It seems the franchise studios seem to charge up to your first born to become a dancer. As far as comps go, I know someone who used to dance in them (he was the pro) and it doesn't matter how good you are in most of them (just like the shows) it's all popularity. Obviously the student who pays the most, is the most popular.
As far as just dancing socially, you know just to have fun, I go to a studio, non - franchise format, that has almos any package to fit what you need. From begginner groups to private lessons. Private lessons are also a flat fee, sold in 5 or 10 weeks which include the groups. Even the groups cover all levels. In response to "Guests" comment about once you reach a certain level, basically you have no need for groups, the group levels at this studio include beginner, intermediate, advanced, and a technique class.
Sorry to keep going on and on about this, but after reading almost every post on here and I see prices that cover thousands of dollars, for a fraction of the price, you can some much more than you are getting, with experienced instructors, not someone off the streets that's one week ahead of you.

"In response to "Guests" comment about once you reach a certain level, basically you have no need for groups, the group levels at this studio include beginner, intermediate, advanced, and a technique class."

One man's "advanced" is anothers "finally ready to start looking at the important issues"

In theory it is possible to run advanced classes beneficial to anyone. In practice, it rarely happens outside of presentations at world-class competitions.

I should elaborate on the group classes a bit more. The reason I don't find the group classes at the AM studio I go useful or worthwhile is because of the following:

1. They are infrequent. They have it on average only once every 1 1/2 month. One 40 minute intermediate/advance group class in each popular dance once every month and a half. Not enough repetition.
2. not even women show up. and the ones there struggle with the materials.
3. can't really practice the steps learned in the group classes at socials because most of the women at socials aren't advanced enough nor have they attended these group classes.

Consequently, i'd just have to take good notes in the classes and practice by yourself and rely on private lessons. My instructor could just as easily take 3-4 minutes to introduce the steps in a private as oppose to me spending 45 minutes in the group class. This why I exclude any consideration for group classes in the $137/lesson fee.

You never stop learning and refining good dance basics. This is what sets a high level dancer apart from others. Basics is not just learning patterns.
This is why Donnie Burns was so good--he could win by just doing basic figures with wonderful technique. Don't underestimate the basics--this is what makes your dancing look good. However, one needs to do patterns to get started or it would be no fun just doing basic exercises. But, once you can do some patterns--work on your technique and basics. It takes a high level coach to help you with good basics since most studio pros won't be much help--they probably skipped most of the good basic work on technique themselves.

You can say that last sentance again without fear of contradiction especially in the Samba

I'm amazed at the prices you are all paying for lessons. I take weekly lessons in the UK from a qualified and very experienced IDTA teacher for £12 for 30 minutes. This rate seems typical for this area for beginners/intermediate social dancers.

I'll be taking a Silver Medal test in ballroom in May, by which time I'll have taken about twenty lessons (although I danced as a complete novice for two years as well, but twenty years ago). I'll have spent £240 on lessons by then, and my teacher seems confident that I can progress to Gold Medal standard by December (about another £350).

Apart from that, we pay £5 a week (per couple) to attend a social dance/practice session on a weekday evening lating three hours, and I have the use of a sports hall for practice two hours a week for nothing, becasue I work at the location, and I use the hall at a quiet time when no one else wants it!

All in all, I'm getting very good value out of my hobby, I think!