Many lessons are free. Others have nominal charges. They are probably more interested in having you sign that long-term and expensive contract than they are in teaching you to dance. My opinion, of course. Whenever possible, go to places where people talk and get to know each other.
People talk at happy hours, dinner groups, and dance lessons.
They are relatively silent in movies, some types of performances such as ballet or theater, and church. They have a hard time hearing at concerts, clubs with loud music, and loud restaurants. It's harder to talk while running than when walking or touring a museum. Remember, that you want to an opportunity to interact with people. It is an unfortunate fact that print ads are dying or dead, depending upon where you live.