Was wondering what people's opinions are about independent studios vs chain studios.

Pros vs cons?

Yes, that sounds about right

The chains all have a strict format of teaching, usually telling you that you need to be a well rounded dancer. The Independent studios have more flexibility. My studio allows me to take any instruction I want, any time I want. I started with what I liked, and moved to other dances when I wanted.

Along with the strict format that they adhere to religiously, chains make you sign a contract and they are not cheap (or even reasonable). Some (not all) create this cult-like atmosphere and people are afraid to go anywhere else. In my city, the chains are aggressive. They tell students they are "not allowed" to go anywhere else to dance not even socially. When a friend of mine was reprimanded by her instructor for going to a dance on a weekend without clearing it with him first, she walked out and never went back. Others I know, love the "family" atmosphere and are willing to pay the big bucks to get it. Instruction varies as it does with independent studios. Be aware that although you might be paying $120.00 for 45 minutes, your poor instructor is getting $15.00 - $20.00 of that only. They might have just learned the steps minutes before you walked in via video. We often have instructors from the chains look for work at our studio because they are uncomfortable with the sales aspect.
Independent studios can be good or bad. Some instructors are employees and at my studio have to be fully qualified and continue to upgrade their skills. Other instructors pay floor fees and the studio has no control over their qualifications. I would ask an instructor if they take regular coaching sessions. If they say "no, I know everything about dancing", be wary.
It is hard for a new dancer to know what is best, but do not succumb to the hard-sell tactics of the chains until you have explored a few other options.

The problem isn't with chains - the problem is with the idea that dance training is something you purchase from a studio, rather than from a teacher. A good teacher can do well by both their students and themselves, but its much harder to set up a relationship between owner, employee, and student which is to the financial- and dance- benefit of all three. What all long-term students eventually discover is that their individual teacher matters far more than the building in which their lessons are held. Don't shop for a studio - instead, shop for the specific teacher who meets your needs, and beware of a hosting business which inserts itself too heavily into that relationship, considers you their "property", claims the right to replace your teacher with another, etc. Ultimately it is no surprise that the best teachers are in business for themselves. And since they provide fair rates without packages, their students don't run any risk of paying for future lessons they might not be able to use, either if their needs change or if their teacher eventually proves unsatisfactory. Find the best teacher for your needs today, and if your needs change, look at your other options.

I too experienced the chain dance studio climate a few years ago. You can dance anywhere you want as long as it's at any of their locations. Go anywhere else and you will get scolded. After about a year of that I tried an independant studio. Wished I had gone sooner. You get more personalized instruction and do the dances you want to do, not what the book tells you. I say check both out so you'll know the difference but I bet you'll end up at an independant.

The Chain is a good place to start because it forces you to check out dances you might not think you will enjoy. It also get your in shape for dancing. Once you get the basics down independent studios are the best for advance instruction and they are more cost effective.

Independant studios teach you to dance and franchise "chain" studios will also teach you to dance. The difference between the two is chain studios have taught millions of satisfied students from all walks of life and, well, actually so have independant studios. Having been an instructor for both I would say the real difference is with Chains you usually pay for a private lesson with unlimited groups and parties included and independant studios charge for all lessons, classes and parties seperately. In the end it usually amounts to the same cost

Either have potential if they will support what YOU want and not what THEY want you to want. A good sale technique but really, why do YOU want to dance, what would it benefit you and what can THEY really give you that anyone else in the same business or what online instruction cannot? It is "good" business to give you what you want and "better" business to show you the difference.

I wanted to compete at a local comp and was told WE DO NOT DANCE OUTSIDE THE FAMILY. YOU WILL GO TO X INSTEAD.

Um no, as the customer I will go where I please. I was at the end of my contact. I meet the goal I need to move forward. They all fell off their rockers when I didn't reup. When asked why I told the they didn't bother to hear ME. I want to go to THIS comp not one YOU tell me to go to. I'm OUT.

I now know WHY they don't compete out side the family!!! They don't teach so one CAN compete outside the faimly. - Unless you are the kids of the studio owners. Mom and Dad go outside the family to emoplyee teachers for these kids.