No, you don’t need a partner. We have instructors who can dance with you during private lessons, and in group classes, we often rotate partners so everyone gets a chance to dance.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. For footwear, avoid sneakers (they stick to the floor) and opt for dress shoes, character shoes, or dance shoes if you have them.
Everyone learns at their own pace, but most people can learn basic steps and feel comfortable on the dance floor after a few lessons. Mastering a dance style can take months or years, depending on your goals.