ggigg2, an amateur should start out by consulting other amateurs.

The LA chapter of USADance maintains a list of local schools and instructors. Here's a link: LA Dance Schools and Instructors.

Do your best to find an amateur partner; you'll learn faster and have more fun. Dance studios and instructors are unlikely to help you find one.

Whatever you do, don't get roped into doing pro/am - unless you're independently wealthy and don't really care whether you learn to dance or not.

Good luck and happy dancing.

jj