I need some good advice on how to go about learning to dance - **EFFECTIVELY**. I'm 30, male, single, work full-time, have 2 years of experience from various, mediocre, expensive, dance studios, and can get through the basic figures of most dances. My technique is poor, and I'm not happy with my dancing. My goal is to be able to dance nearly perfect "basics", in 6 or so dances. Please, help!

Should I be taking lessons at my local studio? Am I wasting my time? Would a college be better? A club? An independent instructor? How important is it to have a regular dance partner? How important is it to work on my own? Should I use videotapes? Should I build routines? How many dances should I work on at once? How do I know when I'm ready to work on cuban motion? How many hours should I work per week?

Can someone that KNOWS what they are talking, and that has been in a similar situation, please provide some guidance. What should I make a priority? What WORKS? Thank you!