First of all - I personally would not pre-pay anyone $7000 for dance lessons, even with a contract that spelled out refund terms.
Having said that, it may not necessarily be a bad deal: we don't know how many lessons Isabel would get for $7000, nor the quality of her instructor. If Isabel got only 50 lessons for that or got a poor quality instructor, well, then yes, it's probably a bad deal.
But, on the other hand, I know one pro-am student who pays $70 per hour for lessons with an instructor (with a good string of competitive accomplishments); she takes 2 lessons every week - so that's 104 lessons per year or $7280. So, if that student paid $7000 a year for lessons, s/he would probably think that $7000 was a fair deal.

One of my (independent)instructors reminds me every so often that I can pre-pay for lessons and get a bit of a discount. I always decline. I do not see that as "pressure" to buy a package - but I suppose others would and would complain. And then, there are still other people who would be upset if he DIDN'T remind them that they could pre-pay for a discounted price and would claim that he offers it only to "special" students. Teachers can be damned if they do and damned if they don't.

We don't know the whole context of Isabel's studio. What she feels is pressure from the studio might not be pressure at all in someone else's book. However, in Isabel's case, it makes her uncomfortable, she doesn't trust them and that alone is good enough reason to look for a different teacher/studio.

The $7,000 would be for 70 lessons which is $129.00 per hour less the $1875 I already have paid them.

Thanks for he help. I am going to ask for my money back that I have left. I think I will be too uncomfortable to continue there. Its really a bummer because my teacher seemed like someone with integrity.

Isabel, I'm so sorry you got taken like that. There is no way they gave you anything close to what you paid for. Here in Warner Robins, Ga and the surounding towns ther are many places to take lessons. Both chain and otherwise. Unfortunatly your story is typical of chains. I normally pay $12.00 per hour for both bronze and silver level lessons. Another class I attend is a non profit group and they charge $5.00 dollars an hour, yes that's FIVE dollars. Because its so cheap, many of us volunteer to help out. Although private lessons can cost you $60.00 an hour, unless I decide to compete, I'll never need them. The lesson is, and tell all you know, "STAY AWAY FROM CHAINS!" SCAM - SCAM - SCAM

I really am getting more angry with them and wish there was more I could do to prevent others from making the same mistake.

I know this is really late in response. But thought I would put in my two cents.
I probably have at least seen you or know you, since I also dance there. Yes, you do have to pre-pay and sign contracts, but you can get your money back. I think the pressure of their sales tactics is horrible, but they do have excellent teachers and you will gain the information you wanted to know. I'm a little surprised in reading this chain to find even the owner of "Shall We Dance" (Mona) takes lessons in Chandler. Talk to her personally and find out what she thinks.
I love dancing there, but it is expensive, and there is that old adage, "You get what you pay for".

I taught for a chain several years ago. From experience, I would recommend and independent studio/teacher and as the other post recommeded, one who produces good dancers. I taught for a couple of years in the early 90's and I hated the high pressure sales techniques. I started dancing again as a student and one of my earlier co-workers had gone independent, so I took lessons from him.
I can't afford much myself and the pay-as-you-go works fine for me. In the midwest we pay $70 per lesson. I'm starting to compete, and that rasies the bar financially, but I am getting great technique as a result.

PLEASE remember - not ALL chains are evil and not ALL independents are the answers to students' prayers. (Where do you think SOME independent instructors learned about sales techniques????) And SOME independents haven't learned reputable sales techinques at all.
If you are student at EITHER a chain or an independent studio - ASK them about their lessons rates, discounts, pre-paid lessons, competition rates, etc. If they are reputable, they will answer your questions.
And, NO, it DOES NOT imply that you have to be "mean and nasty" to get the information - all you have to do is ask your questions in a perfectly conversational manner. If, after your initial questions, either the chain or independent becomes evasive - well, THAT is the time for your caution radar to go into overtime.