How to swap teachers...diplomatically?

My 2cents here:

As a teacher I think its all about the student at the end of the day. So we as teachers really shouldn't take it personally, although it may hurt, it actually at the end all about the student.... its their money, goal, perception, etc.

Sometimes, students "believe" they learned all that the teacher can teach them... not realizing how much more the teacher can give..... If known to the teacher that this is the reason they are leaving, it could really hurt the teacher. But at the end of the day its just the EGO that gets in the way, we must remember as teachers, we are here to "serve"...and be more than supportive when student feels he/she needs to move on... and also let them know if they wish to come back, they are totally welcome!
 
How to tactfully tell a teacher that you want to stop your lesson ?

My current teacher does not seem to want to listen to me as far as what I want to learn and what my goals are.

I found another teacher in the same studio who I like very much after a few lesson.

I want to stop lesson with the first teacher.

How do I tell the first teacher that I want to change without creating any rift ?

a. Lie (make up some excuses)
b. Tell him the truth that may offends him
c. ???
 
breaking up with a teacher is a lot like breaking up with a partner, you just have to tell them the truth and hope that the wound heals and hasn't cut to deep
 
Problem is they are teaching in the same studio.

Otherwise I can tell him I am moving houses or something.....LOL !

I dont want to break his heart but I dont want to spend hundreds of dollar of something that I think has no value either !
 
dancingirldancing said:
My current teacher does not seem to want to listen to me as far as what I want to learn and what my goals are.

I found another teacher in the same studio who I like very much after a few lesson.

I want to stop lesson with the first teacher.

How do I tell the first teacher that I want to change without creating any rift ???
Click to expand...
Often I feel as though we do not agree on what I want to learn and what my goals are.

After a lesson, I found that I enjoyed dancing with _____ very much.

I would like to try that for a while, and see how it works.

Thanks so much for understanding.
dancingirldancing said:
I dont want to break his heart but ...
Click to expand...
It's a business...no heart is involved. If he is a good teacher, he will want for you what you want for you, and be there if/when you wish for help or to return.
 
1st thank them for teaching you, then tell them you've decided you need a break from lessons and that you're going to try to take your dancing in a different direction. *Take a few weeks break* and then start w the other teacher (this is only necessary since you're in the same studio). You don't have to get into details about why, and if you do, it could start an argument. I also wouldnt mention that you plan on starting w/ someone else when you tell your current teacher. Last, if you are nervous and havent been taking from them for a really long time, I don't think it's out of line to do it over the phone, since it's just a business arrangement.

If they push you, you can just say you're not happy right now with your dancing but don't get into details! This is part of the dancing business and they should understand that.
 
Well we had something similar recently, as we had to tell our teacher we were also having lessons with another school. We found that very difficult,but in the end my DP did they were not happy but now are over it. We love their teaching but they did not have time to give us more. But we are also happy to have two different opinions. You are the customer and you can do want you want. it is about your journey not theirs. Be honest especially since both are in the same studio.
 
No lying required, dancing girl. I suggest the same approach I'd use with dating experiences, which are a similar "try it on til you find one that fits" deal.

"I think you're an excellent teacher, but I just have better chemistry with this other instructor for some reason. I'd like to work with him, now. I hope you take no offense because I mean none!"

Don't burn bridges. It's possible you will later desire what your first instructor has to offer. If you lie, you harm your credibility and relationship.

Always best to be genuine, IMO. Even if the moment might feel awkward. :)
 
By being honest: "______, I think you're a great teacher and I am learning a lot from you, but while I've made a lot of progress in some areas, my goals are ______. Unfortunately my budget/time doesn't allow me to pursue both right now so I'm trying another instructor who I think can help me focus on those goals. You'll still see me around the studio [at parties or group classes, as applicable]. Thank you for all the help you've given me."

No teacher's going to be happy about losing a student, even to a colleague, but any teacher worthy of the title will be professional about it and this explanation will set the tone for future interactions in group classes and parties.
 
If the teacher isn't listening to you, you might consider mentioning something like that, as it might encourage him to listen to other students in the future.
 
I was in this situation a few years ago and I just told him that I will not be taking lessons from him anymore. Although back then I was still dancing with my husband and he did not like that teacher. So I used that as an excuse.
 
I went through this two months ago. The former pro is a younger man (just 30) and took it badly. I thanked him for what he taught me and whenever I see him in the studio I greet him with a smile and a hello. After two months, he is able to return the greeting. It is hard, but as with life, honesty is really the only way to go for each of you to develop.
 
part of being a grown up is having to be responsible for giving people information they aren't going to like...and part of doing it successfully is resisting the urge to feel guilty or look guilty when you haven't done anything wrong....it isn't fun, but the less rambling on about it the better....even if you feel all squirmy inside, you just pull him aside and say " I have to tell you that I will be switching instructors, I have nothing personal against you, I just think Bob and I will be a better match for various reasons...I hope you are okay with that because I would hate for there to be an awkwardness between us"...his heart will not be broken, though his ego might get slightly bruised...that is recoverable and not your issue
 
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