Hi! I've only danced ballroom (international) for a 5-6 months in group classes with excellent teachers, but I'm moving to NYC soon for college this coming September. I'd like to continue learning, hopefully even participate in some amateur competitions, and I'm excited about some rather famous teachers I see on instructor lists at particular dance studios. One thing, however, that I'm not so excited about is the cost for the classes. I'd like to take group classes as well as privates. How much do you think the costs will run to? Are there special college-student oriented programs? What do you suggest?

If you are moving here for college, your best bet is to see what clubs your college has.

And - make sure you partner up soon as you can. Pro-am, besides being expensive, is usually not practiced by the better coaches, and you'll get faster results with a partner to practice with.

Group classes outside the college arena are more geared to empty nesters and adult ed afficionados - you will probably see a lot of grey hair and not much interest in dancing.