I disagree. Business owners striving to maintain a successful business model don't breathe a sigh of relief at circumstances keeping paying customers walking through their doors. If I'm noticing a shift in attitude in a few social situations because of this show, I absolutely believe it's likely having an effect on attitudes in general and the business of operating dance studios in particular. People are frequently sheep, often not even understanding quite why they have certain opinions, a fact not lost on political campaigns.
To be clear, I am not moaning about the cracks made to me that I've referenced in this thread. I was surprised, but that's just life sometimes.
Again, thank you.
This show has had an affect on the way people think about dance studios, owners and instructors, unfortunately, and not in a positive way. Believe me, I'm a big part of the dance world.
Abby Lee and her entourage, including camera crew, recently showed up at a competition and were turned away by the directors of the competition. There were parents/owners/teachers in the background voicing their distaste by saying "if she was allowed they were pulling out and would not be back".
Originally posted by jrmasm: And the some that are that stupid, you don't want to deal with them so no great loss.
The loss of any potential or current client can turn out to be a great loss. As cabanafrau said:
People are frequently sheep, often not even understanding quite why they have certain opinions, a fact not lost on political campaigns.
I did not sign up to try to disspel rumors and myths about the dance world. I signed on to teach dance and pass along my love for it & the passion it can bring to someone's lives. My job is to teach, mentor, keeps kids involved in something they love and off the streets. I am teaching them about commitment and being part of a team. I am teaching them time management and how to succeed at everything they attempt.
I get phone calls, texts or e-mails weekly from parents asking how they should deal with their child in certain situations (not necessarily about dance). I had a sophomore student text & then call me a few weeks ago at 11 p.m. in the evening. I talked with her for 45 minutes about what is going on in her life and how she is struggling with things and decisions. I followed up the next morning to make sure she gets the help she needs. I sat down with a junior student at the beginning of the year who was cutting herself. I hugged her & told her everything would be OK. I followed up to make sure she gets the help she needs and she is no longer cutting. One student came to me telling me she had been fighting with her mom too much, especially over financial issues as she is trying to become financially independent. We came up with a budget together which she has been following.
They don't show those type of things on the show...........too boring, but THAT is reality.
My job is to give them a positive experience........regardless of the score at a competition. A show like this certainly makes my job more challenging as it in no way portrays the way a positive dance teacher and role model interact with her students.
The show was made for shock value with the public, so I guess it has accomplished what it set out to do. Unfortunately, at the expense of others.
Whew......I'm off my soapbox now!
