My instructor leaving - should I leave the studio?

K

Kanela

New Member
I recently found out that my instructor is leaving the studio and moving to another state :(:( I will really miss him as I really enjoyed working with him.

Now don't laugh - I've been dancing for a year now so I'm not sure if I am overreacting.

I'm tall - 5'10'' (without heels) and the new male instructor is shorter by a couple of inches. I only had a couple of lessons with him but dancing standard with him is a little strange ( but he is a GREAT, great dancer and teacher).

I'm actually toying with the idea to go to another studio, though I enjoy the crowd where I am now... Our studio is not heavy on competitions, though we do 2 per yr (we're supposed to do one this year) and a couple of showcases.

I feel as if I am left without a partner. Probably venting more than anything> Thanks... I'm just so dissapointed...:o
 
If he's a good TEACHER, you like the people there, and you haven't been into serious competing where a height difference would be a major disadvantage, I would probably say stay where you are. He's not a partner, he's a teacher, so unless it's a SERIOUS mismatch (like he's 5'1" or something) if you're learning from him it outweighs the height thing.
 
Well, I don't think you need to leave the studio. At the same time, it is not a bad idea that you go outside of a current studio and try with new teachers.
 
It is always good to explore your options before settling for something, as you may find some very good options. It might also be good to just ask around, and see who people recommend. If you are going to be doing standard, you really need someone that is at least 6' tall in my opinion. Maybe shorter will work for syllabus work, but not in the long run.
 
My opinion is that less traditional height matches are probably more practical after basic skills such as conception of hold, connection, and posture have been developed than they are while trying to set them.

I think there's a common tendency to say, oh, someone is just starting out, they don't need the best teacher (skill wise or in this case physical match) - when in reality, someone who is trying to figure things out for the first time needs more perfect teacher support than someone who already has a lot of capability to overcome and pick up the intended concepts while ignoring incidentals that might be distracting earlier in their development.
 
I wouldn't worry too much if the height discrepancy is only a few of inches with shoes on. A good teacher will learn how to adjust his frame for you and will make it as big as you need it to be (and his strides as long as you need them to be). You'll learn how to hold yourself up and not rely on him to "muscle" you through the movements.

Perhaps one of the more experienced dancers on this forum can discuss what the judges look for in pro/am competition. I've been told that judges will recognize if a student needs to make an extra effort to adjust their frame to stay in full closed position. So if you need to work harder to maintain connection, you may find that you become a stronger dancer and will place very well. But you should get a second+third+fourth+ opinion on this. :)

That said, it never hurts to look around and see what other teaching prospects are out there.
 
When that kind of thing happened around here, my teacher picked up a few taller students whose other option was someone couple of inches shorter than they are.

Since I myself am barely 5'4" without heels, I rarely get to dance with a shorter guy. But on the occasions when it happened, it always felt weird.
 
I prefer quality instruction to perfect height. Especially if you aren't competing frequently and have to have the perfect look. Even for standard. If it's a good instructor, he can compensate. That doesn't mean stay at your studio, but investigate your options, and find the best instructor for you.
 
Thank you - as always you all are an invaluable resource :).

I will give it a shot and stick around through the summer at the current studio and take it from there...
 
I have said this elsewhere i suppose ...but here goes; I started dancing to dance smooth and standard (my how the times they are a-changin') and the best pro in the studio for that was an inch shorter than me (3 1/2 if you add heels)....I have never once regretted that decision as it pertains to the dancing....and I have never once heard anyone imply that it was ever a factor in my marks...even now that I am no longer with him...
 
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