Classes canceled :(

[Skittl1321]

I'm just venting. I joined, and pre-paid registration for a 16 session class.

 

The instructor just cancelled class on Valentine's Day so she can drive home to see her boyfriend. She also alluded to us not having class during finals week. 2 of 16 classes being cancelled is a bit ridiculous. (There is no class Spring Break either, but that is part of the regular schedule, and not a paid for class.)

 

She has told us we can make-up the classes by attending the Saturday beginning ballet class. This has two downsides 1) It is on Saturday morning, and I'm not taking Saturday morning classes for a reason right now (I have something else then) and 2) She constantly tells us how low level and boring the class is to teach. Um- yay? Sounds like fun to dance.

 

I feel like, if I paid for the classes, it is the school's responsibility to provide me with the classes they have on their schedule. If you can't guarantee the classes will be available, don't take/require prepayment! None of the children's classes are canceled during these weeks, just the continuing adult class. It appears to be specifically an issue with our instructor, so why do they not provide a substitute? (I know they have them- because the beginning adult class with this instructor has a sub this weekend.)

 

To me, a makeup class is a courtesy provided for when a student has to miss a class, not something made available because the instructor has decided to cancel class for personal reasons! (It would be entirely different if it was an emergency cancellation or weather related.)

 

 

I guess I'm just not feeling very generous towards this program because already my class is turning into a 'ballet fun for exercise' class (we've done crunches instead of adagio two weeks in a row) and that is not what I signed up for!

[Garyecht]

I'm pretty easy going, but when it comes to getting bad service, all that calmness goes away. Sounds like you are getting bad service--teacher canceling class for a Valentine date, saying that the class is boring, and then doing crunches instead of adagio. That's three strikes in my book.

 

Here's what I would do. I'd go to whomever the boss is and say that I am upset and that I wanted a pro-rated refund for your class and I would say exactly why (the three things above are enough). I'd also tell that person what you expected from the class and why you decided to take the class in the first place. That should get the boss's attention. Be calm and assertive throughout.

 

Head then for another school.

[Skittl1321]

Head then for another school.

Wish this was an option... this is my last shot. Best school in the area stopped allowing adults (and now requires auditions for kids), there is a competition school that offers a combined adult ballet/modern class- it is a disaster, their classes with kids are hit or miss, very little discipline.

 

I think next semester I will try taking class with the kids, but I need to find out what level I would be placed in. Right now I think it is the level that wears lavender leotards, and my 31 year old not ballet shape body isn't up for that! If I can get into navy blue, I'd be better (black unfortunately is highest level, and I am not.)

[Janneke]

You should definitely get a refund for the cancelled classes. Does the instructor still get paid for them?!

[LaFilleSylphide]

It's a shame there's no substitute. Though I've make up classes in a lower level and there's usually no problem with that. Of course, the teachers weren't complaining about how boring those classes were either.

[Hamorah]

If you pre-pay for classes then it is the school's responsibility to either use a substitute teacher or have the regular teacher give the missing class on another day. If neither of these occurs then you should complain and ask for a partial refund. If I want to take a day off for personal reasons or illness, I have to make sure that I give back the missing classes. If you have paid for 16 lessons you should get 16 lessons at the level you registered for.

[ami1436]

Oh Skittl, yuck. I'm so sorry. I agree with all of the above - a substitute instructor should be provided, and your class should continue. If not, you should complain and at least get a refund for the two classes. How yuck!

[Skittl1321]

I sent a nice email requesting a refund ("When I signed up for this class, it was my understanding that 16 Thursday classes were offered for the session, as stated by the brochure. Since there appear to only be 14 classes available, I would like to request a refund for the 2 classes that are not offered.)

 

I have my doubts they will give me one, but maybe I can do a different make up class- as normally a below level class would not be a problem, but it doesn't sound like the beginning adult class is a very productive ballet class. It will also be interesting to know if the school knows these classes were canceled...

[Guest Pas de Quoi]

I am glad this topic is being discussed. I have taken many, many classes at various studios and now I teach. Teaching is my profession - my job. I show up on time, with lesson plan in hand and music ready. How long would someone in another line of work last if he/she was late or unprepared to do the job, or just decided he/she would take a vacation day without providing a substitute? Not long.

 

I have taught in schools that are very professionally run. These owners understand that a dance school is a business. People pay money for services they expect to be given in exchange for the money they have paid. I have also had experience with schools that seem to be more about fulfilling the owner/director's "artisitic vision" or the owner's desire to have a classy sounding title and the prestige that may come with being able to tell others he/she owns a real ballet school..

 

Whatever the skill level or age of the person for whom the classes are purchased, one thing remains the same - money is money and the dollars spent by a beginning adult (for example) are just as valuable as the dollars spent by the parents of the next young "ballet superstar".

 

I am hoping you do get a positive response, Skittl. It is not right that things are run this way. I can imagine if you are upset, you are not the only one. Have you thought of contacting others who also signed up for the class to determine if they are planning on asking for either a substitute teacher or if not that, a refund for the classes not given?

 

Good luck to you.

[Skittl1321]

Hmm... well, I got a response - it sounds to me like I may have caused a bit of trouble. I don't think the director (who is faculty of the dance department) knew the teacher (who is a student, though I think she is no longer a dance major) had cancelled the classes. She told me that there absolutely are classes finals week, as that is the week they do rehearsals for the show! She said it doesn't appear our class is participating in the show, so we will have normal class, otherwise it may get moved around to accomodate the theatre schedule. (That we aren't participating is also knews to me, as the first day of class 2 people said they wanted to do the recital when our instructor asked. Whole classes are not required to participate. That is no big deal though.)

 

She also told me to plan to attend class on Valentine's day. Whether that means our teacher is going to be told she has to teach or we will have a sub, I'm not sure. I'm worried I'll be the only one there, since we were told it was canceled I imagine many other people made plans. If she doesn't find a sub, the instructor is going to hate me...

[deanlaur]

***

 

She also told me to plan to attend class on Valentine's day. Whether that means our teacher is going to be told she has to teach or we will have a sub, I'm not sure. I'm worried I'll be the only one there, since we were told it was canceled I imagine many other people made plans. If she doesn't find a sub, the instructor is going to hate me...

***

 

Well, too bad for the instructor. This is her job, and if she isn't willing to show up, then she shouldn't be doing it. Honestly, if this had happened while I was managing a ballet school, I would have had a stroke, and then fired the teacher. Good for you for saying something.

[Skittl1321]

We had a good sub for last week's class. She is the jazz instructor, but a dance major so she has to take ballet classes. Was a little nervous how it would go off the bat as barre included push ups! But the center work was quite good.

 

Glad I stood my ground, as yesterday's class got canceled for weather.

[Hamorah]

Good for you! And I'm sorry - if she is mad at you, it's too bad! I even planned my own sons' weddings for days when I don't teach!!! A commitment is a commitment......