Hello All,

I am new to this board and new to dancing as well! I have been searching local dance studios in regards to taking private ballroom dance lessons (I'm in PA), but I am unable to get a general price range for lessons from any of them. They all want me to go in for a "dance analysis" session first where they can then customize a lesson package for me. I think this is great, but I still would like to have an idea of the cost ahead of time.

So my question to all you dancers is this - what average price can I expect to pay for private lessons, probably once a week for about an hour?? I realize it's different everywhere, but I would really like an idea before I go to these "dance analysis" sessions.

Thank you, dancers!!!

It's been my experience that the Chain studios won't tell you their price before going in for a free lesson or "analysis" - because their price will frighten you away! If you go to a place like Arthur Murray (see the previous thread with all the gripes about this place) and they will charge you around 120$/45min (depending on location). Find a good private studio and you'll get better teachers and pay anywhere from 50-75$/hr. You really have to research your area and how far you're willing to go for quailty and price, and what you want to get from it (valid learning or social atmosphere).

Thank you very much for this reply, I really appreciate it!

I had a feeling the price would be somewhere along those lines!

Here in UK, private instruction from a qualified dance teacher tends to be around £25-30/hr (outside Central London).

In my area, the services of an experienced Fellow/Examiner for professional examination preparation can be had for £30/hr.

Group classes (for a comparison) are usually in the range £4-6/hour.

Hi valwex217! welcome to the world of dance (-: Franchise chain studios typically sell "packages" in that you start at a certain level "newcomer" and process through their syllabus requirements to get to the next level "bronze" as you buy more and more lesson packages. I started with a chain studio and was paying triple digit $135 per 40 minute lesson(s). Found other ways to get what I wanted from dancing at the average rate of $75 per 50 minute lesson with an independing teacher who travels and rents floor space. And, I also took group lessons at the local college for $5 to $10 a group lesson evening - this helped to emphasize what I was learning from my independent teacher. Who encouraged me to dance with multiple partners, groups, etc as I advanced through syllabus levels. For me, having a teacher who was cost conscience for the students was really great as well. Some independent studios will sell packages as well, have group practice parties, etc etc. Some studios will ask for you to pay in advance - beware. Ask alot of questions - you'll eventually find what your looking for.