photo credit: f_mafraHere are some of the latest happenings in tap from all over the Internet. Tap dance history didn’t stop 60 years ago, it’s still being made!
Savion Glover & Bare Soundz put on quite a show over the weekend! This great review left me feeling almost as if I had seen the show. I hope it comes toward Atlanta at some point in the near future so I can check it out. Sounds like these guys are not just performing, their also teaching… (Savion acknowledges as much here.)
Dancer Is Jailed For Teaching Classes: Believe it or not this is a true story. Dancers instructors! Really pay attention to what you’re signing when you decide to work for a dance school. If you cannot agree to the terms, please don’t sign the contract. It can just become a major headache later. On a side note, I’m offended that his lawyer referred to him as a “lowly dance instructor”, anyone else? There is nothing “lowly” about what dancers do.
Machiko Ozawa is a multi-talented performer. In her show she showcases her musical abilities through tap dancing and playing stringed instruments. This blogger gives a detailed report about the performance!
October 21st, 2008 at 9:42 am
I wanted to comment on the guy jailed for teaching tap. Putting him in jail was extreme however if you don’t like the terms of the contract then do not sign. Build your own business HONESTLY not by stealing other studio’s students.
There is a very small studio out there that was almost completely wiped out about four years ago. It had been operating for over 30 years.
One of the teachers and a parent talked almost 75% of the students into going with them and starting a new studio. A few honest parents and students stayed even though it was hard to see most of the students go. It almost caused the studio owner financial ruin…
Everyone was sure that it was going to be impossible to find a teacher the caliber as the teacher that left. They were also concerned that most of the better “Company” dancers had left. An awesome teacher was found. The studio started to grow again. I am pretty sure that all the parents and students that stayed were glad they did.
It is not fair to steal students! If you leave a studio and your students seek you out in your new place of business then fine BUT you should not contact them or discuss your plans. They will find you if they are that interested…
In reference to students, if they want to take lessons outside their regular studio, they also need to read their “Company contract”. I think that most studio’s would be glad that their student’s are attempting to better themselves by getting as much instruction as possible BUT it needs to be discussed prior to signing any contracts or agreements… It keeps everyone honest….
If what you are doing is not fair to any of the parties involved, then there is your answer DON’T DO IT!!!
I do not think that Dance Teachers are “Lowly”. I think that the arts is a very respectable field. What is important is how you conduct yourself and your business. Your character (in any field) will determine if you are “lowly”.
Tapper’s Mom
October 21st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Savion – what a gift this guy is! I love the term edu-tainment
Jailed teacher – If you sign something, you’ve got to be willing to uphold your end of the bargain, definitely. It is a shame that it comes to this. I dislike these non-compete clauses but understand why they are in place (because not everyone knows how to behave with integrity). This school is obviously seeking to make an example of this guy, I hope it is worth the effort. As for the lowly comment, it is the lawyer’s attempt to paint his client as the underdog because that’s probably one of the only things he has going for him in this case.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
@Tapper’s Mom & @Nichelle, Thanks for your comments. I definitely agree that the situation is unfortunate. Still, dance studios have a right to protect their interests. While we as professional artists must also be careful to protect ours. Still feel sorry for the guy though!
Taps