There is a term that is used in the world of dance studios: studio-hopper. The term is typically used to describe a dancer who bounces from studio to studio. Rather than labeling a dancer as a studio hopper, ask the dancer what they are looking for in a dance studio. My goal as a dance teacher is to work with a dancer as an individual even in a class setting. Every dancer is unique and it is important for them to learn and develop their art in the best possible environment.
A dancer should want to go to class. It is a wonderful thing when a dancer finds a studio that they feel at home at. If the dancer is unhappy and complains about the studio they are attending, then why should they continue to go there? Often dancers feel they are stuck at their studio out of some sort of loyalty. They may really like one teacher or one particular class, but the rest of the time they are miserable. Eventually, those dancers turn away from dance because they equate their bad studio experience with dance as a whole.
Dancers should find a studio where they can enjoy dance and be happy. Different teachers offer different learning styles. Every dance teacher is not for every dancer. Trying different classes offers different dance experiences. Sometimes dancers can find everything they want in one studio and other times they need a few studios to meet all of their needs.
Talk to the dance studio owner about the studio policies. Typically, being part of a studio’s dance company or competition team comes with some restrictions and expectations. Just don’t assume that taking a class elsewhere is “forbidden.” Loyalty shouldn’t come at the cost of the dancer’s happiness.
Find your “happy place!” Dance and be happy!
