If you analyze AM or FADS or one of their derivative non-franchised studios you will find they are a social club that teaches some dancing. Don't worry...that's ok...so long as you understand you are paying mainly for the club even when you take a lesson. Most studios--in spite of what they tell you--follow this formula because being around fun people sells. I one time had a bouncer in an upscale bar tell me "Those dance studio's just rip people off." I told him, "Well if they do, at least the people learn something and have exercise rather than a bar contributing only to cirrhosis of the liver." ADVICE 1: Manage your expenses and stretch out your lessons. The studio formula is "private lessons" are what they sell...and once you are under contract, they burn those out first and fast. [Excuse given..."you want to get the most for your money and learn the fastest don't you?] . Whatever they tell you about group lessons it is private lessons they sell and what they gauge upon. ADVICE 2: Whatever program you buy, be aware DURING that program they are working a procedure on you to get you to buy more. Their goal is to find out what objections you have to not buying more.