Thread: Controlling Studio Owner... WWBD?

So I (and a bunch of other girls) are having a problem with the local studio owner. She's friendly and lovable but very controlling... we even call her the town belly dance mob boss sometimes! For example, Me and another gal wanted to organize a shimmy for the cure sort of event that would be open to all studios and dancers in the region. When the "boss" (I'll call her that in the post from now on) found out about this she was all upset and told everyone that if any of the studio dancers wanted to do or organize a charity event, it had to go through her first. She does the same thing when dancers who go to the studio or teach at the studio want to perform anywhere. If she gets wind of it, she gets angry and tells everyone that it has to go through her first... as if she owns us and is pimping us out or something!

Now I'm trying to be delicate about this situation, because I teach at her studio and she invites me and other gals (who don't take classes or teach there anymore) to several events throughout the year... which is very kind of her. She's also a friend. It's a small town and a small, growing community so we don't want any drama. Drama would just kill our little community that we've worked so hard to grow.

Me and another gal have also been trying to break out on our own and teach elsewhere as well, because we love to teach, the "boss'" location is bad (it's outside of town and in her garage), and her rent is really high. We are already teaching at other places now and are thinking of starting our own business when the "boss" moves (she's planning on moving sometime within the next few years). Other students have already been approaching us about wanting to take classes from us in the future (to which I keep replying that I don't want to steal students), because they have learned all they can from her and are frustrated with her attitude sometimes.

Anyway, WWBD? Should we confront her? Just not tell her about anything that we are doing? I love the studio owner and respect her as a person, but this behavior comes out sometimes and rubs the wrong way. It's a tricky situation, and we are all kinda at a loss. HALP! lol

If you are specifically approached by students from that studio, you can offer private or semi-private lessons without incident, I think. You just can't advertise your new venture and poach her students.

From the sound of it, she's going to hate anything you do outside of her studio. But there's nothing you can do about that. All you can say is that they approached you privately, and you did not solicit them, and will not solicit her existing customers.

If she's planning on moving, then you really -need- to be planting seeds in other directions.

Originally Posted by Lesedi

It's a small town and a small, growing community so we don't want any drama. Drama would just kill our little community that we've worked so hard to grow.

It sounds like there's not going to be any escaping drama as long as this person is involved in the scene.

Me and another gal have also been trying to break out on our own and teach elsewhere as well, because we love to teach, the "boss'" location is bad (it's outside of town and in her garage), and her rent is really high.

You need to determine if she resents your teaching because it cuts into her business, she sincerely feels you and the other dancer are not ready to teach, or she's just Queen of the Universe and Mistress of All Domains. If the reason is that she simply doesn't want the competition, but you have a valid right to hang out your shingle, you just have to stay professional and ignore her rantings. It sounds like if you give her enough rope, she'll know what to do with it. It's a free market, even if it's a small one.

We are already teaching at other places now and are thinking of starting our own business when the "boss" moves (she's planning on moving sometime within the next few years).

It's polite to want to honor this, but you have no guarantee she'll ever move, and she may be saying this intentionally to stall you.

Anyway, WWBD? Should we confront her? Just not tell her about anything that we are doing? I love the studio owner and respect her as a person, but this behavior comes out sometimes and rubs the wrong way. It's a tricky situation, and we are all kinda at a loss. HALP! lol

I wouldn't "confront" her, but it would be reasonable on your end to "inform" her if you are striking out on your own. As a teacher/friend/mentor, she is within her rights to advise you against doing things you are not qualified or otherwise prepared to do. It isn't within her rights to behave like a petty dictator and expect to control (if not thwart) your dance career indefinitely. As your teacher, your success reflects back favorably on her. You're not doing this to challenge her, but to grow what she's given you.

What is the history here?

Is/was this studio owner also the primary teacher and mentor of you and the other teachers?

Did she hire you as teachers to teach components of a dance school/program that she directs, or are you really just renting studio space from her?

I can see how she might like to regulate and be aware of any activities that her teachers participate in that might be presumably representing her studio and reflect on the studio and her name in the community. That is reasonable.

But restaurant shows (or other activities) done by dancers who are representing themselves and themselves alone? Unless this person is in a mentoring role, it's not their business, really.

Is this one of those juvenile people who think that "since we're friends/colleagues, I have to approve of and be involved with everything you do."?

From what I've seen, there will be drama if you want to do anything with independence.
Having seen several examples of studio owners who are like this. Here is a compilation: They feel threatened if you strike out on your own- whether it's to teach, to take from another teacher, to perform etc.
If she's not "owning" it, it's "bad." From "teach only my format so my students won't understand what else there is" to "mention only our events so we stay insular." These are not the actions of a studio owner/teacher who wants to 1) genuinely teach The Dance and 2) be a part of the community as a whole. She's putting her own interests first and expecting all around her to also put her interests first.
From her position of power (studio space/performance venues etc) she offers "help," but with ginormous strings attached. She will not hire or support any dancers who she feels threatened by (for example if she's "choreography only", she might not support improv). The more extreme ones who really need drama and or ego feeding will "shun" anyone who leaves the nest. Like in a cult- you're either a supplicant or you're somehow bad.
Tourbeau mentioned the important distinction between a teacher not wanting you to teach for unreasonable reasons and not wanting you to teach because she feels you are not ready. But you indicated she is OK with you teaching at her studio, which would lead one to believe the former in this case.
Make sure you know your stuff and continue with your dance education and professional development - and quietly start your own space in a positive, ethical manner.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

Tourbeau mentioned the important distinction between a teacher not wanting you to teach for unreasonable reasons and not wanting you to teach because she feels you are not ready. But you indicated she is OK with you teaching at her studio, which would lead one to believe the former in this case.

It's possible for a teacher to be okay with the idea of a student teaching in a limited capacity, such as presenting a special topic (e.g., an original choreography or a prop that the teacher doesn't use), leading a class through a teacher's choreography that the student has already mastered, or subbing at a beginner or drill class, but still feel the student is not ready to manage the full job of teaching on her own. It comes down to the teacher's motivation--is she basing her conduct on thoughtful and ethical reasons, insecurity about her market being invaded by more players, or paranoid, domineering control freakiness?

Originally Posted by ssipes

What is the history here?

Is/was this studio owner also the primary teacher and mentor of you and the other teachers?

Did she hire you as teachers to teach components of a dance school/program that she directs, or are you really just renting studio space from her?

We were really just renting space from her, because she "has to pay for electricity and heat." Sometimes I substitute teach all of her classes for her... beginner through "advanced".

I was a teacher before I moved here a year ago and another gal has been dancing for years and years and is a very competent teacher and performer. We haven't really taken classes from the studio owner ever.... tried, but they were too slow (the "advanced" class is all older women that are her close friends) and nothing we didn't know already. She mostly just teaches a choreography for a few months... no real technique or anything. So the issue isn't her mentoring us and wanting us to be proficient teachers... it's a control thing. I'm sure that she feels threatened by us in a way. She doesn't even do gigs, so I don't know why she would be upset over us doing bellygrams, restaurants, etc. Maybe you're right Nabila... perhaps she still sees it as us representing the studio.

Thanks everyone for replying so far. I feel more confident about my position in all of this now. I think for now, we're going to do what Samira suggested... keep being professional, keep taking learning opportunities, and quietly continue to grow our business elsewhere. I guess as far as students of the studio that approach us about our classes... we definitely won't advertise to them at all, but if we are approached specifically about it, then we'll give them our class times as requested.

"The more extreme ones who really need drama and or ego feeding will "shun" anyone who leaves the nest. Like in a cult- you're either a supplicant or you're somehow bad."

Wow good to know this happens elsewhere as well!

Originally Posted by faaria

"The more extreme ones who really need drama and or ego feeding will "shun" anyone who leaves the nest. Like in a cult- you're either a supplicant or you're somehow bad."

Wow good to know this happens elsewhere as well!

This happens elsewhere?! Oy!

Come to think about it... not terribly surprised.

Maybe this is harsh, but if you're paying -and for a garage in an inconvenient place! - you don't owe her anything but the rent and everyday politeness.

Just move on and don't discuss it. (I mean don't discuss with her - not Bhuz).

Originally Posted by Lesedi

... the "boss'" location is bad (it's outside of town and in her garage), and her rent is really high....

Originally Posted by Lesedi

We were really just renting space from her, because she "has to pay for electricity and heat."...

To sum it up:
A garage in a bad location that has really high rent because "she has to pay for electricity and heat", yet she wants to approve of or control everything (dance) you do?

Electricity and heat does not justify "really high" rent.
Renting space to you does not justify controlling all your dance activities.

I'd try to grow the community by offering classes in a different area while continuing to invite her to events you organize.

I think that this situation depends a tremendous amount on the situation and the terms of your agreement with the studio owner. Frankly, it sounds like she is acting like a studio owner who employs teachers instead of a studio owner that rents the space to independent contractors. There is a huge difference between the two scenarios.

If you were hired by the studio as a full-time employee, then it would be appropriate to expect you to talk to the owner about any outside dance related activities that are related to the dances that are taught at that particular studio. At that point, you are an official representative of the studio and have obligations to support the studio.

As an example, when I first taught at a ballroom studio as a full time employee, ALL of my ballroom related activities had to be approved by the studio. If I was hired for gigs, I was hired through the studio.

However, if you merely rent space, then it's an entirely different scenario. You aren't obligated to report to her as your employer. You might; however, have other things you need to work out. Who is paying for advertising? Who handles the payments and registration? If you do all of the above and you merely rent the place, then I'd consider you an independent contractor.

But it sounds like your relationship is somewhere in the middle. If you are a part-time teacher who substitutes for other teachers, and she is managing the marketing, money, & registration...then you two have more to talk about. While I don't think it's ok for her to control everything you do, I do think every dance related project you do will reflect on her business and you need to take that into consideration.

The following thread on Tribe isn't identical to your situation, but it does bring up some interesting points that are probably applicable.

HELP! Studio Teacher Studio Conflict ... - The Biz of Belly Dance - tribe.net

It definitely sounds like you need clarification and a contract.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

From "teach only my format so my students won't understand what else there is" to "mention only our events so we stay insular." These are not the actions of a studio owner/teacher who wants to 1) genuinely teach The Dance and 2) be a part of the community as a whole. She's putting her own interests first and expecting all around her to also put her interests first. From her position of power (studio space/performance venues etc) she offers "help," but with ginormous strings attached. She will not hire or support any dancers who she feels threatened by (for example if she's "choreography only", she might not support improv). The more extreme ones who really need drama and or ego feeding will "shun" anyone who leaves the nest. Like in a cult- you're either a supplicant or you're somehow bad.

Generally speaking, Samira, I nearly always agree with nearly everything you post. But this is one situation where I don't agree with everything. While this particular situation is a little questionable with the garage studio, I also think there are plenty of times that there are legitimate studio owners that can and do implement some of the things you are complaining about, and do so for legitimate reasons and not just because they are psycho-controlling-drama-freak-studio-owners.

As a business owner, the studio has to put their needs first. This is especially true in a financially depressed economy. Dance lessons are usually in the category of "extras' that often get cut from people's budgets. This owner is protecting the interests of the studio. That is her job. While I think in this particular circumstance that she may be taking it too far, I don't think it's entirely out of line either.

As far as teaching formats, sometimes having a teaching format isn't about limiting creativity of teachers, it's about other things entirely.

Having a format can do the following:

• Provides consistency for the student.
• Helps with marketing. The studio looks more organized.
• Helps the student see their own progress
• Protecting the studio if a teacher quits. You are less likely to lose your customers if someone else can step in and fill those shoes.

Encouraging students to stay "in-house" for activities is often in place for the survivability of the studio. While I understand that it can be seen as unfriendly and not community oriented, it also encourages camraderie within the studio community and supports the financial needs of the business.

While I don't necessarily subscribe to all these business perspectives, I do think there are reasons beyond the simple "she's a control freak" idea that seems to be showing up in this thread.

I'm not saying that there aren't bad studio owners out there. There are a tremendous number of them. But there are also reasons that successful studios are able to stay in business, and having a strong syllabus is one of them.

If all you are doing is renting space from her, providing your own students and your own syllabus and etc, then all you owe her, IMO, is some notice when you find your own studio space /alternate space so she can find new 'renters.' If she's not training you and she's not paying you then you are really not representing her studio, and your gigs and your charity events are not hers to control. We have a flamenco group renting time at our studio and they'd laugh in our face if we told them their gigs and events need to be cleared with us first.

Originally Posted by Samira_dncr

...I also think there are plenty of times that there are legitimate studio owners that can and do implement some of the things you are complaining about, and do so for legitimate reasons and not just because they are psycho-controlling-drama-freak-studio-owners.
...That is her job. While I think in this particular circumstance that she may be taking it too far, I don't think it's entirely out of line either...
As far as teaching formats, sometimes having a teaching format isn't about limiting creativity of teachers, it's about other things entirely. ..While I understand that it can be seen as unfriendly and not community oriented, it also encourages camraderie within the studio community and supports the financial needs of the business...
While I don't necessarily subscribe to all these business perspectives, I do think there are reasons beyond the simple "she's a control freak" idea that seems to be showing up in this thread.

Samira,
I agree with you! I'm not saying these business practices are always "bad" or "controlling" or "questionable". It is very situational... I'll try to clarify. ..g.:
It is possible to have a syllabus for quality control while at the same time allowing your wonderful teachers to teach what they do best.
It is possible to create a general "this is what must be covered in each level" without also saying "do not introduce X Y or Z because even though they are an integral part of the dance, we don't want our students getting comfortable with them." This is the "out look and practice" difference I am talking about (and have seen!).
Using a yoga studio (where I teach Pilates) as a positive example of setting standards - the teachers teach different styles and all have abundant experience and different students gravitate towards each teacher. They have agreed to not teach inversion poses until level two, agreed upon "maximum pose time length" for level ones, and agreed upon which poses are to be taught in each level (with some flexibility). This sort of framework provides consistency, confidence in students etc.
At the same time- some teachers are much more difficult physically, some teachers integrate a lot more meditation and chakra based work, some only teach a specific style and there are flow classes, therapeutic classes etc. (cont...)

(cont)...This allows students to find the yoga that works for them and allows teachers to teach their passion- which with trained, experienced professionals results in enthusiastic teaching and high quality classes...and a studio that has been thriving for 15 plus years. They DO have a teacher training program- and will occasionally use a graduated trainee as a sub- but don't hire from within right away. Their graduates go out in the world and gain experience (and sometimes come back a few years later to teach).
The owner is heavily Anusara- but she doesn't restrict her teachers to that. She doesn't hire only her "disciples." This is one of several important differences, I feel.
This sort of model could easily be integrated into a belly dance studio. But this model is quite different from the belly dance teacher/studio *issues* (not particular studio) I was talking about....
Encouraging camaraderie is of course a good thing. :) Promoting the studio events etc is of course a good thing... but there are studios that *never* mention other events (and hey, maybe a group of their girls would want to go together, which is camaraderie) and others that badmouth other events. This sometimes results in dancers who *only* cheer on and support those from their "mother studio"- which is detrimental to the community as a whole. As a business owner I AM interested in the health of the whole community as I see it as an important part of my business continuing to thrive. These are very different mind sets and the ones that I am talking about.
I want my students to learn the dance. When an Egyptian dancer, Turkish musician or whatever is in town- you bet I mention it. When other local haflas are going on, you bet I mention it. I encourage them to bring in event info from other teacher events etc. I follow an academic outlook, I guess.
While I AM in business, my business is to help my students learn as much as possible (or as much as they desire to seek). My goal is to be the best teacher I can be in a self sustaining business, and limiting my students' growth is not a part of my business growth model. I believe it's not just possible, but important to have quality control and guidelines for teachers in a multi-teacher setting. The studios I was talking about take this to a degree that is out of balance with the goal of student growth and learning (IMO as someone who certified as a school teacher and who runs a business).
I think we actually agree, though. lol. And you are absolutely right to bring up that "quality control" etc is a *good thing* and practices that promote a sustainable studio business are *good things* too... it's only when these things get WAY out of balance with student growth and learning, contribute to fracturing in the community and/or are WAY out of balance with knowledge about the dance that they venture into the realm of "controlling."