Cost of Private Lessons

[linggg]

Was wondering what the market price is for private one on one lessons (don't have a partner) in the UK for Latin dancing. I plan on going full out (practice 3 times a week) to attain at least a silver medal (medal tests) by say May 2004. I have little dancing experience but am quite a fast learner..and am very very very very interested in Latin DanceSport.

[pygmalion]

Hi linggg.

I'm from the US, so I don't know the going rate over there.

My comment is on your medal test. I'm taking a medal exam this week,
and, although I'm working on the silver syllabus, I am required to take the lower-level bronze exam first.

It might be a good idea to check with the administering organization for your exams to see what they require, so you won't be disappointed.

[linggg]

Thanks for the quick reply, pygmalion, I'm not sure about the medal tests but will check it out when I'm back in the UK. They'll probably make me go for a Bronze first, though someone told me that you could actually do a Bronze and Silver test at the same time.

[SDsalsaguy]

I'm not sure about classes for medals, but when I was over in England before Blackpool the going rate at the "elite" studios in south London was £40 per 45-minute lesson. Might be different elsewhere but, hopefully, will give you a ballpark...

[MissAlyssa]

I'm not sure on the conversion but here lessons are anywhere from 70-90 dollars per 45min.

[pygmalion]

Just out of curiosity, MissAlyssa, does that fee include group classes and parties?

Around here, lessons at an independent studio with no extras included run about $60-$70 per hour.

The franchise studios charge about $100 - $120 per hour (45 minute lessons -- I just did the math), but include unlimited participation in classes and parties. A great value, if you go to classes and parties. And, the prices are discounted from $120 down to about $100 an hour if you buy large numbers of lessons at a time.


By the way, group classes run anywhere from $8 - $10 each.

[Vince A]

Just got back from competitions in San Jose, and am catching up on threads . . .

Added up our (wife and I) $$$ for dance lessons only during the month of August . . . $1,260 . . . privates only! It was worth it considering the results of this past weekend!

Do it! You'll never regret what you learn if you love to dance!

[DanceMentor]

Here in Atlanta, privates usually cost $65-75/hour. However there are plenty of teachers who charge less (like me). The chain studios do charge more but you do get groups and parties.

If you want to be really good, you HAVE to take private lessons. If you are more just a swing or salsa dancer, you really need to get involved with a dance team as well as go to some of the conventions.

[MissAlyssa]

Just out of curiosity, MissAlyssa, does that fee include group classes and parties?

Around here, lessons at an independent studio with no extras included run about $60-$70 per hour.

The franchise studios charge about $100 - $120 per hour (45 minute lessons -- I just did the math), but include unlimited participation in classes and parties. A great value, if you go to classes and parties. And, the prices are discounted from $120 down to about $100 an hour if you buy large numbers of lessons at a time.


By the way, group classes run anywhere from $8 - $10 each.

private lessons can be converted into group classes. we don't hold private parties, we have the kind of parties where we take our students out to dance clubs/bars/restaurants for appetizers and 3 hours of dancing. those are extra.

[linggg]

Just like to say thanks to all for the input! Really appreciate it. At least now I know roughly how much money to put aside for lessons.

Oh and if wanted to learn one (latin american) dance at a time, which one do you suggest i start with first? Someone told me that I should learn the Rumba first (since its steps are almost the same as the chacha and jive) and that it's a slow dance so its easier to get the techniques right first before advancing to a faster dance such as the chacha/jive. Is that true?

[DanceMentor]

Yes, Rumba is slower, so you have more time to think about what you are doing. It's true. You'll especially encounter the same patterns in chacha. I think it's good to learn a little bit about all the dances. I think you'll learn faster in the long run. At least learn how to do the basic steps.

[sambagirl]

Speaking as a 2nd year Latin student now doing Open Gold routines, I agree you could start with Rumba -- but don't expect it to be "easier." Stepwise, it may seem easier, but technique wise it's very demanding. People spend lots and lots of money perfecting their rumba walks....

I also think that once you've gained a little experience and confidence you should start learning all five dances. If you are going for competition you want to be strong in all the dances you do.

Best of luck and have fun!

[pygmalion]

Wow, Sambagirl,

You've made so much progress in such a short time. Open gold. Wow. That is awesome! I mean, really awesome. :D

I agree with what you've said. Rumba walks, done properly, are hard. But rumba is as good a place as any to start. It's slow and controlled, so you have time to think about what you're doing.

The first studio I went to had something they called the "interrelated teaching system." You learned a bunch of stuff in rumba, and before you knew it, were doing similar steps in other dances. Cha cha especially.

I personally have taken the breadth, then depth approach. Learned a little about every dance I could, so I never have to sit down at a dance. Now I'm working on depth in a few dances. This works for me, but I guess it's really personal preference which way you want to approach it.

For example, a lot of the salsa dancers on this forum and elsewhere do salsa pretty much exclusively, because that's their passion. Nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what you goals are, and have a coach who can guide you there.

[MissAlyssa]

learning your rumba technique will DEFINETLY help your cha cha and other latin dances. it will help you get your motion down and you can practice your leg movements etc.

[Spitfire]

I'm not sure on the conversion but here lessons are anywhere from 70-90 dollars per 45min.

Multiply by .60 to convert dollars to pounds. This is the current conversion rate.

The going rate here in Tucson averages 65 dollars.

[youngsta]

For example, a lot of the salsa dancers on this forum and elsewhere do salsa pretty much exclusively, because that's their passion. Nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what you goals are, and have a coach who can guide you there.
That's very good advice! Decide on your goals before dropping the $$$. I am first and foremost a salsa dancer, but my cha cha and bachata are very good. I also know basics in WCS, ECS, Rumba, and Foxtrot.

[SDsalsaguy]

I am first and foremost a salsa dancer, but my cha cha and bachata are very good. I also know basics in WCS, ECS, Rumba, and Foxtrot.
:? :?:

Just curious, but where'd the foxtrot come from...it seems a bit out of place, no?

[pygmalion]

Oh and if wanted to learn one (latin american) dance at a time, which one do you suggest i start with first? Someone told me that I should learn the Rumba first (since its steps are almost the same as the chacha and jive) and that it's a slow dance so its easier to get the techniques right first before advancing to a faster dance such as the chacha/jive. Is that true?

Hey linggg,

Are you still out there? Any luck finding an instructor and choosing dances?


Jenn

[pygmalion]

Anybody else have input on how much they're spendig for private lessons? Japan? Australia? How are things out there? Anyone?

[DanceMentor]

I had this same discussion on a forum in Singapore, Dance RP Merleon (http://forums.rpmerleon.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=110). You should take a look over there. It would be interesting if some of us posted over there as well.

[MadamSamba]

Private lessons in Aus are between $45 and $55 for an hour-long lesson. Group lessons can be anything between $7 and $15 for an hour, but naturally it varies depending on your studio and what class it is.

DanceMentor, it's interesting that you brought up Singapore. I was there recently and (naturally) tried to book in for lessons, but it was outrageous...I called up first to try to book lessons as I was only there for four days. I wanted just one private lesson, but was told that on top of paying about $100 for a lesson, I had to book a minimum of three. I balked and had to go without, but it seemed pretty much the norm there...I only spoke to three or four studios, but they all had the same attitude. Another odd thing I found was that at one of the bars I went to I had to buy a drink (outrageously priced, of course, I think it was $15 or some such for a cocktail) to gain admission.

Now dancing crowds aren't noted for their drinking prowess, but I would have preferred to have paid $x for admission, but was told I couldn't and had to buy a drink. It was awful because I don't often drink and had to buy it anyway. I gave it away, but still... I thought that things were done quite strangely in Singapore. Of course, it was my only experience so please, guys, correct me if I'm wrong...

[Sagitta]

I am first and foremost a salsa dancer, but my cha cha and bachata are very good. I also know basics in WCS, ECS, Rumba, and Foxtrot.
:? :?:

Just curious, but where'd the foxtrot come from...it seems a bit out of place, no?

The slow quick quick of American rhumba and foxtrot . Seems similar to me no? Now if we have international rhumba and slow slow quick quick of foxtrot there does not seem to be as much in common....

[DancingMommy]

Anybody else have input on how much they're spendig for private lessons? Japan? Australia? How are things out there? Anyone?

$70 an hour for a full hour - no BSing or anything. But you know who our coach is, heheheheh 8)

[Kaltas]

As I read this thread I think it's gonna be very hard to dance overseas if I will come for visit :) ...
In our club (Czech Republic) group lessons are included in a monthly fee - $10 - practise 2 hours every day and group lessons with a very high-class teacher 2 times a week (1 lesson = 60 minutes)...
Cost of individual lessons depends of course on the teacher. I usually take lessons from two teachers - one is latin A class dancer (that means that he has a highest class for dancing in Czech Republic, but not international class yet) and he wants $4/couple for a 60 minutes lesson. The second teacher I train with is latin M class (international class) dancer, he has quite good results in IDSF competitons. He wants $10/couple for 60 minutes lesson. The very high class teachers - like Jan Voborský - see my thread abotu videos from Prague Open 2004 in Ballroom dance category wants $13/couple for 45 minutes. And the best teachers here in Czech Republic (for example IDSF adjudicators can take up to $20/couple for a 45 minutes lesson. I've never heard about a teacher that would want more than that - but, for sure, it's possible...

[pygmalion]

Wow! That's amazing. It seems that people in the US and a few Asian countries are paying a lot. :?

[Chris Stratton]

The slow quick quick of American rhumba and foxtrot . Seems similar to me no? Now if we have international rhumba and slow slow quick quick of foxtrot there does not seem to be as much in common....

The direction of causality may be opposite, but SSQQ foxtrot does have the same timing as single-time swing... And can be danced to the same music (though there's a slight difference of accents in the groove of foxtrot and swing music)

[Kaltas]

Wow! That's amazing. It seems that people in the US and a few Asian countries are paying a lot. :?

Well I don't think so. You must consider the difference between salaries :) ...

[pygmalion]

True. It would be interesting to see the relative prices normalized as a percentage of median income.

(Sounds like a research project. SD? :roll: :wink: )

[Kaltas]

OK :) the $13 lesson I wrote about up here is like 2% of average monthly salary (let's say high school teacher's salary).

[pygmalion]

Wow! I didn't expect you to actually answer that. Cool.

I believe we agreed that people who study at independent studios are paying $60 - $70 an hour (just remembering. I didn't re-read the whole thread.) People at franchise studios are paying $100 an hour or sometimes more.

The median individual income in the US is between $27,000 and $28,0000 a year (I looked it up on the US government web site because of a wedding cost thread last week. LOL) But the average teacher makes about $50,000 a year. So let's use the teacher's salary as a base, since that's what you're using.

$50000 is just over $4000 a month, minus about 30% in taxes. So roughly $3000 a month. I cannot believe this, but 2% of that is $60, unless my arithmetic (and powers of estimation LOL) are way off. So it looks like people at independent studios in the US pay approximately what you pay. Boy, am I glad I asked that question. Cool! :)

[Kaltas]

Wow! That's really interesting!!! I didn't expect it to be exactly 2% :shock: ... Great comparsion :) . Maybe the guys from other countries could do this too (using high school teachers salary) so we would have a great overview about prices in the whole world.

[123N]

Price of a private lesson in Hong Kong goes from US$ 15 with Mailand Chinese teachers to US$150 with ex-world champ or a Blackpool adjudicator. The high end falls somewhat near 2% of the school teacher salary here, which is around US$60-70K per year. The low end is very attractive if you can find a decent teacher with updated knowledge. Otherwise, you will be dancing stragne figures and a style only the local Chinese would appreciate.

The great thing about HK is that there are lots lots of top Blackpool competitors or ex-top competitors come by given lessons. You can even hire one of them to go tea dance with you, as long as you are willing to pay dearly.

[DanceMentor]

Welcome to the Dance Forums 123N!
Thanks for adding this insight about private lessons in China. It sounds like this might be a great place to plan a dance vacation! :D

[SDsalsaguy]

Welcome to the Dance Forums 123N, and thanks for the information! :D

[Ack, DM beat me to it! :lol: ]

[pygmalion]

This is turning into a very interesting thread. 8) Thanks for the info, 123N.

[Larinda McRaven]

Welcome 123N. We are looking forward to hearing more about dancing in China.

[123N]

Thank you, DanceMentor, SDSalsaguy, pygmalion and LM. Ballroom dancing is growing in China as more and more people are participating in the sport. Hong Kong, which is a tiny area at Southern China with about six million people, has fewer ballroom dancers. However, there are three different ballroom dance associations and about one competition held here every month througout the year. The cost is usually US$15 for small comps and around $40-50 for large ones. Trophies are much nicer than the ones one gets from comps in the States :P

May be people from other countries can write up something on their respective dance clubs or local dance scenes.

[Kaltas]

Thank you, DanceMentor, SDSalsaguy, pygmalion and LM. Ballroom dancing is growing in China as more and more people are participating in the sport. Hong Kong, which is a tiny area at Southern China with about six million people, has fewer ballroom dancers. However, there are three different ballroom dance associations and about one competition held here every month througout the year. The cost is usually US$15 for small comps and around $40-50 for large ones. Trophies are much nicer than the ones one gets from comps in the States :P

May be people from other countries can write up something on their respective dance clubs or local dance scenes.

This is interesting, you have only one competition every month? You mean in Hong Kong?

[123N]

Kaltas,

Yes, I was describing the average number of comps in Hong Kong. There are quit a few comps in China, afterall there are 6 million people in HK and 1.3 or 1.4 billion people in China. I heard over in China a couple had to dance 8 rounds before reaching the final. You've really got to be in pretty good shape to pull that one off. In Hong Kong, there are usually only two rounds, for any categories.

[Kaltas]

Hmm that sounds very crazy :) ... 8 rounds... Thanks for info :) .

[Laura]

A friend of mine just danced in a competition in China last weekend. I can't recall what city it was in...I think it was Shanghai, but it might have been Huangzhou. Anyway, they danced in the highest amateur level (there are two professional levels above them), and there were only two rounds in Standard. But she and her partner got second! It was their first competition together. My friend told me that the two pro levels were shown on television.

[123N]

There was a comp in the city Tianjin (northern China) recently. If you are talking about LF and company, that's comp they'd competed.

[newbie]

For argentine tango:
Pablo Veron 200 US dollars for 45 minutes
Carlos Gavito 150 US dollars for one hour

...which explains why, in the movie "The tango lesson", Sally Potter takes only one lesson with Pablo Veron.

[LilSammie89]

just in case anyone was still wondering about private lessons in the uk (i only briefly read the whole topic) my dance school charges around £17 an hour and classes are £3.75 although those are incredibly tedious. though bare in mind it depends on the area, eg, top london places are bound to charge more. =) [new here btw, just started dancing a little while ago]

[Sagitta]

just in case anyone was still wondering about private lessons in the uk (i only briefly read the whole topic) my dance school charges around £17 an hour and classes are £3.75 although those are incredibly tedious. though bare in mind it depends on the area, eg, top london places are bound to charge more. =) [new here btw, just started dancing a little while ago]

Thanks. And welcome to df. :D

[pygmalion]

Hi LilSammie89. Welcome. :D

[Beanie Baby]

I have been quoted prices of around $140 for a 45 minute lesson - whether with a pro or with my amateur partner. I find this a little steep - many professionals (in other career paths) don't even charge this much - and they generally had to go through at least 4-6 years of post-secondary education to get there!

[Katarzyna]

Who was the lesson with? Some teachers charge that much... Depending on past results and competitive experience...

[saludas]

I have been quoted prices of around $140 for a 45 minute lesson - whether with a pro or with my amateur partner. I find this a little steep - many professionals (in other career paths) don't even charge this much - and they generally had to go through at least 4-6 years of post-secondary education to get there!

Where are you geographically? And what technique? And finally, (and I'm asking the moderator) can you name names?

[dTas]

where are you? are you going to a franchise studio? is this an independant studio?

most studios (franchise) charge upwards of $100+ per hour in attempts to get you to buy a package. if you buy privates, groups, and parties then its less per hour.

if you find an independant studio or instructor then usually the price drops to 50-70 dollars per 55 minutes. shop around! talk to some students, go do other studios. try going to the studio's practice party, if its open to the public. usually there are students from other places that you can talk with and get the skinny from.

g'luck!

[labelledanseuse]

I have been quoted prices of around $140 for a 45 minute lesson - whether with a pro or with my amateur partner. I find this a little steep - many professionals (in other career paths) don't even charge this much - and they generally had to go through at least 4-6 years of post-secondary education to get there!

:shock: :shock: :shock:
I pay $50 for a 50 minute lesson. But I'm under 18, so it costs less for me. I used to pay $40 but they raised the price. :evil:

But that's still very expensive! At my studio, adults pay $75 for a 50 minute lesson with a pro. If a couple takes a lesson, it's $85. Other studios in my city charge around that price, too. I'm sure there are other studios here that charge much more than that, though.

I'd shop around before you decide to take lessons there... Are there any other studios in your area? I think you should definitely check it out before you settle for this one.

[pygmalion]

There's an older thread somewhere around here... :? Does anybody remember what it was called? Cost of private lessons?

[spatten]

Just so you know - 140$ will usually get you an hour (50min) with a top instructor/ in the nation or in the world. These people have almost always dance more than 4 - 6 years.

There are a few out there who ask more - eg. Gaynor Fairweather - but I thiink thats pretty close to the top tier. (And they probably deserve it!)

On the other end I have seen anywhere from 50$ - 100$ per 50 minutes for a instructor at local studios. This price will vary a lot based on geography, the studio's costs, the packages mixed with the lesson, and other factors such as the crowd they are trying to attract.

As a further reference I paid 70$/45 min for an excellent teacher - and 120$/45 min with Blackpool Finalists.

Hope that helps,
Scott

- PS - even as a lowly Senior Electrical Engineer my time gets billed at 120$/hr. So the professional (non-danceing ) world is in the same ballpark.

[Laura]

Unless you're taking lessons from a World Pro Finalist, I think $145 is WAYYYY too much. Think more in the $60-$80 range for independent pros who have been national finalists lately or who have fairly recent national titles.

[pygmalion]

I agree, Laura.

Here's an older thread where some people gave the goods on how much they pay, I think. Not the thread I was thinking of, but I don't have time to look. Gotta hit the road. :car:

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1703

Ha! I remembered the name of the author. Easy way to find it! 8)

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=669

There's enough info in these two threads so you can get a good feel for what people are paying, in the US and a couple other countries, IIRC. 8)

See ya later. :D

[jocemill]

i think that geography and availability has quite a bit to do with this issue... for example, in the middle of Indiana, I have the option of taking lessons with a franchise (whose students can really dance well), with the college dance club (who can dance fairly well), or with a private teacher (only teaches patterns, not actual steps and technique). While the franchise lessons are MUCH more expensive, i am willing to pay more for the individualized attention as well as the technique. Not that I'm dissing the other dancers in my area... :oops: They just lack some of the precision that my franchise studio has caused me to expect my partners to have... i'm so spoiled. :)

[Sakura]

:shock: :shock: :shock: I would never be able to afford a lesson if I had to pay $145!

Like jocemill, I'm in the middle of Indiana, and like labelledanceuse, I pay less because I'm under 18. I pay $40 for about a 50-60 minute lesson, but if I were over 18, it'd be $50; but the teachers all have danced for 6 years+, as far as I know, and all, again as far as I know, have competition experience or wins under their belts.

If I were you, I'd look around a bit more carefully before settling on paying that much. :shock: Whew!

Sakura Kitty :kitty:

[standardgirl]

My standard teacher normally charges $80 per hour (about 55 min), but I pay a discounted price since I am in college. My teacher and his wife have won a lot of rising star competitions in the past (don't compete in rising star anymore in the states), and they are regular finalist/semifinals in pro open standard in the states.

My former instructors in the studio (independent studio) charge $80 per hour for single lesson, and $65 per hour for a package of 10 lessons. They have won every single rising star competition they entered since end of last year.

$145 an hour is horrible, I am sorry to say that. I paid $150 per hour (and it's a full 60 mins) for my coaching with Stephen Hillier. Victor and Anna are visiting Toronto in April, and the cost is $125 per hour. Unless it's with a top pro in the world, $145 an hour is just TOO much!

[sunderi]

The only thing I would reiterate would be to check and see what is included in the price you were quoted.

I say this, because as a franchise instructor, I have witnessed many students have confusion over what price they were actually quoted. They often misunderstand and think that the price of one "unit" (one private lesson, two group classes and one practice party) is the price of one private lesson, which is not the case at all.

So, since that rate does seem REALLY high, make sure that really is only for a private lesson before you make a final decision.

[ChaChaMama]

We live in Maryland, and we pay $46/hour at an independent studio. Our teacher has been teaching for well over a decade, but isn't a top US competitor.

While living elsewhere, we took lessons with one of the top 6 US standard couples, and that was $69/50 mins, plus you got group classes free if you were taking privates.

:) ChaChaMama

[pygmalion]

I have to chime in with sunderi on this. Read the contract, if they let you see it before they're ready to close the deal. Mine always used to have the hourly rate calculated out and printed on the front. Also double-check and see what's included. Also, if you're willing to go through the rigamarole, ask if the price you've been quoted is the "regular price" or the block-of-lessons price. I'd be willing to bet that the figure will come down significantly before they press you to sign anything, if you're persistent.

The last package of lessons I bought at a franchise had a list price of almost $10,000. I paid about $7000. The "real" price was about seven grand, in my view, since the price always came down about that much, regardless. They'd give you a special promotion plus an extra discount for buying a block of lessons, plus another discount for paying cash. The price always came down in the neighborhood of 30% from the first price quoted. Incidentally, the hourly rate was slightly lower for 45-minute lessons than for 30-minute lessons. It was also significantly lower when you bought more lessons, rather than fewer, and slightly lower if you paid cash, rather than using the monthly installment plan. And, if you brought your spouse along, both of you got the "couples" discount.

Bottom line, it's just like buying a car. Don't pay the sticker price. :shock: :lol: :lol:

The franchise studio lesson price also included unlimited group lessons and practice parties, plus free showcase exhibitions. I don't know how many independents do that. Some do, but the ones I've been involved with never have. *shrug*

In my experience, lessons at a franchise cost more than at an independent studio. (I don't think it's necessarily wrong, btw. It's just true.) We've beaten to death the subject of why that's true in another thread, which I'll pull and post for you later. Busy day today. 8)

[Katarzyna]

The last package of lessons I bought at a franchise had a list price of almost $10,000. I paid about $7000. The "real" price was about seven grand, in my view, since the price always came down about that much, regardless.

Wow... I don't think I could put down $7,000 for lessons...

[pygmalion]

:lol: :lol: There are some advantages to being old... well, not that old. But old enough to have an early midlife crisis and figure I'm worth it. :lol: :lol:

[spatten]

Ok, that last reply scared me a bit. I woldn't sign a contract for dance lessons - and I don't purchase more than a handful at a time. So I somebody handed me a contract I would walk - its not like most studios can afford to turn away business.

I've taken violin, piano, tennis, golf, vocal private lessons all of which I have never signed a contract for. I see no reasons to require one for dancing.

Just my admittedly stubborn opinion.

[Chris Stratton]

:lol: :lol: There are some advantages to being old... well, not that old. But old enough to have an early midlife crisis and figure I'm worth it. :lol: :lol:

Oh, no question you are worth it. The concern is more, will you still think the teacher is worth it halfway through the package?

I did finally break down and start buying "packages" this spring... practice time in 10 hour blocks, for half the usual floor fee ;-)

[Katarzyna]

I have a fairly generous lesson budget, but this definitely beats my annual spending on lessons :shock:

Good for you!

[saludas]

:lol: :lol: There are some advantages to being old... well, not that old. But old enough to have an early midlife crisis and figure I'm worth it. :lol: :lol:

You are a targeted consumer with that attitude.

Spend on yourself what you want, but don't EVER misread what a dance studio is selling or what you are buying. The argument that 'you're worth it' is an ancient advertising gimmick and usually hits home, esp with boomers who are being confrionted with 'the last half of life' moment.... it goes hand in hand with the young 'teacher' and a lot of 'socailizing'.

[pygmalion]

Ok, that last reply scared me a bit. I woldn't sign a contract for dance lessons - and I don't purchase more than a handful at a time. So I somebody handed me a contract I would walk - its not like most studios can afford to turn away business.

All of this happened long before I joined DF. I had no way of knowing that not all dance studios operate that way. When I became dissatisfied, I started looking around and realized there was another way. And from then til now, I haven't signed another contract. Nor will I. I also spend quite a lot of time and energy here on DF telling everybody about my experience, so that they don't have to repeat it, unless they want to. Incidentally, there are people, some of my friends included, who do want to. Their choice. *shrug* 8)

[spatten]

All of this happened long before I joined DF. I had no way of knowing that not all dance studios operate that way.

I do remember reading some of your franchise story in earlier posts, and I 'm sure there are many others. I've probably heard and seen worse. I think you do a good dead - letting others know about some of the "more expensive" practices.

You advice about reading the contract was good - I just wanted to make sure whoever asked the original question realized that the option of not signing a contract is valid!

[smoozer]

I would probably be willing to pay the top couples coach 125 or more. Not so sure about paying that to a current high ranking couple. Not all great dancers are great teachers. Several years after retirement there stock would go up in my view.

[spatten]

Not so sure about paying that to a current high ranking couple. Not all great dancers are great teachers.

Can one be a great teacher but not a reat dancer? I've often wondered this. It seems like many of the highly recommended coaches were finalists or champions. But I believe (hope?) that a person could coach well without being able to create the motions in their own body?

A sublte hijack - but a good question.

Scott

[smoozer]

Not so sure about paying that to a current high ranking couple. Not all great dancers are great teachers.

Can one be a great teacher but not a reat dancer? I've often wondered this. It seems like many of the highly recommended coaches were finalists or champions. But I believe (hope?) that a person could coach well without being able to create the motions in their own body?

A sublte hijack - but a good question.

Scott

Can you say Nina Hunt? I don't believe she was ever a "great dancer". Someone please correct me if I am wrong about Ms. Hunts stature as a dancer.

[pygmalion]

I'll have to start a separate thread about that one day soon -- what turns a great dancer into a great teacher. No names, of course, but is it possible that some top dancers are not-so-great coaches? And, if so, what, if anything, can be learned from lessons with them? And does it make sense to put ones ear to the ground, looking for a coach (maybe a top dancer's coach?) rather than looking at top competitive rankings?


Sorry. Just rambling.

I don't want to steal Beanie Babies thread completely away. :lol: :lol:


Yep. Read the contract. If you don't like what you see, you can opt not to sign, even if the studio management considered it a done deal. And, at least everywhere I've lived in the US, there's an option to cancel contracts over a certain amount within 72 hours. :wink:

[sunderi]

Yep. Read the contract. If you don't like what you see, you can opt not to sign, even if the studio management considered it a done deal. And, at least everywhere I've lived in the US, there's an option to cancel contracts over a certain amount within 72 hours. :wink:

And I know that at my studio (franchise!) you can cancel your contract at ANY time for a full refund of unused lessons. (They do put an end time on that -- I think it's 2 years from the last lesson taken -- because at some point it's the students own fault for not following up.) People do it all the time -- it's not just a lip service thing.

[lil glam gal]

for a latin lesson with matthew cutler i pay around £50 and hour

[Virtuoso]

I dunno my teacher charges $9 for 1 hour private lessons... and then the workshop costs $3 for 2 hours

[tangotime]

I dunno my teacher charges $9 for 1 hour private lessons... and then the workshop costs $3 for 2 hours


What planet is he teaching on ?? ( want to avoid it ! ) Where can one rent space for less than $ 9 ??

Or is this the " you get what you pay for " syndrome .

[fascination]

my first thought was (considering new poster); is this BALLROOM and in the US?

[Virtuoso]

What planet is he teaching on ?? ( want to avoid it ! ) Where can one rent space for less than $ 9 ??

Or is this the " you get what you pay for " syndrome .
Hehe made me smile :)
I live in Malta which is a small island, so practically one teacher has quite a lot of students compared to other countries (I think...like 16 people). He's a very good teacher along with his partner who also teaches.
And it's latin american and ballroom

[reb]

Welcome to Dance Forums Virtuoso!

Good to have Malta represented here.

Just to clarify - those prices are for individual private lessons (vs group lessons?!)

[reb]

What planet is he teaching on ?? ( want to avoid it ! ) Where can one rent space for less than $ 9 ??

Teach from home . . . ?

[Virtuoso]

Welcome to Dance Forums Virtuoso!

Good to have Malta represented here.

Just to clarify - those prices are for individual private lessons (vs group lessons?!)

Yes they are private lessons which is $9 for each partner(Me and her lol)
Workshops are group lessons which are around $3.
It is possible for a teacher to teach from home but not in this case.
My teacher pays the rent for a hall which actually forms part of..
..an asylum....:rolleyes: although it is a separate building so the crazies aren't quite close. I suppose thats why it's pretty cheap.

[reb]

not so crazy an idea :rolleyes:

When our high school gym was having some work done on it, we would load up in a school bus and drive to a local 'facility' where we used their gym - right out of images I've seen in movies . . . heavily protected, barbed wire, fences . . .

[fascination]

not so crazy an idea :rolleyes:

When our high school gym was having some work done on it, we would load up in a school bus and drive to a local 'facility' where we used their gym - right out of images I've seen in movies . . . heavily protected, barbed wire, fences . . .
lol...not so certain pro and I should be dancing anywhere near either....hehehe

[etp777]

Suspect at times that pro and I might belong in an asylum. :)

[meow]

Private lessons here are currently around $60 per hour. Just thought I'd throw that in.

[chachachacat]

"They" say that artists are eccentric. I certainly am! ;)

[tangotime]

So then its really $ 18 an hr .

[Chopin]

And what about the market price for private lessons in Canada?

[Leonid Turetsky]

The prices are similar to US prices. Again it depends on the teacher, and location. I would say the range for independent teachers is about $60-$75 for 45 min
Franchises about $95-$130 for 45 min

And what about the market price for private lessons in Canada?

[Joe]

Is that in Loonies?

[QPO]

we are still lucky that we get an hour for around $55....

[ash_sk8s]

I'm just curious what the range of private lesson costs in your area is. The coaches at my studio are $70-$80/hr. It was a bit of a sticker shock to me at first - I may be used to an expensive sport (figure skating) but the most I ever paid for my lessons was $60/hr. So I'm just curious what it looks like across the country.

[suburbaknght]

$75 per unit seems average around Philly, though a unit splits between 45 minutes and an hour.

[Gorme]

$70 - $85 for 45 minutes.

[ErsatzWaltz]

And what about the market price for private lessons in Canada?

Experienced independent instructors in my area charge $75/hr.
Up and coming instructors charge about $50/hr.
A certain well-known U.S.-based dance franchise (I won't name names) near my place charges C$56/30 minutes = $112/hr.

[TallTenDancer]

The good coaches in my area are typically around $70/hour, though visiting instructors can go as high as $125/hour. Don't know much about the more "commercial" studios.

[jerseydancer]

$80 for 50 minutes in NJ studio we are taking most of our lessons, i have heard prices such as , $65, $90, $100 and $120 in some other NJ studios, varies from studio to studio and from teacher to teacher, some also offer the packages of 10-15 private lessons, that may bring the overall cost down

[fascination]

there is a great deal to measure...the productivity of the lesson, the quality of the pro...value to me is much more important than price...90 bucks can be cheap and ninety bucks can be a fortune...depends on what you are getting

[tunape]

$80-100 for 45, up to $300 for 45 for visiting coaches.

prices are reasonable compared to other professional services, eg. lawyers(I've paid upwards for $500/hr), doctors, architects, business consultants, etc...

[jjs914]

$75-$100 per 45 minute lesson. Up to $130 for a visiting coach (expenses get factored in).

[Mengu]

Prices can vary wildly depending on studio around here. I've seen $60 for 50 minutes on the cheaper side to $100 for 45 minutes on the expensive side. I've seen up to $175 a slot for visiting coaches.

[middy]

So far in my experience, anywhere from $80 an hour to $100/45 minutes.

[anntennis]

Yes they are private lessons which is $9 for each partner(Me and her lol)
Workshops are group lessons which are around $3.
It is possible for a teacher to teach from home but not in this case.
My teacher pays the rent for a hall which actually forms part of..
..an asylum....:rolleyes: although it is a separate building so the crazies aren't quite close. I suppose thats why it's pretty cheap.

asylum.????http://www.dance-forums.com/images/icons/icon5.gif

Aren't you afraid of some transferance from very sick people into your healthy system and getting sick? It is something about it as dancing on the cemetary or graves. I could never imagine that possible until I read that...

[Lioness]

I'm in Australia, so I don't know if it's relevant...

Most places charge $55 for an hour's lesson (and an actual hour, not a 50 minute one). DP and I found a pair of coaches who are no longer quite as up to date with the comp scene, but who dance and teach very well. We're only bronze-silver level, so we don't really need anything more. They charge us $40 an hour, and we often go a little overtime. In addition, they are always happy to give us tips and reminders at socials and show up to comps to support us.

[Piggles]

My teacher is independent and bases his fees on how many hours you do per week. I pay $55/hr for his time, $90/hr for he and his wife to work simultaneously with me, and $85-$100 for a lesson with a visiting coach.

As a matter of interest, when I was a figure skater (some 15 years ago), I paid $60/hr for my teacher...

[TangoRocks]

I have been looking into this recently myself, and I hear between $55 and $60 an hr (60 min) in my area. Comparisons with the chain studios are misleading, however, since most chains do NOT sell individual lessons but "packages" A visiting friend of mine who used to take lessons here asked the franchise studio how much it would be to take a couple of lessons from her old instructor and she was quoted around $150 per 45 minutes but I have a feeling that had implied free groups and practice parties built into the price. $100 for an outside coach seems to be typical. Once I had also, just out of curiousity, calculated how much it would cost me for a private if I ONLY did privates (no "complimentary groups or parties") and had come out with $128 for 45 minutes. Hence the more groups and parties you go to (which most independents in the area charge extra for) the lower you can get your unit cost down to. (1 unit = 1 private + complimentary groups + complimentary party)

[danceronice]

asylum.????http://www.dance-forums.com/images/icons/icon5.gif

Aren't you afraid of some transferance from very sick people into your healthy system and getting sick? It is something about it as dancing on the cemetary or graves. I could never imagine that possible until I read that...

If I'm reading the poster correctly, the sick people don't have the kind of sick that's contagious. Mental illness isn't catching. (And there are those who would argue those of us who spend as much time and money as we do are already candidates for the booby hatch.)

[anntennis]

If I'm reading the poster correctly, the sick people don't have the kind of sick that's contagious. Mental illness isn't catching. (And there are those who would argue those of us who spend as much time and money as we do are already candidates for the booby hatch.)

I just think that taking dance lessons in asylum is not very optimistic environment for a dance lessons, that is what after all the purpose of the dancing activity- to be in a good mood, to relieve stress…
But if saving a couple $$ is worth to dance anywhere, it is a personal choice, of course…

I would definitely pay extra for a nicer environment to dance in or would not dance at all if it is the only choice...

[fascination]

I think that unless folks have spent time with an array of persons with serious mental illness, as well as having spent time on or around the premises, then most of this conjecture is pointless at best and not terribly fair, and very immaterial to the topic at hand so I hope we can move away from it...thanks

[JANATHOME]

When we took lessons at a franchise, we only took priviate lessons, no unit cost including parties or group classes. We were paying 90 per 45 minutes... When a price increase came along that extra 5 dollars pushed us over the edge and no longer coud justify the cost. Each person, really, has to make this decision alone. At times there is so much more than just the lesson that drives ones decision.

However for the franchise person that takes a group class 5 days a week, goes to party every week, 125 a unit is not such a bad price. Just did not work for us.

[Casayoto]

Way to put the smack down, Fasc!

[fascination]

I was hoping it felt like a polite nudge ;)

[latingal]

LOL...nope smack down. <grin>

(just kidding fasc!)

[Arrion]

When I was at a franchise it was $129 for units or $97 for private lessons, 40 minutes of actual instruction time. Local independent teachers are generally $75 for 50 minutes. The franchise offered bonus lessons if you signed a contract at certain times. The independent teachers I've used offer an 11th lesson free if you prepay for 10 at a time, but I'm not sure how common that is.

[Gorme]

The independent teachers I've used offer an 11th lesson free if you prepay for 10 at a time, but I'm not sure how common that is.

Sweet deal! Only time I ever got a free lesson was from my instructor as a birthday gift.

[sigurd]

In London (UK), it depends on the qualification of the teacher and location. So far I know (from my own experience, my friends' and rumors), for 50 min lesson basis, here is the number.

Normal teachers:

An ISTD examiner charges £55~60, an ISTD associate~fellow charges around £40~£45, if you go outside London (usually remote location), it is possible to get £35. Part of it has to do with studio rental as well.

Now if you take classes from professional competitors (current and recently retired), it really depends on what level are they competiting. You can get Blackpool quarter-finalist, semi-finalist for £60+. I have heard finalist can go to £100~£200. However, at that level, price are useless because they only teach selective few.

Other teachers:

If a dancer is famous, say he/she was once involved in popular TV dance show, it can goes up to £200+ regardless of his/her competition result.

With franchise, well, I only know one in London. They charge £150 per unit, with a private lesson and unlimited group class at or below your level, and weekly socials/practice. I didn't ask about the teacher's background (ISTD fellows? Competitor? in house 6 week wonders?).

I know a 20 years social dancer who never once took any lesson herself once ask a newbie £30 to get her "up to speed" :)

[famfam]

I get lessons from an amateur standard dancer for only 40/lesson (decent deal I think)

will be doing latin lessons from a pro for 75/lesson, hopefully in a week or so I'll start

[dlgodud]

I don't know where you are located, but it is not a bad deal.
I've never had a lesson with an AM.
I paid from $75 - $120 for a 45 minute lesson. They are all latin teachers.
I live in NY so it might be a little bit pricy.

[ErsatzWaltz]

I get lessons from an amateur standard dancer for only 40/lesson (decent deal I think)

will be doing latin lessons from a pro for 75/lesson, hopefully in a week or so I'll start

That sounds about right.

The Fred Astaire in my area charges about $100/50 mins (but this includes group lessons and parties). This is for American Rhythm and American smooth.

I've also taken lessons with independent instructors. Experienced instructors charge about $75/45 min lessons (minimum 2 lessons). Up and coming and instructors start at about $60.

$40 sounds like a deal.

[NonieS]

my coaches all charge $100 minimum. It has been years since I have taken from someone less than that.

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Merged threads :)

[fascination]

I have been dancing for 6 1/2 years...and also never had a coaching for under 100 bucks

[rbazsz]

Sometimes it shops around because there are decent dance teachers where you might least expect them. Novice to bronze dancers don't need instructors who have been world class competitors. If they aren't tied in with a studio they can give lessons with a steep discount.

I got $35 an hour. The teacher isn't listed as an instructor at the studio but instead as an assistant. We do the lessons at a fitness place so my teacher gets the entire cut. Her lessons are very adequate for my novice level of dance but I'm sure if I was silver or higher I would have to buy more expensive time. Good instructors here are about $65 for 45 min.

[Spitfire]

Sometimes it shops around because there are decent dance teachers where you might least expect them. Novice to bronze dancers don't need instructors who have been world class competitors. If they aren't tied in with a studio they can give lessons with a steep discount.

I got $35 an hour. The teacher isn't listed as an instructor at the studio but instead as an assistant. We do the lessons at a fitness place so my teacher gets the entire cut. Her lessons are very adequate for my novice level of dance but I'm sure if I was silver or higher I would have to buy more expensive time. Good instructors here are about $65 for 45 min.

$65 is what I was paying when I last took private lessons. That was ten years ago so I don't know what the rate from that studio is now and this was at a studio. I know some instructors who have their own home floor that were charging $40.

[Benjy]

I won't pay more than 90 for someone who wasn't a Blackpool semi finalist at least. I pay 90 for my coach who was a finalist and a runner up in amateur, and steeper cost for visiting coaches...

[dlgodud]

I won't pay more than 90 for someone who wasn't a Blackpool semi finalist at least. I pay 90 for my coach who was a finalist and a runner up in amateur, and steeper cost for visiting coaches...

I kind of know who is the teacher, but that is a one of very rare cases. Don't you think? Also, the person might not pay a floor fee. And, the cheapest floor fee is $10 for 45minute in NY, and if you add up, it is actually over $100. I know a lot of teachers who does not have the same history of your teacher, but still charges a lot more.

[Benjy]

I kind of know who is the teacher, but that is a one of very rare cases. Don't you think? Also, the person might not pay a floor fee. And, the cheapest floor fee is $10 for 45minute in NY, and if you add up, it is actually over $100. I know a lot of teachers who does not have the same history of your teacher, but still charges a lot more.


He does pay floor fee, and when he (and she) used to teach in Manhattan, they charged 100, which is also fair. I guess when it comes down to it, I really won't take with anyone who wasn't at least a quarter finalist at Blackpool, so at that point I will pay what I need to pay. I paid 220 for a lesson on one occasion and will likely surpass that within the next year if we get the lessons we're aiming for.

[dlgodud]

He does pay floor fee, and when he (and she) used to teach in Manhattan, they charged 100, which is also fair. I guess when it comes down to it, I really won't take with anyone who wasn't at least a quarter finalist at Blackpool, so at that point I will pay what I need to pay. I paid 220 for a lesson on one occasion and will likely surpass that within the next year if we get the lessons we're aiming for.

Exactly, also you teacher is not dancing with you, and I think he does not do proam. I assume you have a partner. I am doing proam so I kind of think that the proam teachers should get paid as much as what regular coaching instructors get paid because it is a really touch job to dance with their students. Still yous teacher's case is exceptional. Wow for $220, but I've heard one former world champion who visited from Europe charged over $300.

[Benjy]

Exactly, also you teacher is not dancing with you, and I think he does not do proam. I assume you have a partner. I am doing proam so I kind of think that the proam teachers should get paid as much as what regular coaching instructors get paid because it is a really touch job to dance with their students. Still yous teacher's case is exceptional. Wow for $220, but I've heard one former world champion who visited from Europe charged over $300.

That's not unusual. I don't think that pro-am teaching deserve anymore then what they would make coaching. I dance with many of my students, and I think I am just less qualified than my coach. You get paid based on the value of your work which increases with experience and ability and not based just on how physically demanding your work is.

[dlgodud]

That's not unusual. I don't think that pro-am teaching deserve anymore then what they would make coaching. I dance with many of my students, and I think I am just less qualified than my coach. You get paid based on the value of your work which increases with experience and ability and not based just on how physically demanding your work is.

That's true, but physically demanding job has to be valued as equally as the one that requires just knowledge. Otherwise, so many people just sit in the office and work. Nobody will do any job that requires the physical ability. I don't know how you dance with your student, but most of time when someone coaches a couple, the person dances with their student to demonstrate, not dancing as an equal partner, teacher, and choreographer with a demanding physical ability.

[Benjy]

That's true, but physically demanding job has to be valued as equally as the one that requires just knowledge.

If that were true, garbage men would be paid on par with lawyers and doctors.

When it comes down to it, only the highest level pros (or at least the highest level pros and fulltime amateurs in a given area), can afford to make a good living without doing at least some pro-am work; or at least the caliber of the couples you will be teaching won't be super interesting. The higher level pros are, in general, higher level because they worked harder for their results. So they already did the unpleasant brunt work part of the job and have now been promoted to that requiring greater skill (not to say that pros that dance pro am aren't skilled... some choose it simply because the money is generally better, since students take more lessons).

[dlgodud]

If that were true, garbage men would be paid on par with lawyers and doctors.

When it comes down to it, only the highest level pros (or at least the highest level pros and fulltime amateurs in a given area), can afford to make a good living without doing at least some pro-am work; or at least the caliber of the couples you will be teaching won't be super interesting. The higher level pros are, in general, higher level because they worked harder for their results. So they already did the unpleasant brunt work part of the job and have now been promoted to that requiring greater skill (not to say that pros that dance pro am aren't skilled... some choose it simply because the money is generally better, since students take more lessons).

Hmmm..... maybe it is misunderstanding. I never stated that a so-so pro-am teacher should get paid as much as the world champion because they dance with their students. I am simply saying that they have to compensated because of their physically demanding portion of their job adding to their teaching with their knowledge.

Also, garbage men's job is not physically so demanding. Do you think so?

[Standarddancer]

I'm currently paying private lessons from $100 to $300 per lesson, of course any lesson cost over $200 is visiting coaches, which means lesson also have to cover their traveling expenses.

[Benjy]

Hmmm..... maybe it is misunderstanding. I never stated that a so-so pro-am teacher should get paid as much as the world champion because they dance with their students. I am simply saying that they have to compensated because of their physically demanding portion of their job adding to their teaching with their knowledge.

Also, garbage men's job is not physically so demanding. Do you think so?

Lifting and tossing and walking? I would say it is MUCH more physically demanding than a pro-am teacher (keeping in mind that I am one)

[fascination]

you obviously aren't on my lessons... :) I think there are plenty of lessons, at least with open students, that are demanding...

[Benjy]

you obviously aren't on my lessons... :) I think there are plenty of lessons, at least with open students, that are demanding...

Not to say it isn't demanding... but I would not place it on par with garbage man exhaustion.

[fascination]

I would imagine that it varies greatly

[MissKitty]

But we pay $60 NZD for an hour lesson with our Standard and Latin coaches - who are both professional. Standard teacher used to compete at Blackpool and Latin teacher did well in NZ and Australia - and now coaches the best young latin dancers in our country - so I realise we are pretty darn lucky!

Also pay $12 for Latin technique class once a week and $10 each per week for practice fee (covers coming in to use the studio floor for practice out of lesson times)

Amatuers are not allowed to teach here - unless 'assisting' their teacher with a social class. The rules around this are very strict here.

[dlgodud]

Lifting and tossing and walking? I would say it is MUCH more physically demanding than a pro-am teacher (keeping in mind that I am one)

Well, it varies. Again, you seem that you sound like not to give some credit about what pro-am teachers deal with physically with their students. Also, not all garbage men do the routines you mentioned. Even personal trainers get paid as much as dance teacher per session. A lot of them just stand next to you and order what you need to do. But, pro-am teachers dance with their students. At the same time, they do a lot of other stuff too. Well, it is up to, I guess, teachers' decision to make whether they want to charge for their physical labor or not. But, I think for me it sounds more fair to charge.

[nucat78]

My garbage guy has a truck with a large pincer thing on it. It grabs the cans, flips 'em upside down into the front bin, and tosses 'em back on the lawn. Greatest exertion seems to be pulling the hydraulic control levers in the cab. YMMV.

[Joe]

My garbage guy has a truck with a large pincer thing on it. It grabs the cans, flips 'em upside down into the front bin, and tosses 'em back on the lawn. Greatest exertion seems to be pulling the hydraulic control levers in the cab. YMMV.
I've never seen that in a residential neighborhood where the garbage cans are non-uniform. Plus you've got recycling bins to deal with too...I doubt the pincers work with those.

[pygmalion]

Those pincer thingies have been around a long time, Joe. The first time I saw them, I was on vacation in Virginia Beach 20? years ago.

Neighborhoods with automated trucks, IME, require that residents buy/rent/somehow acquire regulation trash and recycle cans that fit the truck. And the garbage guy(there's gotta be a better term -- refuse management personnel?) drives the truck and operates the pincer thingies from safely inside the cab of the truck. Not a lot of exertion required, from my vantage point. :cool:

But yeah. I think the point, however tangential, has something to do with comparing the amount of effort that goes into a dance lesson versus the hot-and-heavy physical exertion that goes into working at certain professions.

Why not just acknowledge that both are reeeally tough and move on? :cool:


I am intrigued by the visiting coaches lessons including the cost of travel. How does that work? The studio spreads the cost over the number of students who sign up for coaching?

[Joe]

That's the essence.

[pygmalion]

Well yeah. That makes sense, and I'm sure it happens regardless of whether it's explicitly stated. The visiting coach is there to provide a service but oh, by the way, also to make money. So I'm sure they don't travel on their own dime. No reason they should. :cool:

[fascination]

I've never seen that in a residential neighborhood where the garbage cans are non-uniform. Plus you've got recycling bins to deal with too...I doubt the pincers work with those.
our neighborhoos has those things and we have brown bins for the regular trash and same sized and shaped yellow ones for recyclables

[nucat78]

I've never seen that in a residential neighborhood where the garbage cans are non-uniform. Plus you've got recycling bins to deal with too...I doubt the pincers work with those.

Recycling is done by a different company.

[pygmalion]

In my neighborhood, it's handled by the same company, but sorted into two different colored identical-sized bins. Both of the bins are designed to be compatible with the trucks. Sounds the same as what fasc is describing. Nice and easy. :-)

[Casayoto]

I realize we're a little off tangent, but in New York, there's nothing nice and easy about the garbage men's job.

[pygmalion]

Exactly. YMMV.

Same deal with dance lessons. Some are easy. Some are brutal. Most (IME) are somewhere in between.