Just looking for opinions on the advantages or disadvantages of learning from a franchise or a private studio...

It never hurts to check out your other options, so if you think you might want to move on, maybe it is time. You won't know until you've tried some group classes or parties or lessons someplace else. Either you'll find teachers and an atmosphere that you like better, or you'll come back confirmed that you're at the right place for you.

It really depends on the quality of the teachers and management at the studio.

In general, people who compete tend to prefer independent studios and independent teachers because the costs are lower (especially for competitions) and the level of instruction is often higher. There are no contracts, although often you can buy "blocks" of lessons.

I first learned to dance at a franchise studio and it was very good experience. The studio was well-managed and they sponsored visas for some talented European dancers to come there and teach. So, even though it was a franchise, we had people teaching there who recently have been in the top two in the US in their style. My teacher later became a US champion. I didn't have a lot of money and couldn't afford the standard competition packages, but we always worked out something that allowed me to compete at a price point I was comfortable with. In many respects I was very fortunate, because I've heard horror stories lately of people being asked to pay as much as $10,000 just to dance in a studio showcase!!

So, basically, shop around at all your options, both franchise or not. Check out the teachers and classes. Ask lots of questions. Don't sign anything anywhere until you feel like you understand your costs, what you're actually getting, how accomplished your teachers are, how good a job they've done with their other students, and what their group classes and practice policies are like.

Oh, and if a studio gives you some marlarky about how they are better because they have a different syllabus/step list than the others, cross them off your list. It's hooey. Step lists don't make good dancers, patient teachers who understand good technique and how to teach it do. It's a really good idea to look for teachers who have certification from the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association), or the US Terpsichore Association. These are third-party examining bodies. If you're at a studio, especially a franchise, that only uses an in-house training and certification program, be very careful. Some of those in-house training programs are very short and you could be getting a teacher who's only been dancing three to six months longer than you have!

Thanks for your input Laura ! I am currently learning in a franchise with instructors that meet your criteria. I am challenged and comfortable where I am, just wondering if it is time to move on after a year. Competition is not a goal, just a good all round set of dance skills.