how frequently should a dancer receive private instruction when training for competitions?

Good question...I've often wondered that myself. Right now I am doing three hours a week for a pro-am comp in a couple of weeks. I usually do two to three hours a week for a couple of months before the comp. However, I have a friend who is an amateur and she is only doing one hour a week of private instruction but she and her partner get together as often as possible to practice.

Ladydance. This was a typical week in the life of a Latin dancer a few weeks prior to a major championship. A brisk 20 minute walk to the studio for a training session. This consisted of 10 3 minute disks of the five Latin dances. Followed by a further 10 Rumbas. Then a slow jog home. This took place six nights out of seven. And if you weren't doing that much training your opponents were.

There is no "one" answer, fits all.

Pro / Am is not comparable to an Amat. or Prof. couple.

The time and financial aspects of Pro/ Am. prohbit the really required amount of practice .

It also depends on the level of the student in the pro/am setting .

Add to this, the number of dances being done ( American style can add up to 13 dances in smooth and rhythm --- even seen some add the Intern !!)

Tailor your needs to budget and practicality .

PS-- I would rather judge 5 dances done well, than 13 done poorly