Why do you want to dance
Are you getting married and want to learn to waltz? Do you want to line dance at your favorite club? Do you want to learn to two-step and waltz as a couple? Is there a long-unrealized passion to get into ballroom dancing as a serious hobby? Or, do you just want to do something positive to enrich your life? All of these are valid reasons for wanting to learn to dance, and should be considered when looking for dance lessons.
The benefits: 
- physical - flexibility/toning/cardiovascular
- rhythmic - ability to move the body to music
- creative - a way to express oneself
- teamwork - learning to work as part of a group
- confidence - posture/comfort in being in front of others/performing
- social - friendships with others who enjoy the same activity/friendships outside of school
An individual needs to think about how proficient he wants to become in his chosen area of dance, and should think about looking for classes and instructors at that level. For personal enjoyment, a community education class may be sufficient, while someone looking at a serious hobby may want to opt for lessons at a professional studio. Some people may even find that a video or DVD gives them enough instruction in their chosen dance form.
Many clubs offer line dance lessons for a minimal fee, while intricate ballroom dance lessons will naturally cost much more. Anyone who knows the steps can teach line dancing, for instance, but a dancer will pay more for the expert tutelage required in more formal dancing. Some clubs or studios offer a discount for couples, while others do not. The person needs to consider whether he or she will need a partner to take the dance lessons, or if one will be provided.
Someone who wishes to learn dance may look online for dance lessons in their area, but a good place to start is almost always a hobby club for dancers. Even if a square-dance club, say, doesn't specialize in ballroom, chances are they will know of a local ballroom group or instructor, and the dancer can begin there. Hobby clubs for dance also provide great opportunities to get to know other dancers in the area, as well as practice and tips from experienced dancers. Dancing, regardless of the kind, is an enjoyable recreation and nearly everyone can participate in some form of it.

