Also, if you divide 35 group classes and 35 private lessons into $6000, you are paying $85 a lesson.
This is a misleading sales gimmick.
"See, we're giving you 70 items at $85/item."
It's not broken down in comparison.
In our area group classes average $6/hr to $8/hr but I'll look at it in your area.
At $10/hr group classes that's $350.
Going the studio route mentioned means passing on the independent group classes you're essentially paying (6,000 - 350)/35 = $161.43/hr for the private lessons.
At $15/group class it's (6,000 - 525)/35 = $156.43/hr.
For that kind of money you'd want to make sure the teacher really is qualified if you're there for the dancing instead of the socializing.
If it's the social aspect vs. dance aspect that's important it's cheaper to go to a bar preferably one with dancing. After a few beers at least I'd think I was dancing pretty well.
The basic package being peddled around here is "The Ten":
2 private, 3 group, 3 practices, 3 supervised practices, all 45 minute sessions, for $216.00
And gee, guess what, our "Ten" is really "Eleven"! A bonus! (sales technique). Less than $20 per item!
However, locally through our club the 3 group, 3 practices, 3 supervised practices, all 45 minute sessions, can be achieved for $15". That's right: $15 with group classes taught by teachers at the "Member" ISTD/CDTA level.
(For those not aware the ISTD levels for teaching are: student, associate, member, fellow. You can't even reach student teacher level without years of experience and teacher training.)
Passing on this for the chain means you're essentially paying $201 for two 45 minute private lessons (taught here by 2 kids just trained out of high school) or $134/hr.
"Member" level private teachers here charge $60/hr. hall included.
As for "independent" I think there is a misconception for some on this. "Independent" does not necessarily mean "independent studio". Many of us here are referring to "independent teachers" who teach privately at home, in a rented hall or possibly a studio. All the independent teachers here rent halls.
Note: Many chains are owned/operated by people with ISTD or equivalent certification. You could always ask them to be your teacher. However, at what I understand the chains pay I doubt many teachers who are not owner/operators would have ISTD or equivalent certification.
Note also: Chains have higher overhead so there is some justification in charging more.
Good luck whatever you do.
OB