FOR YOUR INFORMATION...............February 7, 1989



     Dancing lessons can offer exercise, companionship, and fun,
but they also can be more costly than people expect.  Costs may
escalate because some dance studios use unscrupulous sales prac-
tices.  To help make consumers aware of some deceptive tactics,
the Federal Trade Commission has issued a new brochure, "Dollars
for Dancing."  

     The brochure describes several sales techniques that dance
studios' sales staffs might use, such as high-pressure sales and
relay salesmanship -- consecutive sales talks by more than one
salesperson.  These tactics may pressure potential students into
spending more money on contracts than they intended.

     As a precaution against buying long-term, prepaid contracts,
consumers are advised not to sign contracts immediately, but,
rather, are told to discuss such contracts with a friend, family
member, or attorney first.  Often lessons at private dance
studios are expensive, unlike those offered through local commu-
nity centers, which usually are low cost and seldom long-term.

     The brochure suggests that students initially sign up for a
limited number of lessons to see if they like them, and get all
promises and costs in writing, including cancellation and refund
rights.  

     Single copies of the brochure are available free from the
FTC's Public Reference Branch, Room 130, 6th St. and Pennsylvania
Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY 202-326-2502

                             # # # 

MEDIA CONTACT:      Susan Ticknor, Office of Public Affairs, 
                    202-326-2181

STAFF CONTACT:      Lynn I. Alfalla, Office of Consumer and
                    Business Education, 202-326-3650

                    Wallace A. Witkowski, Bureau of Consumer
                    Protection, 202-326-2972

(dance)