I just want all of you to know the value of your comments. I feel like this site has really made a difference for me and has helped me through some hard times as I've worked through issues pertaining to learning and instructors and franchise studios.

I was at a franchise for more than 2 years and my treatment there was making me miserable. I posted questions and asked for suggestions and it took me a little while to build up the courage but I left...and on your advice....especially anymouse....and seredipidy, I found a great situation.

I now have a teacher who dances because he loves it. He is actually teaching me technique and even after only three lessons I now understand how much I don't know. In my old studio...not naming franchises...I was mistaken for a pro even by visiting instructors. In this studio there is no mistake...I'm really honsestly the worst person dancing and it gives me great hope because it means if I work and push maybe I'll start looking the way I want to look, which was never going to happen where I was.

So a heartfelt thank you for the advice and for the person who put this site together. Your help has really made a difference in my life.

Very cool story, and I am glad you are in a place that will best feed your desire and talent. Many good instructors have come out of the franchises after years of training. My instructor was with them for many years in his youth, but he now works for a private studio and explains the differences. Basically, the franchise studios have a system for keeping you interested, but also not allowing you to advance too quickly. You can learn a lot, but in a longer period of time. But many of them do have terrific instructors. Many very knowledgeable posters on this site have either gone through the studio ranks or remain associated in some fashion, and they know far more than I do about how the studios have evolved. The bottom line is finding what works for you. It appears you have done that.