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Studio Loyalty
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I agree with Traci & Pole Mommy. There is so much to be gained from other experiences. It's just a matter of open communication. Your home studio might have some hurt feelings but if you ar eopen and honest, that's all you can do.
Something that is hard about the dance industry in general is that women are emotional creatures. I've learned this the hard way and have found myself in situations that a little more kindness on both peoples parts would have gone a long, long way.
My only advice is to navigate all situations with a big heart, empathy and stay strong and true to yourself and your goals. Afterall, they are YOUR goals, YOUR life and no one else can make things happen.
I worked at 2 studios for awhile – it was okay…I think there were a lot of questions about my loyalties and I started changing – becoming less giving, started understanding that I was an Independent Contractor not an employee and it caused a lot of problems for me. I grew stronger because I saw that could do more and be more, that the goals I had set could actually happen. Me, getting stronger and more self assured, caused a lot of problems. In fact studio hopping has caused a rash of hurt feelings in my life, so I am only speaking about the emotional side of things not the rational, logical side of things.
So – to better explain my earlier post – there are feelings involved because we grow so close with students, co-workers and owners. This business is based on creating a safe place for self expression so change shakes things up – that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't just do the best you can with the FEELINGS side of it.
Sorry – I'm so airy fairy zen these days.
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@https://www.studioveena.com/users/view/bc360416-d89d-11df-ab19-12313b090e12 – I'm going to be in Parma for Christmas break, can you recommend any west side pole studios for me to visit while I'm in town? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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Glitterqueen, I can do one better and go with you! There are 2 studios in town. Monday night we have pole play at Be Studios which is in Lakewood/Cleveland, maybe 15 minutes on the freeway. There is also Cleveland Exotic which is more downtown. If you are interested in silks at all there is also a studio in the old Slavic neighborhood that has classes on Wednesday and Sunday nites. I am sending you a PM.
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Everyone, that was fantastic advice!!! you brought up some points I hadn't even thought of! I guess I should thank my lucky stars I actually have 4 pole studios close by and even more if I am willing to drive a little. I want to grow and I also want my students to grow. I'm excited to go pick up my keys tonight from Studio #2 and I will of course, talk in person with Studio #1 this weekend. @Traci, lol, YOU are studio #3 https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif so I'm glad to see your response here. So now you know that I teach at two other studios but am coming back for classes from you!
Studio Veena rocks…. so glad my thread got featured becuase I'm not sure I could have gotten this open and honest advice from random people at the bus stop.
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I think it’s totally possible to be loyal to more than one studio. I’ve been to several studios throughout the years. Some I love, some I like, and some I wouldn’t go to again… The ones I love I feel I’m loyal to whether helping to instruct or just as a student. Each one has a different style, different instructors, different atmospheres, and are located in different areas. I recommend and promote them all depending on where someone lives and and what they’re looking for (fitness, sexy, long warm ups, more pole time, etc…). Being able to advance is important whether you’re a student or instructor. Sometimes that means combining what you can learn from more than one source. Pole has been life transforming for me personally, so I truly believe that if I reach a point where I’m not growing anymore its time to move on. Attending other studios may give you the opportunity to bring something new to your studio(s) that they may not have gotten otherwise.
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One of the best ways to grow as dancers is to experience working with multiple, highly qualified and skilled instructors and their unique approaches to teaching technique, artistry, performance skills etc.
I don't think your potential for growth or breadth of experience should be limited by a sense of studio loyalty. Instructors/studios should be able to recognize that they can't solely offer every student everything they want and need. Every instructor/studio has its strengths and weaknesses. Collectively, well-rounded dancers are trained.
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