My name is Latesha Murray and I would love to learn how to dance like a star. I'm running into problems because I don't have a partner and I don't want to pay 70 dollars an hour for lesson. I believe it is very expenseive. I live in TX so I guess I will just keep looking and hoping that I learn to dance.

Try checking out Continuing Education programs at your local high school or university. It's a whole lot cheaper, and even if you're not a beginner -- well, you might find a partner.

Sad to say, but the money is
the problem for lots of young
dancers. Unless you can enroll
in some high quality classes
at Brigham Young University, or
somewhere equal. This is a
problem for adults to that are
trying to save for retirement, kids
education, travel and etc.
Private dance lessons are expensive
and cost anywhere from $45 to $70
per lesson. Some college teams
give you a break on lessons and
Utah has some High School Ballroom
dance teams that are well coached
by high quality teachers. Or possibly
some young Russians around NJ and NY
that get high quality lessons from
relatives or close friends.

The USA is not a big supporter
of high quality classes--they are
hard to find and most teachers
probably think that too many
classes will take away the $
from private lessons. Plus most
Americans are not so intersted in
developing the difficult technique.

I attended a Latin technique class and
was very excited about it. It was just doing drills of the basics over and over. After about 10 classes the attendance dropped from 10 to about 2 and then was discontinued.

Just went to a large Pro Am and the
average age lady (that has money) was
about 65 dancing with a much younger
dance host. You could just feel
the presence of money. Lots of Bronze level classes, however, everyone had a great time.

Jim. It is a pity about the Latin Technique Class . That is the only way to get to a higher standard. In the technique class I attend if we take the Rumba International Style. We have a routine both sexes do the same. One behind each other around the hall, we have a Back Basic . A Spiral and a Three step Spin. Walks and a couple of Cucaracha. Spot Turns. All in one package. It is never boring. And remember when Karen Hardy was asked how long would I have to do Rumba Walks. The answer was forever. There is no other way.

Anonymous 3. You must go to the same dance school as Serendipidy. Maybe you know each other.

Sometimes dance studios let people work in the studio to pay for some or all of their lesson fees. Take some group lessons (usually about $10-12 a lesson)at a local studio and, when you get to know the instructors and owners, ask if they would work something out with you for private lessons. It can't hurt!

I've dropped out of college and started working full time for my partner and I to be able to afford lessons. My advice would be to try to find some friends.. or make some new ones who might be interested in pooling your money together to pay for a small group private lesson. this way you can still receive quality instruction without having to pay the full amount out of your own pocket. :)

Another option is to buy a DVD and learn some of the basics / steps / combinations from there. I found that while learning from a live instructor is best (group class or private, depending on your level), a good DVD is a very effective learning tool.

Group classes can be an option, at $ 10-$ 15 per class.

Taking semi-privates could work too - 2-3 people chip in for a private and the coach works with all of you at the same time.

Learning some basics then going to a social dance to practice and learn new stuff is fun too, many parties offer an hour long lesson before the partying begins. Cost of party - $ 5 - $ 15.

Hope this helps - keep on dancing! When there is a will, there is a way .

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!