Taking dance classes, whatever the dance, costs money and can sometimes be expensive depending on many factors (dance school, teacher, type of dance, city…). Prices vary a lot whether you live in Paris or in the countryside.
As for salsa, the price of a private or one-to-one lesson and the price of a group class can vary greatly.
Factors that affect the price of dance classes
The factors that affect the price are generally:
- Location: classes in big cities are usually more expensive
- The teacher
- The length of the class
To give you a general idea, here are the price ranges for a private lesson and a group class (in France):
- 1 private or one-to-one lesson: €60 to €80
- 1 group class: €10 to €20
That’s why memberships can be better value. Prices vary depending on whether you take 1, 2, 3… classes a week, or an unlimited pass.
If you have a special status, you may also be eligible for a reduced rate, for example if you’re a student, a jobseeker, etc.
Prices at some dance schools in Paris
Some schools don’t offer a membership system of X classes a week, but this table will give you a general idea.
| Dance schools | 1 class /week | 2 class /week | 3 class /week | 4 class /week | Unlimited | Private class |
| Callesol | 200€ (/term) | 300€ (/term) | 395€ (/term) | – | 1185€ (3 terms) | – |
| École des danses latines et tropicales | 510€ | 855€ | 1045€ | 1310€ |
1600€ or 1890€ (+workshops) (10 months) |
60€ (solo) or 80€ (couple) |
| Elegua | 315€ | 515€ | 615€ | 715€ | 815€ | – |
| Salsa Nueva | – | – | – | – | 1200€ (10 months) | – |
| Salsabor | – | 460€ | 660€ | 840€ | 1140€ (10 months) | – |
| Studio Massaro | – | – | – | – | 1190€ (10 months) | – |
Notes and details on dance class prices
Private lessons aren’t always clearly listed, but chances are you can book them at any school.
Be aware that some schools are open all year round, some offer a huge number of classes almost every day of the week, or varied timetables, etc., which makes it hard to compare the prices of the so-called “unlimited” passes (closer to “all you can eat”) at some schools.
Many schools offer a free first class (which should be the norm), letting you get a feel for the atmosphere of the school, the group, etc.
Some schools charge €10, €15 or €20 for a trial class, which we find excessive, often deducted afterwards from the membership.
Some schools charge a “membership fee” (~€15), which we also consider somewhat excessive.
Finally, it’s impossible to guarantee the quality of the teaching at schools, whereas online classes can be much better controlled, ultimately cheaper and more effective (replays, pauses, detailed breakdowns of moves, interaction with the teacher, etc.).
