Q.

Dear Rhee,

I would love your advice on an issue that I am struggling with. A student in our performing group joined another studio’s performing group mid-year. (She did this because her mom became very angry with me when I would not make an exception to a policy that I have in place.) She now is in two performing groups, mine and my competitor’s.

When she auditioned for our performing group, nothing in our contract stated you could not be in another performing group so I have left the situation alone.

Our yearly auditions are coming up and I have added to our contract that in order to be a member of our performing group, you cannot be a member of another performing group. I made this decision because I think it is good for the other kids in our group and the kids in the competitor’s group. Being in two groups does not build team unity and it is very awkward when we go to competition and the one student is competing with the other group.

Please tell me your opinion on this matter.

 A.

Good Question!

My opinion is that you are doing the right thing. I'll add to your reasons for not allowing "dual-team participation:"

• Conflicts with rehearsals
• Conflicts with costume changes at the competitions
• An exhausted dancer trying to keep up with performance commitments to both schools
• A strange feeling for you and your dancers

Why do I know so much about it? 

We have students who attend our school who compete with us and with their home school, which totally contradicts what I've written above.

So why do I think you are doing the right thing?

Because you wrote the following: "She [student] did this because her mom became very angry with me when I would not make an exception to a policy that I have in place …” As far as I'm concerned,  this move wasn't based on "what was best for the child," but instead; a mom’s opportunity to give you an "unnecessary headache." One mom or one student isn't worth it. What they should really do is just go to the other school.

I always say at my seminars, "One bad mom in your waiting room can be like a cancer that spreads through the whole school."

As for making the dual-team thing work: We usually don't have "outside students" in a lot of choreography. We work with the other schools when setting schedules; trying not to be at the same competition. Once in a while we do end up at the same events. We have a good relationship with the school owners who send their kids to us and we like it that way.

I wish you luck… Rhee

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