Now THATS value !!!!!

Do yourself a favor and go to the Atlanta Competition on the 8th through the 10th. You will see some great dancing and some wonderful teachers. Watch the Pro-Am competitions. Ask for cards! Talk to students. You will soon find out who are some of the best teachers in your area. I live in Arizona and pay 90 dollars for 45 minutes but take from a seasoned professional who is in my opinion one of the best in the state.

I must in all good conscience qualify the advice to attend a pro-am event with the purpose of finding a teacher. As long as you have no intention of competing with a professional partner then that strategy might be OK.
If, however, you let one of them talk you into doing so, what you're spending now will seem as nothing compared to the expense of competing in pro-am.

jj

Guess it's a matter of one's opinion. I'm not complaining about what I pay.

Please forgive me if I sounded a little sharp with that last post. But I don't consider that what I pay for lessons is too much. One of my teachers was the 2006 World Mambo Champion, and was on this season's Dancing With The Stars-Fabian Sanchez. I have the privilege of being able to learn from him and also from some of the most talented dancers in the country. I agree it all depends on what level of dance that you want to achieve. I am in to competitve dancing. But I do also enjoy social dancing. There are many places that you can check into and many different prices that you can pay for lessons whether private or in a group setting. It all depends on what you want to do with your dancing-what your goals are. I enjoy all the different levels of dancing. Good luck with whatever that you choose.

The " worlds " of anything does not always translate into best( teacher ) .

And, particularly in the genre you mentioned .

I knew when I posted that advice about the expense of competing in pro/am that I would see such a response.

My only purpose is to advise the original poster about one of ballroom dancing's pitfalls. I personally know three individuals who have gone broke participating in this activity.

But if you have the money to burn and you enjoy it then knock yourself out. All I ask is that you don't recommend pro/am to new ballroom dancers without also advising them of the expense . . . and it is far more expensive than competing as part of an amateur couple.

jj

Unfortunately, that is not always an option

For now, my main interest is social dancing. Once I advance some, who knows what might change. If working with other dancers who compete or perform would help me, I would defintely consider it. I am not really on a tight budget and I am willing to invest whatever I need to, I just want to make sure i am getting what I am paying for and it seems that currently I am not. thanks again for all of the info from everyone.

What a rip!! My husband and I just finished a 15-week course through continuing education from our local community college for a total of $230!! Each session was 1 hour. Granted, it was a group lesson, we still gained good basic knowledge of many dance routines. Good luck, and I hope you find cheaper lessons.