There are plenty of different reasons why you might be switching dance studios.

Maybe you got a better opportunity somewhere else. Maybe you don’t get along with the instructor. Maybe it’s just time for you to move on.

We all reach a point in life where we have to make a transition, but no matter what your reason is for leaving, it can be a difficult conversation.

Maybe you’re wondering, what’s so bad about having this conversation?

Well, if you’ve ever had to tell your dance teacher you’re switching studios, you know how uncomfortable it can be. There are several factors involved that may make it uncomfortable.

  • The dance teacher and dance student relationship is different than most other relationships.
  • If you have a great teacher, you’re likely appreciative of the time they’ve invested in you.
  • You likely don’t want to disappoint them or upset them in any way.
  • Another reason it might be uncomfortable is maybe you haven’t had the best relationship with your instructor.

Trying to end on good terms when dealing with an already rocky relationship can end with hurt feelings on both sides.

Most people, who may have visited sites such as 먹튀, don’t want to intentionally hurt their instructor’s feelings, even if they don’t get along well. But you can’t let your fear of hurting someone’s feelings hold your back from doing what’s best for you.

How to Tell Your Dance Teacher You’re Switching Studios

If you know it’s time for you to move on to another studio, here are some tips on how to tell your dance teacher you’re switching studios:

  • Be honest: if you’re not moving out of the country, don’t pretend you are just to protect their feelings. If a better opportunity came up, it’s okay to say so.
  • Be tactful: you can tell the truth without being intentionally cruel. Being honest doesn’t mean saying every thought that pops in your head.
  • Thank your teacher and let them know how much you appreciate them. No matter how long you were at the studio, show appreciation for your time there and for everything your instructor taught you.
  • If you’re able to finish out the season, do so.
  • Don’t quit right before the biggest event of the year. Even if you can’t finish the season, don’t put them in a difficult situation unless it’s absolutely necessary.
  • Don’t talk trash about the studio, even if you want to. Be professional and keep the conversation between you and your teacher. 

So when it’s time to have this conversation, how do you approach the subject? Much like any difficult conversation, it’s important to make sure your teacher is prepared for a serious conversation. Don’t approach your instructor while they’re in the middle of teaching a class, for example.

Let them know you need to talk, and ask them to pick a date and time that works for them. Find a place that’s private, where you won’t have people listening in on your conversation. (It’s not their business anyhow.)

If you’re wondering if you’re making the right decision in switching studios, you’re not alone. Here are a few of the main reasons why dancers find themselves switching to a different studio:

  • Better opportunity. Plain and simple, if a great opportunity has opened up for a dancer, they will likely consider taking it, no matter how loyal they are to their current studio.
  • Disagreement in philosophy or vision. The vision and ethics of a studio can affect all of the students there. Some dance students may leave if they don’t agree with the vision of the studio or the instructor.
  • Much like disagreement with the studio overall, some dancers leave when they don’t get along with the instructor or simply don’t like their style.

At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you and for your dancing career. Talking to your dance instructor about you switching studios can be an awkward conversation for sure, but you can’t let one uncomfortable conversation hold you back from where you’re meant to be.

Use these tips to help you end things on good terms with your dance teacher. You will never regret being kind and tactful when having a difficult conversation with someone who has invested so much time and energy in helping you succeed.