I see nothing wrong with going to other studios' recitals, and before I moved, I did it all the time. Now I will go once in a while if I have the time. I always went in open-minded, and always had positive things to say about them (even if I had negative things in my mind--they didn't come out). I always tried to sneak out and not mingle after the performances, like another poster said, and I always tried to be as inconspicuous as possible, even if I know someone in the performance. I will tell them later how well they did. If I know the SO or a teacher, I may pop by to give my congratulations, then head for the door, as I think its important to show support for others in the field.

Why must everything be seen as competitive or playing dirty? I am sorry, Dance327, that you have had such negative experiences, but not all teachers/SOs who attend others' recitals are out to steal from them.