This is a topic that often gets sugar coated as to what you should pay for a belly dance instructor. There are many people who feel that you should pay an exuberant price for their expertise. However I do disagree in this regard on most points.
I do agree that a teacher who is extremely cheap in her pricing might not be very good in her teaching, however this can also be the same for a teacher who chooses to charge a fortune.
It can differ from case to case and it is important to try and distinguish between the two.
The thing that should be taken into consideration is her knowledge and experience of Middle Eastern dance and how she shares that knowledge with you so that you may be able to become a belly dancer yourself.
Apart from that, I strongly believe in affordability when it comes to monthly belly dancing fees.
The reason that I say this is because in our modern life, times are tough and prices rise. I believe that belly dance class fees should be affordable at around R200 - R250 per person per month.
This allows for MORE than one member from the same family to experience and learn belly dancing, bond and have fun without paying exuberant prices or not being able to afford it after a while and stop dancing all together. (that is a lot of money gone to waste, don’t you think!!!)
Having said that, the professionalism of a teacher can also be portrayed in the venue which she uses to hold her classes, and this is definitely not in her garage. You are paying for lessons but you are also paying for her to provide you with a descent and safe environment.