yes, private lessons are expensive. I have acted in musicals and dramas and did competition cheerleading for MANY years and ballroom is by far the most expensive activity! It would be much cheaper to find a partner to do them with but that is easier said then done. I dance once a week with my instructor for about an hour. I personally love it and have a lot of fun! Me and my instructor are both young and the same age so we get along great and have a good connection. For me the money I put towards the class is well worth it. The big difference is if you take what you learn and practice it at your house. This way next week you show improvement and can move on to learning new steps. It also depends on how much effort you put into dance outside the studio, too. Right now I just perform in showcases at my stuido. When I am older I might consider pro-am competitions but that also requires lots of money :O( As I get older I will be a lot busier so if I compete in a competition at least once a year that would be fine. Any advice I can give is to just enjoy yourself! If money is tight at times then try dancing every other week. Studios still offer showcases to perform in and show your talent! I learn more in my private then when I did group. I am use to always be in training no matter what I am doing so practice at home and just enjoy it!! Maybe you will find a partner soon!