How expensive is your dance "hobby"?

[pygmalion]

There've been a couple references to this other places in the forums, so now I'm curious. Does anybody else here think of their dance hobby and its associated expenses the way I do? Here's a question for you: How expensive is dancing to you?

[MissAlyssa]

I voted moderately expensive. I get free training because I am an instructor...but I do have to pay for business cards/dance shoes/dance clothes etc.

[DanceMentor]

I used to spend lots. Now I make enough as a part-time instructor where I come out on the plus side.

[Spitfire]

Right now only six dollars admission to the general dances at the studio and five or seven dollars to the monthly swing dances depending if there's live or recorded music.

USABDA's monthly dances cost me five dollars and that's with three dollars off for bringing a dessert.

Group classes here run five dollars.

Pretty cheap going that route.

[dancer at heart]

I have emptied my nest for dancing :shock:

As salsa and latin dance became an addiction, the cost of private lessons, group lessons, shoes, and clubs cover charge is costing me an arm and a leg! I am even considering getting a second job to support my dancing since I do not feel comfortable enough yet to give up my private lessons.

*sigh* but at the end of the day it is all worth it

:smile:

[pygmalion]

Oh yes. It is so worth it. But by the time I pay for all the things you mentioned, plus costumes and a few other things, ouch! It really adds up.

[SuzieQ]

3-4 group classes per week @ $8-10 each
private lessons @ $25 or $50 each--at least one a week, but right now
doing two getting ready for a show and a competition--as they get
closer it will be at least 3 a week
costumes--fortunately I have been able to make all of my costumes so
far so the cost has been pretty low, but I'm itching to buy something
that is beyond my abilities to make and they're expensive
Competitions (Country and Western)--probably run around $1000 each
including hotels, food, gas, etc. I would love to do a ballrooom comp
but I know they are a lot more expensive--maybe next year!
All these costs have basically been doubled or tripled because my
daughter also competes and my husband does classes with me and
sometimes lessons
I got a part-time job in part to pay for my addiction, and also other expen-
ses in our family--kids in college, cars, etc.--and I am now looking for
another part-time job since my youngest is off to college in two
weeks.
Does anyone else out there feel guilty about the money they spend on dancing? I sometimes do, but then I figured I'm not taking food out of anyone's mouth or a shelter from over their head, I tithe to my church and don't really go overboard on home decorating, clothing, etc.

[tj]

For me, my dance addiction started off moderately expensive, but nowadays, I’ll spend $5-15 a night to dance plus bottled water.

Hey, that’s cheaper than a movie! :shock:

[Katarzyna]

Don't want to think about it like this.. But its very, very expensive... Recently got a gown, next month paying for nationals, privates, etc...

[standardgirl]

It's expensive......since I take 2 privates per week plus groups.....
but thankfully, my parents are supportive and are paying for all my lessons, shoes, dresses, etc.

[Gumby]

I spend a lot at least by my standards - 12 privates a month plus coaching and comp fees = about 20% of my before tax income.

I hear retirement is overrated anyway.

[Katarzyna]

about 20% of my before tax income.


Would be about the same for me.. With student loans and other bills, It's a choice of lessons and competitions vs. rent and getting my own apartment....

I am staying with my parents untill I get a substantial salary increase... :oops: :oops:

[Purr]

Private lessons: 2 a week at $65 per lesson, occassionally 3 a week if there is a special event

Latin styling class: 2 or 3 per month at $13 per class

Technique building class: 1 or 2 per month at $15 per class

Studio practice parties: 1 per week and they're free

Coaching: Infrequent, ranges from $95 per lesson to $145 per lesson, depending on the coach

Shoes: Have way to many, started at $75 a pair, average $129 a pair

Competitions: Expenses go into the thousands

Value of dancing to me: Priceless!

:kitty:

[Sagitta]

Expenses vary. Month of July two latin privates shared with another person at 40 dollars. 5 rueda practice sessions at $2 a piece. Two zydeco group classes for 20 dollars. A couple $3 and a couple $5 cover charges for events. Spend more on buying food when I don't have time to cook, and on music, I guess...makes sense as I really didn't have much music a year ago.

It helps that I help teach latin classes. This way I learn stuff for free.

Next month, August probably will be having about 9/10 rueda sessions so probably 18/20 dollars for that, and might take some classes here and there to check out different teaching styles etc.

This works for me as - it better - as my annual income is a small one indeed.

[jxntwinkletoes]

I plunked down over a grand a couple weeks ago at a countrywestern dance comp In New Orleans by the time I paid for entry fee, competition fee, instructor fees, scores, hotel, parking, the dinner show for my husband and me and a video of my competition and workshop video. Yikes!! This doesn't include my meals or gas to get there and back. Of course I don't do this every weekend. But I would say its anywhere from moderate to very expensive. I used to not feel bad about the expenses because I was single and had no one else to spend my money on, but now that I am married (to a non dancer, but wants to learn) I do feel a little bad when we could be using this money for other things. But then he can spend a lot on golf and does at times, so we are even!

[DWise1]

$400 a year for Lindy. That buys me a VIP pass to take all classes and workshops for free (classes alone would otherwise cost me $480) and free admission to three dances a week (normally $5 to $7). Though this year add on Camp Hollywood for $160 (gas and meals not included). Dances at another venue would be $8.

$65 per six-week WCS series (3 hours per week). So about $520 per year. And $8 for dance nights.

$48 per month for Salsa (up to three hours a week) -- $576/year. Plus $10 for Salsa party and/or $8 for Salsa at Tia Juana's on Tues.

All group classes; no privates yet. As I've said, the group classes are my social life, so privates would not serve that purpose. And I'd rather reserve privates for working on something specific.

So about $1500 per year for the lessons. Estimate $300 to $600 more for events. So in all it comes to around $2000 per year. Like the line says from "Miami Rhapsody", consider the alternative.

[DWise1]

Private lessons: 2 a week at $65 per lesson, occassionally 3 a week if there is a special event

Latin styling class: 2 or 3 per month at $13 per class

Technique building class: 1 or 2 per month at $15 per class

Studio practice parties: 1 per week and they're free

Coaching: Infrequent, ranges from $95 per lesson to $145 per lesson, depending on the coach

Shoes: Have way to many, started at $75 a pair, average $129 a pair

Competitions: Expenses go into the thousands

Value of dancing to me: Priceless!

:kitty:
Purr-fect!

[Kate]

My lessons are very expensive. I mean 9 Lessons a week, proper ISTD professional level. Its not good. :shock: But bloody worth it. :P

[salsachinita]

For me, my dance addiction started off moderately expensive, but nowadays, I’ll spend $5-15 a night to dance plus bottled water.

Hey, that’s cheaper than a movie! :shock:

This sounds like me :D .......eventhough I don't end up paying to get in these days, nor do I take classes (apart from international workshops), I love salsa-related shopping 8) .

I also do salsa-related travels, which is the main thing that blows the budget :shock: :lol: !

So, I've voted 'moderately expensive'.

[MacMoto]

When I took up salsa last year, it started as a cheap hobby. I only went to group classes every fortnight, no social dancing, no special equipment required.

With the addiction firmly taking hold, I'm spending more and more... Going out of town for weekly classes, privates, social dancing 3 nights a week, shoes, clothes, cover charges, drinks, workshops, CDs, videos, live events, flying to weekenders...

Still, I believe a non-dancing social night out costs more than a typical dance night, and dancing is much more fun :D.

[pygmalion]

Amen to the more fun comment!

And I think the key is budgeting. (Yeah, right! :wink: :lol: )

[Doug]

There are no Lindy/Balboa clases available here (we are the local instructors) so we save on classes :). The downside is that we travel 5-8 times per year to take privates and/or attend workshops. Cost is perhaps $1,000 - $1,500 per trip (plane, hotel, instruction etc), so we probably average at least $7,500 / year in classes & workshops.

Than we buy too many pairs of shoes, I DJ and buy _way_ too many CD's, etc, etc.

I do not want to total it up!

[Purr]

And I think the key is budgeting. (Yeah, right! :wink: :lol: )

It sounds good in theory, so many dollars per week for private lessons, group classes and social dances. But we all know good and well it's the extras that get you - the in-studio events, the additional lessons for the in-studio events, the great coach in town, the must-have dance shoes, and the to-die-for dress. And heaven forbid you agree to go to a competition. You might as well throw the budget out the window. :wink:

I do not want to total it up!

I avoid it at all costs - I'd be horrified at the result. I just remember what dismal mental & physical state I'd be in if I didn't dance. :D

[love2swing]

It's pretty expensive for me-- my partner and I are both college students, but luckily he is only part-time and works full time so we can afford it! Other than that, I don't know what we would do. Now that we've started dancing, I don't know if we could stop!

Anyway, I didn't really think it was too expensive until I started adding everything up. Cost of lessons is the easy cost, but then I thought about our shoes, travel, clothes, comps, etc. It does add up quickly!

[KevinL]

My dancing hobby has always been rather inexpensive, given what I've done. I used to pay ~350/month for what amounted to 10-12 hours of group classes a week, plus free weekly dances.

Now that I'm a teacher my income exceeds my expenses.

[tj]

For me, my dance addiction started off moderately expensive, but nowadays, I’ll spend $5-15 a night to dance plus bottled water.

Hey, that’s cheaper than a movie! :shock:

This sounds like me :D .......eventhough I don't end up paying to get in these days, nor do I take classes (apart from international workshops), I love salsa-related shopping 8) .

I also do salsa-related travels, which is the main thing that blows the budget :shock: :lol: !

So, I've voted 'moderately expensive'.

Ooo. Good point. If I count that, too, then my spending goes up by a factor of 5x...

But hey, for most of those trips, it wasn't *only* for salsa (well, the Mayan Comp pretty much was), so I'm not counting those! :wink:

(and I won't count "The Plan" either!)

[pygmalion]

I do not want to total it up!

I avoid it at all costs - I'd be horrified at the result. I just remember what dismal mental & physical state I'd be in if I didn't dance. :D

LOL. I like the way you think. :lol:

[dancing_moogle]

It's expensive......since I take 2 privates per week plus groups.....
but thankfully, my parents are supportive and are paying for all my lessons, shoes, dresses, etc.


You're so lucky! When it's all about dancing expenses, I'm totally on my own. :cry:

[G809]

Same here, moogle =(

I'm a poor student so these costs are huge for me, and it's hard for me to fit in a job, dance lessons and practices, and the school work, which is a priority. While it's an amazing hobby and I've been doing it for several years, I sometimes wonder if I should make sacrifices in favor of long term goals, like having a savings and affording food/winter jacket/new clothes from time to time. Forget new ballgowns, multiple pairs of dance shoes, CDs, etc... I can barely afford the privates I take and doubt every now and then that I'm making responsible decisions.

I think in this country we are so lucky to have such amazing opportunities, but these luxuries are definitely not for everybody.

Wasn't ballroom dancing originally for the aristocracy, anyway?

[Sagitta]

It was G809. And in many ways it still is for those who are better off. :( My dream is to get good enough that I can introduce people to dance, charging just enough to cover costs of studio time etc. To at least do some of this.

[Purr]

I do not want to total it up!

I avoid it at all costs - I'd be horrified at the result. I just remember what dismal mental & physical state I'd be in if I didn't dance. :D

LOL. I like the way you think. :lol:

That's the only way to go. :wink:

Sometimes I think about what I've done without for the sake of dancing (maybe this might be a good topic for a new thread, if there isn't one already). Like maybe I'd be driving a new car this year instead of my '97 Saturn. Or maybe I'd buy new carpeting for my condo. Or maybe I'd quit my job for a lower paying job with less stress. Oh, well, dancing is worth it. At least that's what I was telling myself last night when I handed my dance teacher 2 envelopes with money to pay for next week's lessons and mini-competition. :D

[pygmalion]

Amen to that, sister! :?

[dancin_feet]

I don't want to know how much my dancing has cost over the last 12 months. I try not to concentrate on the figures! :shock:

For me it is something that makes me extremely happy where I was miserable beforehand. For that point alone it is so worth it. Money used to be important to me, but now I realise that there are other things much more important and I am prepared to spend the money on it. It's a means to an end. After all you can't take it with you, but you can leave behind an impression on the people you have associated with.

I am also singlehandedly paying off a mortgage so between dancing and that, there goes about 70% of my salary!

[MacMoto]

Ditto to all you said, D_F!

[dancing_moogle]

I sometimes wonder if I should make sacrifices in favor of long term goals, like having a savings and affording food/winter jacket/new clothes from time to time.

And affording to buy a new car, too. Right? :wink:


How expensive is dancing to you?

Umm... well, I'm trying for at least 2 private lessons per week @ 70/hr; group lessons for about 80/10 lesson package; shoes average about $120/pair; socials for $30/month; and competitions for $20/comp entry fee (depending where I go). So in the end it could be in the thousands.

If I include a budget for a new ballroom gown, it'll be another 1000 :oops: .

[pygmalion]

Yup. That too. I definitely wouldn't be driving an old clunker if it weren't for dance. I have my eye on a hot little convertible sometime this fall ... but then there's the irresistible option of even more dance. :roll: :lol:

[Kitty]

very expensive.

during the summer I spend:

on lessons: a lesson every week or every two weeks at $50 or $60 per lesson.

then at least $80 a month in latin group classes, sometimes more,

then about $25 per week in additional classes and practice in a studio

than 2 socials a month, about $10 each

should I count the costs of food and movie tickets when I go to hang out with dance people?

then shoes - I need new latin shoes now as mine broke on sunday:-(

Luckily, the team has paid my comp entry fees so far.

during the academic year I don't know what I will do since I will not have a job and will not have any money.

[setsuna713]

It's expensive......since I take 2 privates per week plus groups.....
but thankfully, my parents are supportive and are paying for all my lessons, shoes, dresses, etc.

I picked moderately expensive for two reasons:
1) As a college student with a good scholarship, mom and dad are willing to buy BIG things like shoes.
2) Again, as a college student, I'm able to take advantage of joining my university's ballroom club in which i can get 3 hours of ballroom and 5 hours of club dances a week for the entire year for only $130. That saves me sooooo much money!

[ratherbdancing]

Even though I have a ton of coaches and people that give me a break- its still really expensive- for my mom that is. :lol: I do have to pay for quite a bit of it, but it is worth it. I will probably be the person that will be 21 and living in a furnitureless apartment with no food so I can get coaching from the best...no exageration there either because thats soemthing I would do.

[pygmalion]

Somehow, I have a feeling you're not the only one. :roll: :wink:

[youngsta]

Now it's fairly cheap for me, I only take a workshop every now and then so my only cost is cover charge. In the beginnnig I'd say lessons were moderately expensive.

[dancingdragon]

I guess I'm just going to ditto a lot of stuff that's already been said. I voted for moderately expensive as I just have one of everything that I need (i.e. shoes, outfits etc) and I don't take private lessons at this stage, just group classes. However, it's about to move into the "expensive but worth it" category now that my partner and I are going up to E grade - now I need the full scale rhinestones-and-feathers affair rather than the so-called street wear we have to wear in prelims, and we are going to need to take some private lessons, and then there will be a lot of travel and accomodation costs as we will be going further afield to compete, and many other things no doubt haven't yet crossed my mind. :?

But like everyone else, I compare that to what I could be spending the money on, how happy dancing makes me, the fact that I have a good job with a good income and no children to support, etc. etc. and I think that the fun, the friendship, the exercise, the satisfaction and the sheer fun that I get out of dancing make it worth its weight in gold. :banana:

[pygmalion]

I think that the fun, the friendship, the exercise, the satisfaction and the sheer fun that I get out of dancing make it worth its weight in gold. :banana:

Amen to that!! :D