If you join their studio you are mandated to accept their auto-billing (credit card) policy. Its equivalent to playing in a Casino and the house never ever loses. Their refund policy consists of canceling the membership 3 days after you sign the original (1rst Month) contract. After that it’s like talking to a brick wall and they will refer everything to the fine print of the contract. In a dispute they may offer you credits, but I have never heard of anyone getting their money refunded.\r
If your schedule is challenging, I doubt if you will be able to utilize a sufficient amount of classes to let you feel the costs were justified. I tried to waive the CC auto-billing policy and offered to pay cash 5 wks in advance and they wouldn't let me join. Like a jerk, I blinked and they got me for $450. Goods and services were never rendered and they could care less. I was hurt and my knee may never heel. What good is the 47 hours of credit they offered me if I can't use them?\r
The owners name is Sonya Elmore and she wouldn't even see me to discuss the disputed billings. She has complete faith in her billing manager (Sharon Anderson) and she supported the questionable manner in which the studio charged my credit card for two months when I was hurt and unable to use my premium membership. The main office, the group instructor, the students and a private lessons instructor were well aware I was hurt. \r
Beginners should seek alternate choices: Top Hat, AIM (Art in Motion) Latin Dancers, Atrium and Estilio's. They are all ""Pay-as-you-Go"" and you don't have to have your credit card subject to their selfish interpretation of your contract. \r
If you are a beginner who is challenged by Salsa’s quick beat, I recommend you pick up Stephen Tirpak's timing CD ... Deep in Salsa. You’re learning curve will dramatically improve; you will need less class time, and it will help you participate in the Philadelphia area Salsa parties much sooner.\r
It’s a shame, their instructors are pretty good and your class mates are very nice, but the billing practice is very greedy! They won’t let you join without signing the auto-billing policy and it should send up a red flag. Don't let the fun social setting confuse you with Studio Value. Shop and compare. They all offer parties at a cheap price.
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