Yeah, I don't expect to take any class for free or have an instructor teach me for free and esp not a more than qualified, sought after pro. Their time is money. It is valuable and dance is a business and art form that I respect.
Having said that, I'm more concerned about the exorbitant rates some studios are charging and questioning their legitimacy, as well as ethics for doing so. Mainly, I'm just looking for scholarship progams at studios that can afford to offer them. I believe this will benefit everyone: the studio, the student, and even the community, not just the swing community but the local community. Dance brings people together. It is a bridge to all of our differences and as corny as that sounds; I believe it's true. Scholarship opportunities will make it available to people who could not otherwise afford it.
And so I don't think that it will cost a studio (that rake in killer profits) anything nor will the instructor's face financial hardship or take the hit for these scholarship programs, as many highly successful studios offer such programs. Even hip hop studios do this. The scholarships would go to select students who express need and they could even audition for it. If the studio can only afford a certain number of scholarship to award, but they have more applicants than the amount they can give out, then the students who qualify will have to audition for it. That's just one example. I would still expect to pay a fee but the percentage would be less. And this would only be for studios that can afford to do this. It wouldn't be free even though this is a very successful and profitable studio. I know not all studios can offer it. But the ones that can, should...since they're usually the expensive ones with premium rates.
I just wish this were something this particular studio I go to would also offer along with their packages. I'm realistic, not a greedy and not a beggar. I just think it would be extremely worthwhile and helpful for everyone if studios cared about their students and their passion and could award a select number of scholarships. I think everyone would benefit from this.
I'm trying to figure out if there are other options other than the studio, so I can elevate my dancing and learn and practice at a consistent basis.