I posted a few weeks ago about the student/asst. that I kiced out because not only was she disrespectful,lying, and just down right rude to the other team members she went to another local studio to perform with them at the same comp we are going too!!! Now, we find out from one of their members, she's a cousin to one of our team members, that she is teaching them our choreography!! Someone how I knew this would happen, yet what can I do about it?? She also lied to her "new" team and said they were her ideas. Should I confront the studio or just let it go...we will see them at the competition no doubt, my girls are very angry with her.

If I were you I would rationally and calmly contact the other SO and let her know what this dancer is doing. For one its bad ethics, and if she has any character, she will not use the stolen choreography. Also, if she is doing this to you, who is to say she won't do it to the other SO?

As for your girls being upset with her, they have every right to be, but you should make it clear to them what is acceptable behavior (not speaking to her, avoiding her, etc.) and what is not (confrontations, gossip, etc.). Don't let her actions negatively affect your team any more than they already have.

Be careful not to ACCUSE her of doing someting to the other SO. I would just contact the other SO and say that you are hearing from your students that she is using your choreography and ask if she could look into it. Her parents may not appreciate you slandering her to other people and you don't want a reputation of gossiping about children. Be sure to stay professional and not discuss it too much with your students. Let them know that you understand that they are angry, but you are looking into it.

What kind of school allows a student to teach a class choreography??? To me, that says everything.

I wouldn't play into the drama and focus on your dancers.

I agree, if the student is using your choreography, the other studio has a right to know. I don't know why they would be giving her the opportunity to teach choreography to others, unless she got a teaching job there. I would approach the SO either by phone call or e-mail, and just let her know that there is a concern that the student may be using prior choreography without permission and you would like to try to minimize any concerns or issues by asking if the SO could keep an eye on the issue.

I must add I kicked her out not only for the disrespect but because she told me she was going to the other studio to compete with them and thought she could be on our team too. I didn't word that right. sorry. I agree who let's a student do the choreo. I believe what I will do is wait till after comp and write her a letter along with the SO and let them know that it was unethical. I really agree with that comment. It's wrong. I also agree with we should "take the high road" and be good sports at comp and not gossip. We must teach our dancers how to be gracious and mature as that is a part of dance as well.

i almost started to have almost the same problem, i would have my dancers teach there "schools drill team" my stuff. now we have a contract that goes with there registration stuff saying how they cant use our chor. anywhere else. helped so much

Smart move skittles! It's sort of sad that some people just cant use their imagination and do their OWN choreography.

Great idea skittles786, about the contract. I wish they had that when I was in college. My choreography was used by other dancers who taught it to their own students, even using similar costumes!

This is so frustrating, but in my opinion all you can do is rise above it. People who steal choreography don't understand how meaningful it is to the choreographer, not to mention the time spent creating it!