OK I have been hesitant to post about this but here it goes. There is a teacher at my studio that teaches comp for another studio a couple of weeks ago both studios ended up at the same comp.More than once my studio had to go up against her other studio wiht the same dance or same prop just differant song and she took my prop idea and used it for a dance for the ohter school.The parents were flipping the kids were upset .The other teacher wasnt there she had some excuse.The SO was there and was clearly upset but noone knows how she handled it with the ohter teacher cause we went on break .What would you do???

I'd contact the other studio owner and see what she feels about the situation and what actions she is taking. I also have a teracher that teaches elsewhere. We are going to the same competition this weekend. I made sure (when she started choreographing) that none of her other kids would be competiting in the same age or category as mine. A honest teacher will respect those guidelines.

I would let the two SOs handle it. If it were me I would make sure that the teacher knows that her dances have to be completely different. I wouldn't even have the problem though because I wouldn't let her work with my competition team. I have had teachers work at two studios but I think it's a conflict of interest when the teachers work with the competition teams of two different studios. If I had to use a teacher who works with another competition team I would make sure we were not at the same competitions!

I would definitely contact the other SO. Clearly the teacher thought she was taking the easy way out...

I teach for multiple places, and next year I will have my own program to add to the mix. I would never use the same dances with different programs at the same time...maybe after a few years, but only my own choreography. I guess its just because I have some morals, but I just don't understand how a teacher could do this. Its detrimental to the students, the studios, and her own character. Best of luck coming to a resolution.

This is a SO issue and although I may be upset, it is not for me to deal with.

If I was the SO, I would let the teacher go at the end of her contract. Certainly, we as teachers deserve the opportunity to make a living teaching and if that means multiple schools, then we should be allowed this opportunity. However, part of teaching at different schools is ensuring that you giving them each a different product (completely different dances.) I realize this is difficult as every year I step back and compare my choreography and realize there was an element that appeared in several, but they are far from similar.

I've never had to judge working for two competition teams. Obviously, one would run the risk of competing against one's own classes. Possibly the smart thing in this case would be to either agree to teaching different age groups at the two schools. Or at the beginning of the year when you are negotiating your contract, discuss other schools that you are working for and determine which competitions will be attended and see if it would work... or not.

Generally, most teachers have to work at more than one studio to make a living. Most studios can't offer 5 consecutive days of 5 or more hours of classes so that we can pay our bills. That being said, I have taught at a variety of studios for the past 11 years, and no one has had a problem with the fact that I choreographed competition pieces for all of them. Many times the students would be at the same competition, in the same age category, and it has always been friendly and supportive within the studios. All the students were excited to make friends with other dancers from other areas of the state, and the SO's were generally excited to see my choreography, and got more ideas for groups I could work with the following year. I have always been upfront with where I work and which competitions I will be attending. I have re-used music, but usually after 5 years and with a completely different age group, category, and choreography. If you are upfront and honest with your employers, as well as creative and unique with your choreography, there's no reason why it should be a problem.

I agree with getting the SOs together to have a chat about the situation.

The teacher needs to understand that if she is teaching competition numbers for two seperate schools, she cannot take the easy way out and use the same dance for both schools. First off, it's her name attached to the choreography, so why would she want to be known as the teacher who shares dances. Second of all, she should feel ashamed for embarassing the kids so badly.

miss_s wrote:

If you are upfront and honest with your employers, as well as creative and unique with your choreography, there's no reason why it should be a problem.

I couldn't agree with you more. I have taught at 2 different schools for the past 3 years. Both my SO are aware of the situation.....and my choreography at one school is never anything close to my choreography at the other school.

Both of my studios cheer for each other when we are at the same competition. The two studio owners always congradulate each other on their awards. I think it teaches the kids to respect other studios.