Are the chain dance studios always trying to sell you more? I just started dancing for 5 weeks and have spent $3000 and now they want to move me up to a new level. I am assuming more money too. Is this typical?

Search this web site. There are a ton of threads about chain studios and such that will educate you. I was, at first, with a chain studio. They do sell packages. Have you sign paperwork, and it costs $$$ per lesson and so many lessons in a level or they couldn't teach you the next figure. I've seen people over-extend themselves because they didn't know any better or they didn't have restraint enough to say "no." You may want to finish what you've paid for - and move on to a different studio, college, community center, dance school or independent instructor. Mine charges $75 per hour. Personally, I'm very happy that I'm no longer at the Chain studio.

I'm exactly at the same place as Days&Nights.

The problem goes beyond just the lesson costs. Next you are paying for showcases and this and that. It got to the place where I felt like I was walking into the most sleazy stereotypical used car lot rather than a dance studio.

Caveat Emptor is the rule of the day for most. My advice: Use up your lessons. Find an Independent Instructor who is turning out good students without eating them alive. All things being equal...you shouldn't have to sign a contract. They should have to work for their money every time you walk in their door. Expect to pay about $75 depending on what part of the country you live in.

Good luck!

I dance at a private studio and it is strictly pay as you go. No contracts and no pressure. Students can join group classes for a very reasonable price or take private lessons for an hourly rate or do both. There are no limits or obligations. You learn what you want to, when you want to. The student has complete control over how much they want to spend and if they want to take a break for some reason, there is no pressure to carry on. There is no way I could spend $3000.00 in 5 weeks unless I danced until I dropped!

I agree about everyone's indie studio preference. We're at such a studio, and we couldn't have gotten as far as we have anywhere else.

I also hate the sales-tactic pressure not just at chain studios, but EVERYWHERE, so it'd be a big turn-off for me to always have someone pimping and faking. "Want any of our framed souvenirs?" at the post office. "Want fries, rings, or tots?" at Sonic. "Can I interest you in this warranty and this service upgrade and these decals?" at an electronics store.

The other day, I sat down to pee at the Red Lobster bathroom- and at SITTING eye-level, there was an advertisement for their drink specials. COME ON.