So I am in the very beignning stages of ballroom dancing, and I just wanted to know if people who are familiar with ballroom, could offer me a few pointers. I am concerned with what type of shoes I should be practicing in, when I should I start looking for a partner(I want to compete), what are finances like for ballroom dancers who compete, and anything else that anyone would feel that I should know coming into this business.

You didn't mention your age.
If you are at the very beginning, as you say, then I would give it some time before worrying about the other aspects.
Get comfortable dress shoes with leather bottoms, and determine how much you really like doing this and how much time and money you would be willing to put into it.
The veteran instructors will provide some insights, I am sure, but this is coming from a guy who has been dancing for more than 40 years, enjoys it a lot, has developed a lot of skills and quite a syllabus, but had another skill set that was steadier in terms of making a living. So be aware, that could happen to you as well. It is an art form and sport that you can enjoy for a lifetime, without the stress of trying to make a living at it or competing.
Don't be disappointed if you fall into that category. There's lots of us out there.
Good luck.

Thank you for your input. I am 19 yrs old. So would you suggest that I continue on with the group lessons and private lessons for now? Then worry about finding a partner later?

Some will tell you that you need to work with a teacher by yourself before taking on a partner. That advice is sheer nonsense.

Working with a partner allows your teacher to observe you clearly, something that teachers cannot do when they must also serve as their students' partners.

Also, having a partner means that you can practice as much as you need. To practice with a teacher, you have to pay the same fee that you;d pay for a lesson.

As young as you are, you should not have that much trouble finding a partner. Don't overlook the propsect of working with an older amateur.

jj

I'm not going to offer direction, just offer info on what you're getting into price-wise.

My first pair of shoes with suede soles cost me $50; introductory shoes still cost about that. Solid black, 1" heels, found by searching for "ballroom dance shoes" on google maps

Group classes are usually $5-$15 and teach you steps, but usually don't teach you how to lead them. Don't discount footwork

Private lessons are usually $50-$150 and teach steps, posture, frame, basic choreography and floorcraft. Rental of an air-conditioned, maintained floor is included in that price.

Coachings are $50-$??? and teach minute mechanics, choreography, or a combination.

"Team matches" (small competitions between local studios) can be as inexpensive as $15 a heat ($15 a dance)

The only collegiate competition I've done was $45 a person, as many dances as you want. This was all amateur partners

Adult amateur competitions can be $70 a person via USA Dance

Professional/Amateur competitions can cost $1000 or more. It's a lot more, but it takes YEARS for an amateur guy to lead correctly and YEARS for an amateur woman to follow correctly, so most people compete this way. This is done with the person with which you take private lessons.

Non-team match competition estimated prices don't include airfare/hotel/food if they are elsewhere.

I'm not going to post my salary, even with a pseudonym, but will state my career: I'm a software developer. Most other guys I've met who stick with it are the same, or doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants... all middle/upper-middle class professionals who need an outlet for art & sport. Same with the women involved who stick with it.

Amateur men will learn to lead and amateur women will learn to follow most rapidly by working with an amateur partner. Pro/am, in addition to being the most expensive way to learn to dance, is also the least efficacious.

jj

Chester-Smith, your number one task is to find an amateur partner and you should not put off doing so. You will develop much more quickly as a dancer and you'll enjoy dancing much more than trying to learn to dance without one.

Good luck.

jj

This is the way I feel, but with some instructors they have sugessted that I wait and become more familiar with the dances. Right now I am in intro to Samba. After this class I am signed up for intro Cha Cha.

Assuming that your classes are well matched (i.e. have about the same number of men and women), you don't really need a partner unless you want to practice.

If you enjoy working with another student in the class, ask that person to meet you for practice sometime. Partnerships have developed from such arrangements.

Before beginning private lessons, though, you really should have a partner.

jj

Well thank you for your advice, and I think I will begin my search for a partner, because my classes are not evenly matched and it is quite difficult to practice without one.