Is ballroom dancing recession-proof?

The last big recession, 2008, was due to sub prime mortgages that were given to homeowners who really couldn't afford the mortgage. There were a lot of defaults.

What we're experiencing now comes from trade wars we haven't won and COVID. I think we're closer to a depression than a recession. Furloughed employees who desperately needed stimulus and payroll protection payments are using the money for rent, food, etc. and wondering when they will return to work. Correction: If they will return to work. Fortunately, many have been able to work from home so they are less impacted. Surviving through COVID seems more important than dance lessons.

I don't think dancing will return until there is a vaccine next year. I can't dance Argentine tango in close embrace and simultaneously socially distance.

It would be interesting if everybody wore masks. Then I'd see if I could get women who always turn me to down to dance with me because the mask hides my identity.
 
tangomaniac said:
The last big recession, 2008, was due to sub prime mortgages that were given to homeowners who really couldn't afford the mortgage. There were a lot of defaults.

What we're experiencing now comes from trade wars we haven't won and COVID. I think we're closer to a depression than a recession. Furloughed employees who desperately needed stimulus and payroll protection payments are using the money for rent, food, etc. and wondering when they will return to work. Correction: If they will return to work. Fortunately, many have been able to work from home so they are less impacted. Surviving through COVID seems more important than dance lessons.

I don't think dancing will return until there is a vaccine next year. I can't dance Argentine tango in close embrace and simultaneously socially distance.

It would be interesting if everybody wore masks. Then I'd see if I could get women who always turn me to down to dance with me because the mask hides my identity.
Click to expand...
Wear this:


She'll never know it's you.
 
I see a complete difference in my city on how the indies and the non-indie studios are working.

The indies have free classes online, some online privates, workshops here and there.

The non-indies have virtual competitions, virtual showcases, boot camps, master classes that are being pushed. Online: painting, cooking classes, socials, etc.

I'm sure the non-indies are hurting financially too, but they are still taking in money. And they have a bunch of in-house competitions planned already.

It does show to me how even during the Great Depression, a majority of upper income people still did fine. And businesses that cater to them did better.
 
So, talked with the wife about this today. Our studio decided to raise rates a bit. Still lower than the other studios, but I must say most people in my age bracket just cannot afford this sport. With all of the layoffs, I would think rates would have to go down. To be competitive in pro-am 4 lessons minimum per week would be needed. Let's assume $75/ lesson. So, assuming 48 weeks of dancing, that $14.4k in lessons. That does not count groups, comps, travel. Compare that to other hobbies, kid dancing...I'm sure it doesn't compare. European model is quite a bit cheaper, promotes more group class, etc. Seems we need a new model here.

That said, at least one studio went out here. I don't think anyone will miss them though, they would not serve lgbt and were the highest with zero experience.
 
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