Any sport you come across has its fair share of costly features attached to it. Sometimes, these can make you spend a fortune. For many years, talented performers around the world have excelled in the dance industry. Today, the audience knows them as some of the biggest talents in the field. Some seek training, while others go with the passion that’s built within them.
Recently, many people have come to believe that dance is one of the most expensive sports, and a lot may go into paying for dance schools as well as dance shows to gain experience. Having someone pay you for your dance skills can be challenging, but it is definitely achievable. If you’re interested in taking dance as a sport, you must first determine if dance is an expensive sport. If it is, you must determine how you will handle the costs. Read below to learn more.
Why Is It So Expensive?
While dance is quite a unique sport, many people still wonder what makes it so expensive. Well, many reasons could contribute to the hefty price of taking up dance as an activity. To find out, read below:
Dance Instructors Paid on an Hourly Rate
If you opt for dance classes, you’re probably going to take them after school or work. In addition, these classes last for a few hours. Most dance instructors charge students an hourly fee. In a few states, the hourly fee amounts to around $25 per hour, but this rate differs across the country. Because they only teach for a few hours, dance instructors charge more, so they make a decent salary by the end of the month.
This may not seem like a necessary reason, but it is an important one if you see it from a well-being point of view. If you‘re going to a professional and experienced dance instructor, then paying a premium shouldn’t be a problem if you want to receive the right training.
Few Dance Schools
As the young generation is gaining an interest in the performing arts, the demand for music schools and instructors has increased. However, there isn’t much of a supply to meet the demands of this upcoming industry. You may come across very few dance schools or instructors in your area, and the ones you go to might cater to the demand for an entire area. When there’s only one dance school in the entire area, it benefits the school as they hold a better position. They can charge a higher price, knowing that most people willing to learn will come to them. Therefore, the low supply of dance schools makes the sport expensive itself.
A lot of Materials Required
Once you get to the professional level and start performing for different competitions or shows, you will have to start investing a lot in this sport. The investment includes paying for future costumes and props you will need when dancing. Specific dance routines involve unique shoes and clothes that are quite expensive, and you obviously can’t dance without these. For example, if you’re interested in ballroom dancing, you have to buy a specific pair of shoes that allow you to flawlessly take part in the dance. Likewise, dancers require many other materials, which can get costly over time.
How Much Does Dance and Competitive Dance Cost Per Year?
Learning different forms of dance involves incurring a cost of its own, but the spending may differ once you enter the field of competitive dance. Competitive dance is when you start registering for different dance competitions across the globe. You could go to these competitions in a group or participate as a solo participant.
When it comes to the finances of competitive dance and the cost of it per year, many factors affect the overall cost. When you enter a dance competition, you have to pay a fee. This fee differs depending on whether you’re entering as a group or a solo dancer. The fees for duos or groups average at around $60, while solo dance competition fees are around $100. You may find the fees a bit pricey, but the good thing is that the competition comes with a prize award. Of course, winning the price depends on whether you qualify for it by leaving the judges mesmerized by your performance.
The competition rate for solos is higher compared to trios as a lot of attention goes into one dancer, and they do achieve individualistic training, which is costly itself. Other costs in competitive dancing include the cost of costumes as most of the time, these are personalized, and you will want to achieve the best look to capture the judges’ attention, which enhances chances of winning. If the competition is in another state or far from where you live, you have to consider external costs, such as the cost of travel and living.
These might not seem like a big deal, but the more time you spend at these competitions, the higher external costs tend to get. Hence, you must consider these costs beforehand. You also have to consider the cost of choreography if you’re hiring a personal choreographer, which may be important to get through competitive dancing.
Choreography usually costs $280-$600 per year, but this depends on how long you need it and the type of dance form you’re learning choreography for. Depending on the type of competition you’re attending, it may cost you an average of $1300 or more. That is quite a big amount, but you may get all the money back if you win the competition.
If you’re aiming to win gold at a competition, you portably plan on going to a dance studio or private instructor who will help work on your dance techniques and skills. In America, dance studios charge on a weekly basis. This could amount to $100 or even more per week.
Many aspects affect the cost of dancing, depending on your instructor’s skills. If you’re going to an elite professional dance school or instructor, you should expect to pay more, especially if you want to invest in your future dance career. You may also opt for payment plans, depending on the dance school you enroll yourself in. These can save you a lot of money, and you may definitely find it feasible and cost-effective.
Remember that the cost of dance and competitive dance differs across the globe, and there is no fixed rate. But, these figures give you an idea of how much you may end up spending.
What Can You Do to Make Dance Affordable?
There is no denying the fact that dance is an expensive sport, but there are many ways you can make it affordable for yourself. If dancing is a passion and you want to pursue it in the future as a career, there is always a way to pay for it. Mentioned below are a few things you can do to make dance affordable for yourself:
Keep a Look Out For Free Dance Classes
Many dance studios offer free dance classes. In return, they ask students to work within the studio. This is a good way to save up for other materials that will go into your dance routine and gain experience in the industry.
Opt For Monthly Memberships
Many dance lesson studios offer memberships that may come with added befits. Depending on how long you plan to attend classes, go through the membership as you may find it more reasonable.
Arrange a Fundraiser
You can partner with a good dance studio and your loved ones and arrange a fundraiser. You could also add some entertainment to encourage people to come. This will not only help raise funds for you but other passionate dancers who can’t pay for classes as well.
Work Concessions
You can earn money and work in the same field by getting in touch with dance competitions, sporting events, or concerts. You can use this money to finance dance school and materials.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of whether dance is an expensive sport or not, you can make an informed decision. If you really love dancing and want to take it up in the future, you can start saving up and come up with a plan to finance your passion.