Organizer of Capital Dancesport Championships

I recently had the opportunity to read some comments on the Net about contract dance studios. The comments and satisfaction ran the full gamut of consumer opinion. I have decided to throw my two cents into the ring.

Contracts are predominately offered by the franchised studios, although this is not a practice exclusive only to the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire chains. There are some Independent studios that contract for their lessons as well. After reading some of the student comments, I was left with the impression that these contracts are all in favor of the studio, without any consumer protection. Not so!!! As with any business, it is important to READ your contract. Even if you don?t read it on the day you enroll, by law you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund within 3 business days should you have a change of heart. Chain Studio enrollment contracts are formed under the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission as well as the laws of the state the studio is doing business in. In actuality, the contract is really there for consumer protection. It is to guarantee the consumer will receive the services contracted for, and provides the escape clauses necessary to cancel should the studio not be delivering.

Some independent studios run their businesses in the same manner as chain schools, with full time staff and enrollment contracts. Other independent studios run their studios by renting floor space and a pay as you go system. Many people have taken lessons in both of these business environments and are satisfied. It is important to remember that whether the studio is a franchise, an independent contract studio or an independent pay as you go, they all exist and provide different levels of service and instruction. It is the responsibility of the consumer to ask questions, express your concerns and clearly know what studio policies are so you can make the decision that is right for you! Some people want the fully supervised and planned environment offered by the franchise system. Others do not. It is not only price that is important when shopping for a studio to join, but also the value you are getting for you money. Granted, as in every industry, there are good and bad owners, but let?s not damn the many by the mistakes of the few.

It is important to know what your rights are as a consumer. Read all your clauses, know what you are entitled to and how the cancellation and refund process works before you make your decision. And, again, most important, make sure that studio is the right place for you. Rather than try and alter the studios policies to suit your desires, and then be disappointed down the road, shop around and find the right studio to fit your needs. If you need structure, then find a structured learning environment. If you want something less commitment oriented, there are studios for that too. Take the time to find the studio with the learning and business environment that?s right for you!