailing. I just know it.

Hang in there..

Thanks, ladies for the encouragement.

I hope things work out well, it seems like a great gig...and I'm getting paid 50/50...I just want the lines of communication to open up!

Not to discount your frustrations, but opening a dance studio is a lot of work and she's probably overwhelmed. I'm sure you're not the only teacher she is trying to schedule right now, and as we all know juggling schedules can be a nightmare. She probably had the best intentions to work with your schedule originally, but then ran into some road blocks.

Hang in there. I'm sure once all this is ironed out it'll be fine.

Originally Posted by aazura

Not to discount your frustrations, but opening a dance studio is a lot of work and she's probably overwhelmed. I'm sure you're not the only teacher she is trying to schedule right now, and as we all know juggling schedules can be a nightmare. She probably had the best intentions to work with your schedule originally, but then ran into some road blocks.

Hang in there. I'm sure once all this is ironed out it'll be fine.

That's very true, Aazura, I hadn't really given that much thought.

:)

Hey Yasmin - PM me.

Keep communicating and keep copies of all emails (for your records), it may just smooth out.

Originally Posted by yasmindiab

Hi Bhuz.

Ok, so...about a month ago, I was "hired" to teach a beginning belly dance class at a new dance studio in town.

The owner asked me to provide her with a couple of dates and times that would work for me, and said that SHE would work around that in scheduling the classes.

I just got a call from her asking if we could do 4-5 on Sundays...which was not one of my options that I gave her. I polietly told her that I can't do Sundays due to prior commitments, but reminded her that I'd given her several options during the week that would work with the time slot she was proposing.
I doubt she heard any of it though, because she was going on and on and on about a million different things.

I really want this opportunity to teach, but I haven't started working for her yet, and she's driving me crazy.

Have any of you had this experience? Where you try to politely discuss things with the studio owner and she just doesn't listen? Or doesn't let you get a word in edgewise? I've tried to schedule a time to sit and talk with her in person, but she hasn't said a word about it, only :No I can't do that now, I'm busy.

Any suggestions?

Not with belly dance, but through teaching other classes this has happened. Business is business so go with the best interest.