Was wondering what people's opinions are about independent studios vs chain studios.

Pros vs cons?

Yes, that sounds about right

The chains all have a strict format of teaching, usually telling you that you need to be a well rounded dancer. The Independent studios have more flexibility. My studio allows me to take any instruction I want, any time I want. I started with what I liked, and moved to other dances when I wanted.

Along with the strict format that they adhere to religiously, chains make you sign a contract and they are not cheap (or even reasonable). Some (not all) create this cult-like atmosphere and people are afraid to go anywhere else. In my city, the chains are aggressive. They tell students they are "not allowed" to go anywhere else to dance not even socially. When a friend of mine was reprimanded by her instructor for going to a dance on a weekend without clearing it with him first, she walked out and never went back. Others I know, love the "family" atmosphere and are willing to pay the big bucks to get it. Instruction varies as it does with independent studios. Be aware that although you might be paying $120.00 for 45 minutes, your poor instructor is getting $15.00 - $20.00 of that only. They might have just learned the steps minutes before you walked in via video. We often have instructors from the chains look for work at our studio because they are uncomfortable with the sales aspect.
Independent studios can be good or bad. Some instructors are employees and at my studio have to be fully qualified and continue to upgrade their skills. Other instructors pay floor fees and the studio has no control over their qualifications. I would ask an instructor if they take regular coaching sessions. If they say "no, I know everything about dancing", be wary.
It is hard for a new dancer to know what is best, but do not succumb to the hard-sell tactics of the chains until you have explored a few other options.

The problem isn't with chains - the problem is with the idea that dance training is something you purchase from a studio, rather than from a teacher. A good teacher can do well by both their students and themselves, but its much harder to set up a relationship between owner, employee, and student which is to the financial- and dance- benefit of all three. What all long-term students eventually discover is that their individual teacher matters far more than the building in which their lessons are held. Don't shop for a studio - instead, shop for the specific teacher who meets your needs, and beware of a hosting business which inserts itself too heavily into that relationship, considers you their "property", claims the right to replace your teacher with another, etc. Ultimately it is no surprise that the best teachers are in business for themselves. And since they provide fair rates without packages, their students don't run any risk of paying for future lessons they might not be able to use, either if their needs change or if their teacher eventually proves unsatisfactory. Find the best teacher for your needs today, and if your needs change, look at your other options.