I am so fad up with all the complaining about the prices at Franchises. People complain about the selling that goes on there but it is odd, i you go to a car lot, are you surprised when they try and sell you a car? When people go to a studio, that is what the studios does, in order to teach dance, the students have to buy lessons. A lot of folks say they have switched to independant studios for better prices. We look at the independants with respect as fellow partners in the dance industry so I would in no way want to insult them but I sincerely believe there is a difference. AM teaches from a syllabus and a system developed by world renowned coaches and experts in the feild. The business has been in place since the 1900's. The Instructors and studio owners are held accountable for training and progress and abiding by the syllabus. Before an instructor in training can even look at a student they must go through rigourous training, dance camps, coaching. They also must be certified in Bronze and studying the higher levels. They must test out of those levels in front of a judge and coach. They go through 8 plus hours of practice and coaching a day, and know the man and ladys footwork, and lead and follow of all dances. Dont you think the price of that expertise is worth it? I can say that we are not thrown in a back room to memorize steps from a video. Other studios just may not have a budget in place for that level of training. Lastly dance is an investment that you will use forever, it will always be with you. Can you really put a price on that? I have been to the competitions and showcases and all the performances and I truly truly do see the difference between AM students and the others. I dont say that in a haughty way, but a sincere way. It doesn't compare and that doesn't mean I think we are great just that our lessons are showing value and progress. I just wanted to give people a different perspective on chain prices. You are paying for expertise, and it is worth every penny for the quality. You really do get what you pay for!