Respectful ways to switch dance teachers?

[Bronzestudent]

Fortunately, this is not something I expect to have to do anytime in the near future. But.... I'm curious how some of you have dealt with leaving one dance instructor for another instructor. For whatever reason, but more along the lines of not being satisfied with one, and having another teacher in a close vicinity that you can take lessons from.

And what would prompt you to switch teachers?

[dancin_feet]

I am interested in replies to this. I have a friend at dancing who has simply outgrown his current teacher, but the studio does not seem to be taking any steps to move him to a more advanced instructor. He does not want to say anything for fear of hurting her feelings, but he is wasting his time and money by sticking with the instructor that he has. I would like to try to convince him that it is in his best interest to make the change, regardless.

[tsb]

i think it depends on the teachers themselves. if they're in it entirely for the $ & not because they want to see you reach your full potential as a dancer it's likely to difficult to maintain a good relationship. the teachers from whom i've learned the most have always encouraged their students to get instruction from different sources as every teacher offers a different perspective (although they would not openly endorse certain teachers if they felt there were major philosophical differences). i think any good teacher should be prepared for a student to become a peer if not surpass them in skill & technique.

[peachexploration]

Take a look at this link. Some good information there:
I'm dumping a great dance teacher (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1867)

[KevinL]

In my opinion the mark of a good teacher (in any discipline) is the ability to train students who are better than the teacher. I've only been teaching for about a year and a half, and it's already happened to me with at least 2 followers. (That's partially because I don't follow often and so am not as skilled in that area.)

I fully expect people to take what they can from me, and then learn what they can from other teachers. I'm not an expert in everything, so I expect people to seek out the experts that they trust.

Be open and honest, and if the teacher has your best interest at heart than they will support you and should aim you toward the best instructor available. If they don't have your best interests at heart they might get upset, but if they don't have your best interests at heart than why are you worried about them?

Kevin