Dear Katie: I Hate My Teacher!

July 11, 2017

In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I’m at a really good studio—everyone says it’s the best in the area. But I HATE my teacher. He’s incredibly strict and plays favorites in class. Is it worth putting up with him to get high-quality training?

Juliet

Dear Juliet,

That’s a tricky situation. I think you should start by assessing your own progress. How do you feel about your dancing? Have you been improving? Have you had success at auditions? If you’re happy with your development, you probably are getting great training, despite your unhappiness with your teacher. In that scenario, it’s probably worth sticking it out at your current studio. However, if you feel like you aren’t improving and are consistently frustrated, it might be time to look elsewhere—especially if your teacher is truly cruel and inappropriate. (Having a strict teacher and having a nasty teacher are two very different things.) Remember: This is your career. Just because other people say you’re at a “good school” doesn’t mean that school is right for you. You want to get the best training you can—and stay sane, too!

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