I must in all good conscience qualify the advice to attend a pro-am event with the purpose of finding a teacher. As long as you have no intention of competing with a professional partner then that strategy might be OK.
If, however, you let one of them talk you into doing so, what you're spending now will seem as nothing compared to the expense of competing in pro-am.

jj

Guess it's a matter of one's opinion. I'm not complaining about what I pay.

Please forgive me if I sounded a little sharp with that last post. But I don't consider that what I pay for lessons is too much. One of my teachers was the 2006 World Mambo Champion, and was on this season's Dancing With The Stars-Fabian Sanchez. I have the privilege of being able to learn from him and also from some of the most talented dancers in the country. I agree it all depends on what level of dance that you want to achieve. I am in to competitve dancing. But I do also enjoy social dancing. There are many places that you can check into and many different prices that you can pay for lessons whether private or in a group setting. It all depends on what you want to do with your dancing-what your goals are. I enjoy all the different levels of dancing. Good luck with whatever that you choose.

The " worlds " of anything does not always translate into best( teacher ) .

And, particularly in the genre you mentioned .

I knew when I posted that advice about the expense of competing in pro/am that I would see such a response.

My only purpose is to advise the original poster about one of ballroom dancing's pitfalls. I personally know three individuals who have gone broke participating in this activity.

But if you have the money to burn and you enjoy it then knock yourself out. All I ask is that you don't recommend pro/am to new ballroom dancers without also advising them of the expense . . . and it is far more expensive than competing as part of an amateur couple.

jj

Unfortunately, that is not always an option

For now, my main interest is social dancing. Once I advance some, who knows what might change. If working with other dancers who compete or perform would help me, I would defintely consider it. I am not really on a tight budget and I am willing to invest whatever I need to, I just want to make sure i am getting what I am paying for and it seems that currently I am not. thanks again for all of the info from everyone.

What a rip!! My husband and I just finished a 15-week course through continuing education from our local community college for a total of $230!! Each session was 1 hour. Granted, it was a group lesson, we still gained good basic knowledge of many dance routines. Good luck, and I hope you find cheaper lessons.

Terence, how would working with an amateur partner not be an option?

If there are enough amateurs in a community to support one or more professional instructors then there would certainly be opportunities for amateur partnership.

jj

I've read all the responses and would like to add my own insight. I live in the Chicago area, so I have a lot of options available to me. I've also been involved in dancing for almost 20 years.

The cost of lessons isn't just about price. Anyone can teach dancing; one does not necessarily need credentials. However, just because someone is a teacher or a good dance and/or competitor doesn't mean s/he's a quality teacher.

I took my first dance lessons in a community college community education course. It was great, and inexpensive. At that time, all I was looking for was a basic knowledge of how to dance.

I met people that I saw at other local dance events such as dance clubs (membership clubs) or dance spots. I took lessons in those genres too, and my dance knowledge began to grow.

I took lots of group lessons and even worked at country/western dance competitions. When attending those dance festivals, I also took workshops and lessons.

Most of this was done without a partner, and I never competed. Then I found that it was becoming harder and harder to find a partner to dance with, so I began to lose interest in paying money for lessons and events because I was standing around too much.

Life intervened and I didn't have time to dance, but I missed it. When Dancing with the Stars started, I made a resolution to go back to dancing when I finished graduate school because I missed.

I finished school in December, and signed up for lessons with a new national franchise school. The cost is more than I have paid in the past, but I have to say, the quality of instruction is much better too.

The instructor I'm working with teaches me not just moves, but technique, things like balance, posture, how to follow, what the signals are, etc. He also has helped me gain confidence by his encouraging words and actions.

I'm sure that no matter where one takes lessons, the important thing is the instructor. A good instructor is worth paying for, and how much is too much and what makes an instructor good is an individual decision.

In addition to the private lessons, I participate in optional group lessons, and dance parties. Being that I don't have a partner, group lessons and dance parties give me the opportunity to meet other people, both male and female, who are interested in dancing.

I also found that I am interested in competing, not so much winning, but for the opportunity to show off and feel special. My instructor didn't mention this to me, I asked about it. I know that's expensive, but hobbies do cost money. I'd much rather invest my money in dancing than a gym.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!