Thread: Just lost my studio

I am a bawling mess right now.

I've been teaching out of this great studio for the last 2 sessions (10 weeks each).

The previous manager just sent an e-mail a few days ago stating that he is turning the studio over to a new manager.

So, I emailed her to make sure that we could keep Sundays, as there is never anything going on on a Sunday, and she's like "Well...how about Saturday."

I replied that I work full time, and I work on Saturdays, so Sundays are the only days I can do.

She just emailed me to say "Sorry but Sundays Aren't going to happen." She's "planning" to rent the studio out on Sunday for events like birthday parties and such, so she says she can't promise me a 10 week session.

THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its a great studio, its convenient...and now I have to start the painful process of looking for another studio all over again.

*grumbles and cries.*

That sucks a LOT. I hope you find somewhere EVEN BETTER and soon.

FWIW, twice in my dancing career, my friend has found awesome alternatives literally within days of deciding the current studio option isn't working.

Thanks Zumarrad, That is encouraging.

Oh, Yasmin, I'm so sorry! That studio didn't deserve you and you'll find something much better!

sorry to hear this. you will find something better. there must be lots of great venues in your city!
birthday parties on the studio floor? *shudders* the studio floor is sacred ground, not for sticky fingers and street shoes *facepalm*

I am so sorry to hear this - that just completely sucks! I know you will find something soon!!

Grrrrrrrr!! That does truly suck. You'll find something even better soon.

Sorry to hear that! I hope that you find another (even better) location soon!

Sucks :( Here's hoping you'll find a great alternative soon!

Turning away 10 weeks of guaranteed Sunday bookings in the hope that someone will book the studio for a birthday? Sounds pretty crazy to me.

Good luck in finding somewhere even better.

Hang in there!

Originally Posted by Emma

Turning away 10 weeks of guaranteed Sunday bookings in the hope that someone will book the studio for a birthday? Sounds pretty crazy to me.

I agree with this! Makes you wonder if shes ever run a studio before?..c::

Best of luck finding something else that will be better and make you happy as well!

Originally Posted by zumarrad

FWIW, twice in my dancing career, my friend has found awesome alternatives literally within days of deciding the current studio option isn't working.

This has happened to us as well. Good luck!

Who in the world is going to book birthdays at a dance studio. Or any events that are not dance related. So sorry your new manager does not have a clue. Bet after a few months she begs you to come back.

Best of luck on finding a much better place. Who knows it might turn out that it was a blessing in disguise.

Originally Posted by Emma

Turning away 10 weeks of guaranteed Sunday bookings in the hope that someone will book the studio for a birthday? Sounds pretty crazy to me.

Good luck in finding somewhere even better.

that's exactly what i was thinking. 10 weeks banked booked time compared to hopefully booking a birthday party doesn't make sense.

good luck to you. i hope you find an even better place.

well, I know of a situation where ballet/princess birthday parties did work out just fine for the studio owner, but we're talking guaranteed income vs. a questionable & likely volatile market- & I'm guessing you didn't have the studio booked for 5 hours on Sunday either. weird. You do deserve better!
I hope this is fate's way of moving you into an even better place!

Originally Posted by GypsyStacey

that's exactly what i was thinking. 10 weeks banked booked time compared to hopefully booking a birthday party doesn't make sense.

good luck to you. i hope you find an even better place.

I fifth this! ..c::..g.:

Originally Posted by Emma

Turning away 10 weeks of guaranteed Sunday bookings in the hope that someone will book the studio for a birthday?

exactly!!!!

Thanks everyone. I've been thinking the same thing.
Trying hard not to be cranky!!! :) I'm searching for someplace new, hopefully in the same area for my students. :) I'll find something, I'm sure there's a yoga studio or something that I can rent. :)

This is a good thing. This is a good thing. This is a good thing.



maybe if I say it a few more times i'll start to believe it. ;) lol I'm getting there.

At least the old manager is being cool about it. He apologized profusely, and told me that if she won't let me finish my session, he'll refund what I've paid. :)

Glad to hear you have a supportive manager; it's good to have that support when you're dealing with such a loss.

Here is what I've tried before opening my own studio (a very costly investment and I don't recommend it as a solution unless you have numerous, committed students; even then, it's very high risk):

i. renting from other dance studios
ii. renting church halls/basements
iii. renting yoga studios
iv. renting any empty commercial space at a good rate
v. collaborating with other dance/yoga teachers to open a collective space (it didn't work out for me when I first opened my studio, but it might for you)

Good luck!


Khalida

Thanks Khalida. :)

So new manager woman is NOT letting us finish our current session. I'll be honest, I totally had to bite my tongue to not write some nasty comments to her, but I'd rather be the bigger person.

Xavier is going to refund my students for the last 2 classes. I'm researching yoga studios, and other dance studios in the area.

I appreciate the support!

My lord this is a manager Why?///// Me thinks she will have a empty studio before long. Not letting you finsh your classes is crasy She needs to go to business school and learn how to manage. She must have all these grand ideas. Well, you know what will happen they will all flop. People will not be booking space for events due to things like the economy and gas is going back up. I guess some just have to live and learn the hard way.

I am sure you will find another place. It will all turn out OK you will see.

If I was manager (and I worked as a retail mgr for many years), to be fair I would let you finish off the classes. Birthday parties at a dance studio? I dunno unless its a dance related party.It makes no sense to me. As a manager I would be number crunching 10 weeks of guaranteed income vs. what if there's a party income. I'd go with the the 10 week guaranteed income, I'm just saying. There are stupid managers who know crap about people & business skills. I know a lot the y like the pretty title to overlord their supposed domain.

If I were manager I'd go over the whole enchilada with old manager, and see the occasional birthday party, in between your 10 week sessions. But for peace of your mind, I know you'll be able to rent a studio on Sundays.


Alrana

That is the most ridiculous situation I've ever heard. I think the new manager must have some personal issues with belly dancing or something. If it were me, I would definitely let you finish out your session and probably schedule parties around your allotted time. I know what running a dance studio is like, and income is income. Sigh. You really will find something better.

Oh,Yasmine I feel for you!:´(

Big Hugs Emma

Originally Posted by Emma

Turning away 10 weeks of guaranteed Sunday bookings in the hope that someone will book the studio for a birthday? Sounds pretty crazy to me.

This right here! So sorry... I hope you find something awesome!

That really stinks!
Just keep in mind that sometimes when something is taken out of you hands it is to leave your hands free to grab something much better!

ITO all the above!

Quote: "She's "planning" to rent the studio out on Sunday for events like birthday parties and such,"

I wonder what the 'such' is?

I hope she's smart enough to add in the extra cleaning costs for parties, and such (plus the insurance if things get out of hand).

I'm so sorry!
I hope you find a much better place!
(((Hugs)))
:-)

That is awful. I can't believe that she turned you down. It seems like you are actually guaranteeing her business versus her desire to rent it out for birthdays, etc...I'm sorry as that is so awful and I can see how upset you are. I hope you find another studio soon.

Sincerely,
Christina

Christina Rizkallah Bellydance