DanceLife Magazine
2025
Ask Rhee
Advice for Dance Teachers Q: Dear Rhee,
clearly embarrassed by her mother’s behavior. Still, I can’t allow this parent to spread negativity among our loyal and long-term families. What should I do? – Frustrated but Trying to Be Fair
I have a mom at the studio who has been with us for several years. In the beginning, she was incredibly supportive, but over the past couple of years—especially the last six months—things have taken a turn. It started with complaints about her 14-year-old daughter’s classes running until 8:30 PM. Last season, she danced until 8:00, which the mom didn’t complain about, and it doesn’t feel like the late time is her real reason for being upset.
A:
Dear Frustrated,
You’re not alone—many of us have experienced this shift. A parent who once supported your studio begins to unravel, and the negativity spreads beyond a few complaints. It’s hard to deal with, especially when the child is caught in the middle. First, let me say this: you are absolutely right to protect your studio’s culture. Leadership means recognizing when a parent’s behavior stops being helpful and starts being harmful—to your team, your dancers, and your business.
But recently, things have escalated. She’s begun criticizing our teachers, their choreography, and seems to be actively looking for things to complain about. This week, I overheard her in the lobby telling other parents how unhappy she is and that she plans to “give me a piece of her mind.” I’m at the point where I feel like I need to be done with her, but I don’t know how to make that happen. I also feel terrible for her daughter, who is
A concern about a 14-year-old dancing until 8:30 PM?
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