Should I Leave My Dance Studio? Start Here Before Making a Big Change

AlwaysAnjoli
May 29
3 min read

Updated: Jul 12

Welcome to Part 1 of a 5-Part Series Just for Dance Moms

If you’ve found yourself casually googling “should I leave my dance studio” while reheating your third cup of coffee, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

This isn’t just another “what to do when you’re annoyed” blog post. It’s where you start untangling what’s really going on so you can move forward with clarity—not chaos.

We’re going step-by-step through the tough decisions, the honest questions, and the real emotional load of possibly leaving your studio.

What This Series Covers:

Should I Leave My Dance Studio? (that’s this post!)
The Pros and Cons of Staying at Your Current Dance Studio
Clear Signs It’s Time to Consider Changing Dance Studios
How to Find the Right Dance Studio When You Decide to Make a Change
How to Leave Your Dance Studio Respectfully and Transition Smoothly

No drama. No guilt. Just holistic, grounded support for whatever comes next—for your dancer and for you.

💭 Ask Yourself This First

You’re juggling rehearsal schedules, comp fees, missing tights, and “what theme is

this week’s jazz class again?” fatigue. Feeling stretched thin doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to jump ship.

It might just mean you need a reset.

Before you make any decisions, reflect on this:

Are these new feelings or long-standing issues?
Do I feel this way during every high-stress season?
Would a break or more boundaries help more than a total change?

Sometimes your dancer doesn’t need to leave ballet after one bad class—and sometimes, neither do you.

🧠 Pay Attention to Patterns

It’s easy to get swept up in comparison—another studio has more wins, better choreography, flashier costumes. But chasing “better” won’t always feel better.

Instead, observe the pattern:

Is this a one-time frustration or a recurring dynamic?
Have you brought concerns up—and if so, how were they received?
Is your dancer’s growth stalled or just in a slow season?

Not every dip in feedback or progress is a reason to leave. Sometimes you’re just in the messy middle—and that’s okay.

🎤 Listen to Your Dancer’s Voice

You’re the mom—but they’re the one sweating through warmups and pushing through corrections.

Their perspective matters just as much.

Try asking questions like:

“What do you love most about dance right now?”
“Is there anything you wish was different?”
“Do you feel supported here?”

They might not have perfect language—but their tone, energy, and emotions will tell you a lot.

🛑 Don’t Let Comparison Rush You

There will always be a newer studio.

Just like there’s always a bigger house or fancier vacation.

But there’s deep value in staying planted long enough to see your dancer bloom.

Before you uproot everything, ask:

Am I searching for progress—or chasing perfection?
Is this about what’s not working, or what just isn’t fast enough?

💬 Final Thoughts: Should I Leave My Dance Studio?

You don’t have to know today. But you are allowed to wonder.

If you’ve started asking the question—whether out loud or in your mind—that’s worth honoring. You’re not dramatic. You’re discerning. And that’s what your dancer needs most.

Next up: Part 2 will explore the pros and cons of staying at your current dance studio.

But if you’re already sensing something deeper, don’t skip Part 3: Clear Signs It’s Time to Consider Changing Dance Studios.

Either way, I’ve got you. And you’re doing an incredible job—leotards, lunchboxes, and all.