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2. Pricing
This is quite a sensitive topic…
In this country – South Africa – I strongly feel that you get what you pay for. Other than the fact that undercutting is unethical business practice and damages the image of this beautiful dance form in our country and in the world.
Those that practice this type of business practice are usually the people who do not have a well trained teaching background and also do not go to the expense of furthering their knowledge. Basically the only way they can get students is through undercutting – Harsh words, but I have throughout the last few years of teaching seen this so often that it needs to be said!
As a general rule I feel rates do tell you a little about what you can expect and what you are going to get. At this date I would say a minimum of R200 per month to pay for a good, well educated trained professional is the least you should pay… and I really feel this is a bare minimum. Think about a good music instructor, Yoga instructor or Latin and Ballroom instructor; R400 per month is what you can expect and you will pay it with pleasure if you know you will be learning the true art of the instrument you are playing, or a dance form you enjoy.
Skill and training is reflected in price, as with anything in life – Bottom line.
Over paying is also not good, currently paying more than R300 per month is a rip-off for 1 hour per week except if it is private training!
Teachers who make this their living, due to their passion for the dance and not merely to earn a quick buck, spend their lifetimes travelling, doing workshops and expanding their knowledge to bring you the best they can and hence the slightly more expensive rates.
Covering venue costs is also important factor in what you are paying. Properly equipped venues – not just her garage – with safe parking costs money, for your own benefit this is a consideration.
There is nothing worse than leaving a venue and your car is missing – It has happened!
Please note that this is a rough guide, BUT mostly very accurate!
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