Just recently I fell in love with ballroom dancing but there's cost issue. No wonder not too many people dance. Who can afford it. I'm in Arizona, on the west side of Phoenix. Does anybody have any information about cheaper lessons. I called around looking for independent instructor but the cost is same as in the studio.

Have you thought about taking group classes? They are much less expensive than private lessons.

Where I live, private lessons cost as much as a private session with a personal trainer at the gym, or a massage. Lots of people have personal trainers and get massages, so I don't see the private lessons as being too out of line where I live. Quality individual attention and instruction costs money, no matter what the field of endeavor.

Group classes are much more economical. If you want more individualized attention at a lower price, you might see if you can create your own "mini-group." Some teachers I know will take two to six people (usually wedding parties) all at once, and the students just split the regular hourly fee.

I started out with group lessons then went to private because I really want to concentrate and learn to be an excellent dancer. It can be expensive. I actually got a part time job to pay for it. Since I pay for private lessons my teacher lets me attend as many group classes as I want for free. Thats good for practice time. I agree with the "mini group" thing. My parents and another couple take a private lesson. It is still 50 an hour but they split it and still get more personal attention than in a class with 20 people. Good luck with your dancing.

Thank you for response. My problem is the studio I take lessons at does not offer group lessons. I guess I have to look more around. In the meantime I would appreciate any information about Phoenix/Arizona ballroom dancing.

Keep looking then. Most studios will offer group lessons simply because it's the best way to attract new students. The studio I go to charges $65 for a private lesson and $10 for a group. I never would have signed up for private lessons without being able to try group lessons first to see if I would even like it.

Also, a lot of studios will offer packages that will include a number of private lessons, a number of group lessons and a number of dance parties. There's a studio here in Las Vegas that offers 10 privates/10 groups/10 parties for about $500.

The thing to do is check around and see who offers what. It may not necessarily be the studio closest to your home, but it may be the studio that's right for you. Also, check the internet. That's how I started looking. Go to Google and type in "ballroom dancing phoenix" and see what comes up. I'm sure you'll find there's way more than just the one studio you've come in contact with.

I think what you can do - if you're a little skilled ;)- to save money is:
try to learn some basic steps and movements from videos at home, f.e. you can use the videos on this website or buy a dvd which is eligible for the dance level you're at. On some dvd's technique is also described but that's harder to copy than just the steps.
Many dance studios offer free practise partys and hours, where you can try the new steps.
Not everyone can learn dancing by videos, but if you can do this you need less private lessons and save some money. But in any case you'll need a few private lessons, at least once in a month to improve.

This is great idea. I will certainly try this with one DVD to see if can do it. I have also found info on dance camps. I wonder if anybody attended one and could share her/his experience. Should I even consider this? Maybe it's waiste of money and instead I should use the money to get more private lesson. It's $1200 in LA/four days of nothing but dance, hotel accommodations included.

You might also contact your local universities, community colleges, community centres and YM/YWCAs, etc. as they often offer group classes.

There might also be a local ballroom dance society of some sort in your area.

Try plugging in your community and ballroom dance at Google and see what pops up.

OB

$1,200 in LA! Ouch! (Or were you talking a couple?)

Why not try these instead. BTW, Both of these sell out but BYU's sells out very quickly:

http://ce.byu.edu/cw/cwdance/2006/a_ballroom.cfm

http://masterycamps.com/dance_camp_las_vegas/


OB

Oh my! What a difference! Thank you!