Hi Carl, I have found a few of the places that offer the $10 to $12 group lessons, but I am really looking for somewhere I can take private lessons as well to speed up the learning curve as much as possible. I will call you later and see what local ideas you may have.

thanks, jacob

I live in Alabama. I take private lessons from a chain. My lessons are $82 for 45 minutes. It sounds like you are paying way too much for what you are getting.

Jacob:
Forgot to add this to my last post. I figured up what it cost me weekly. For $97 per week: I get a 45 minute private lesson, a 45 minute group class, and an hour practice party.
I hope this helps you. It seems you are really being charged too much for what you are getting.

So are you !

Hit the local dance shops and look for info on private independent teachers.

ISTD or similar National Certification vs. In House certification is a good starting point to investigate.

This does not mean they are better teachers. We've taken lessons with a former US National Professional Smooth Champion ($65/hour + hall costs). He's not certified but there's no denying his credentials.

Talk to people in the dance shops and you'll get a good idea where to start looking.

You can also check out universities, community colleges, YM/YWCA and community centres for group classes and ballroom clubs. Talking to people there can be helpful. You usually don't have to be a university student to join the university club.

Avoid the "Cult" followings: Teachers who are popular because they teach a million steps. You want teachers who put you into competition and produce placings and not just teach you steps.

95% of what group classes teach is ankles down.

95% of what you need to know is ankles up.

OB

Where i take lessons, it is only $87 a week for two forty-five min. private lessons, unlimited group lessons and a 2 1/5 hour practice party. but im in Connecticut, so that is far from you.

Now THATS value !!!!!

Do yourself a favor and go to the Atlanta Competition on the 8th through the 10th. You will see some great dancing and some wonderful teachers. Watch the Pro-Am competitions. Ask for cards! Talk to students. You will soon find out who are some of the best teachers in your area. I live in Arizona and pay 90 dollars for 45 minutes but take from a seasoned professional who is in my opinion one of the best in the state.

I must in all good conscience qualify the advice to attend a pro-am event with the purpose of finding a teacher. As long as you have no intention of competing with a professional partner then that strategy might be OK.
If, however, you let one of them talk you into doing so, what you're spending now will seem as nothing compared to the expense of competing in pro-am.

jj

Guess it's a matter of one's opinion. I'm not complaining about what I pay.