ballet class

[sk!mom]

Glad she liked it.

I took my DD13 last week to update her Pointe shoe fitting (we have to drive 3 hours to the nearest dance store). While I was there, I price checked the ballet shoes and they had several styles in the $18 to $20 range. Payless shoes are $16.99. As an experienced dance mom, I really think you will be happier paying only a couple of dollars more for good shoes that are professionally fitted. Payless shoes tend to stay very slick on the bottom and they don't seem to conform to the foot like better shoes do.

Once you have a fitting, then you can save by ordering from discountdance.com. I haven't needed to have my DD fitted for flat shoes in years as I know what size to get and what style she likes. As she grew I could just order the next size. Pointe shoes are different. We go for a professional fitting at least every six months and then order in between.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

My DD(4) takes a pre-ballet/tumbling/tap combo class (only ballet in the recital). She has wide feet so I have bought her Bloch brand shoes since I can get them in wide, they are literally a few bucks more than payless and hold up great and fit her much better (less than $20)! For the tap portion of the class it is only 5 minutes and not in the recital, so they allow any color/brand shoe. This year I went to a re-sale shop and found never-tapped-in Capezio's for $9. A kid's name was written in them but no tap marks on the bottom!

I have bought her cheap tights at Walmart and Target and expensive ones at the dance stores. I do find the ones from the dance store hold up much, much better (no pulls), I keep a cheap pair as back-up. If you shop around, I have even found some of the leotards at dance shops are only a little more than Target/Kohls/Walmart and are much better quality.

 

[livie1205]

Glad she liked it.

I took my DD13 last week to update her Pointe shoe fitting (we have to drive 3 hours to the nearest dance store). While I was there, I price checked the ballet shoes and they had several styles in the $18 to $20 range. Payless shoes are $16.99. As an experienced dance mom, I really think you will be happier paying only a couple of dollars more for good shoes that are professionally fitted. Payless shoes tend to stay very slick on the bottom and they don't seem to conform to the foot like better shoes do.

Once you have a fitting, then you can save by ordering from discountdance.com. I haven't needed to have my DD fitted for flat shoes in years as I know what size to get and what style she likes. As she grew I could just order the next size. Pointe shoes are different. We go for a professional fitting at least every six months and then order in between.

I would have no clue where to go and do something like that...I have not been able to find a dance store in town anywhere.I got her clothes from target.I am new to this so I did not know where to look,maybe next week I will ask the teacher about a good place to go...I went to payless because that is where she said they had them.If my dd likes it enough to keep going after this session I will look into better shoes and things like that.THANKS EVERYONE

 

[dansyr2514]

Hi,

I am a dance teacher, had my own studio but now just run my classes part time out of the community centers.
As far as shoes for a preschooler, the ones from payless are fine for what they will be doing at that age. A little tip about the laces on the ballet slippers. Adjust them to fit your child's foot and then cut them and tape the little ends inside. Believe me it 's a huge help to the teacher. If not you spend half the class tying shoes.
Another option for that age is a combination class. For my beginners I have classes of a combination of ballet, tap and tumbling. That way the kids get a little exposure to everything.
Hope she enjoys!!!

Oh and make sure to get the shoes to fit the child's foot at the time. Don't buy with extra room. The teacher won't be able to see if she is pointing her toes correctly and and she may trip if they are too big

 

[Pixie Princess]

My DD started dance at 4 and now is almost 10. She is not required to wear a certain color leotard or tights for class. However another school in our area requires that and different level classes wear different color leotards. I have always gotten my DDs shoes through the school. The school was no more expensive than payless or Wal-Mart, with the exception of tap shoes. Ballet shoes run around $13.00, tap are $16 and jazz are $19. Tights through the school are $11.50, but I usually only buy those around recital time. Even though those tights are thicker and should hold up better, she manages to find a way to rip them. I just stick with the cheaper ones.

I just paid recital fees which were $130 this year . Last year the director of the studio changed the way she did the costumes. Instead of a separate costumes for each class a child takes, there was one main base costume and then skirts or pants were added. She did this rather than raise the recital fees. Nice.

 

[scrapquitler]

at my kid's dance school, the cost is $95 per quarter for a one hour tap/ballet combo (age 7 and under), after that, the tap and ballet classes are 50 minutes each for $95 per quarter.

Other costs we have: shoes (at your child's age, Payless is a good option, ballet shoes are less than $20), tights and leotard, maybe $20 total, make sure you get what the school requires (our school: black leo, pink tights, no skirt). For our recital: costumes, 1 per class about $60-$70 per costume.

 

[swilshire]

ok I am putting my dd4 in a pre ballet class next week, she has never done this but loves to sing and dance so I stay home with her I figured why not put her in a few times a week...my question is how pricey is this going to be for us? I know the class fee is about 230.00 for the whole session but how much are things like the clothes and shoes? I do not expect this to be a whole life thing for her (unless she just wants it lol) so I do not think I need pricy clothes or shoes...am I wrong?

The costs are just endless. I spent thousands on my two oldest. Most dance groups, showchoirs, etc require expensive costumes whether you can afford them or not. You spend a fortune getting them to class, taking them to shows, putting them in camps, buying tickets to their shows, it's never ending. Mine started at 6 and 4. DD (the oldest) never really got into it. DS did a lot of theatre through the years, but abandoned it all after one opera in college. Wish I had just stuck that money in their college funds instead of spending it on the costumes that now grace our attic.

Sheila

 

[KelnRon]

My DD is two and I put her in a "mini" summer class, last summer. She loved it! I enrolled her for fall classes that include ballet & tap. It is $35 a week from Sept. - end of May, just like school. I bought all my leotards and shoes at Once Upon a Child. Great condition, so if you have one in your area you might check them out! The shoes are $4-$6 and the leotards and skirts were around $3-$5. I have so many, I couldn't pass up the deals! Ha Ha. Our first recital was this past Christmas and her costume cost $50! Even at two she was precious on stage and she really surprised me at how well she did the dance.

 

[littlele]

The costs are just endless. I spent thousands on my two oldest. Most dance groups, showchoirs, etc require expensive costumes whether you can afford them or not. You spend a fortune getting them to class, taking them to shows, putting them in camps, buying tickets to their shows, it's never ending. Mine started at 6 and 4. DD (the oldest) never really got into it. DS did a lot of theatre through the years, but abandoned it all after one opera in college. Wish I had just stuck that money in their college funds instead of spending it on the costumes that now grace our attic.

Sheila

I hope you don't really regret spending the money on these experiences. If they came away with anything, it's worth it. Think of it as one big Visa(?) commercial when you add up all the costs and it = priceless.

 

[lovetonap]

My girls are still young but we already are at the ballet company three days a week!

My 6 year old LOVES dance (she started when she was 3). She is now in the "advanced" track in ballet and goes twice a week for an hour each. She also does a separate 1/2 hour hip hop class and a separate 1/2 hour jazz class.

My 9 year old takes an hour of ballet a week as well as a 1/2 hour hip hop class. (Dance isn't her main passion. She loves horseback riding. Now there is an expensive activity!!)

For 4.5 hours of dance a week between the two of them, I pay $194 a month.

No costume fee is necessary for our Nutcracker production, but I will need to pay about $80 for each of the 5 recital costumes we will need. And there are 4 recital times, so it is conceivable that we will be assigned to all four of them since my daughters will be in 5 separate pieces. That means that we will have to buy tickets to all of them ($25 per ticket).

 

[swilshire]

I hope you don't really regret spending the money on these experiences. If they came away with anything, it's worth it. Think of it as one big Visa(?) commercial when you add up all the costs and it = priceless.

At the time it seemed like a good idea, but in hindsight, not so much. The two younger ones bypassed the whole experience and I can't tell that they're any worse for it.

Other than chuckling every year at the Fantasy of Trees about DD falling off the stage during a performance there, I'm not sure any of us have all that many fond memories of those years.

Sheila

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Here's my story. DD started pre-ballet at age 3. Once a week for 30 minutes. By the time she was 6 she was taking ballet/tap (1x per week for an hour). By the time she was 9 she was taking ballet/lyrical (1x per week for an hour) and jazz/tap (1 x per week for an hour). She's now 18 and I think we live at the dance center. She takes ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, musical theater and jazz tech. She's also on the competition team. You really don't want to know what I spent the last few years in lessons, shoes, costumes, rehearsal fees, competion fees, pictures, travel, etc. etc. etc. (its thousands a year). DS also dances and is currently doing hip hop, jazz and tap (also on a competition team).

Its definitely one of those things that can snowball over the years. There are some girls that do it for a short period of time and lose interest, and then there are the ones like mine that love it! She does off-set some of the cost by doing some student teaching with the younger classes.

yes, it can!! but it's worth it.... it is also sad, though, when you spend all that time and money from age 2 and then at age 15, they just up and QUIT dance altogether. That's what happened with my oldest. She stopped dancing after the show this past May. I had hoped she would go back after a break but doesn't look like she is. She says she got burned out. She had been competing since age 7, took every class they offered including drama and musical theater. And just QUIT.... but yes, it can be costly. it was worth it to me. even as a single parent, i did what i could to keep her in it. for the past 2+ years i've been baby-sitting the dance teacher's kids while she's teaching to offset the cost of tuition. My youngest is still dancing and is now in the performance ensemble (competition "team") and my step-daughter just started dancing when she came to live with us. So I'm still baby-sitting to offset the cost! But competition fees and costumes alone (and our studio does CHEAP costumes) is $700 this year for one kid (she's almost 11). this is not including the 3 shows per year that our studio does and that both girls (my almost 11-yo and my almost 8-yo step-dd) are in... and yes, shoes (tap, ballet, jazz, foot undies, etc.), tights, leotards, jazz pants, shirts, hair stuff, etc., etc., etc... it all adds up quickly... but it's SO worth it when you see them perform and grow as a dancer/performer!!!

and actually, i don't think the shoes at payless/walmart are that cheap... you can get GOOD ballet shoes at the dance store for about $20 and a little cheaper probably online. our studio orders from somewhere, not sure where, and so i can get some of the shoes cheaper through them than i can at payless... of course, once they really get serious, you want the GOOD shoes... tap shoes, on the other hand, can get pretty pricey... when the kids get to the point where they want the "jazz" tap shoes, those are at least $50-60... jazz shoes also can run about $30-40 or so. and i agree about getting the good dance tights.. they will last much longer. my girls wear them even after they get holes/runs in them for class and save the good ones for shows/competition. luckily i've been able to hand down the leotards and such from my oldest to my youngest. they hold up pretty well. even the walmart leotards and jazz pants are fine for class.

 

[littlele]

At the time it seemed like a good idea, but in hindsight, not so much. The two younger ones bypassed the whole experience and I can't tell that they're any worse for it.

Other than chuckling every year at the Fantasy of Trees about DD falling off the stage during a performance there, I'm not sure any of us have all that many fond memories of those years.

Sheila

Sheila,
I can understand your point. I guess I am just of the thinking that everything your child does shapes them in one way or the other. My DH and I have had the discussion many times about how much we spent on guitar lessons/guitars for DD, who no longer plays. I still believe that it has benefitted her and will continue to do so in the off chance that she starts to play more again someday. Besides, studies show that arts are a very important part of any childs education-at least that is what I remind my husband of everytime the dance bill comes!

And I have always told my daughter that no one regrets trying, but they may always regret not trying.

 

[sk8jdgca]

Glad your daughter is starting dance-hopefully she will enjoy it. I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts. My kids are in 2 different studios. They are both great but (don't be jealous!). The one studio is taught by an amazing lady in her 70's. She has been teaching for over 50 years. The kids do exams through the Royal academy of ballet and the british association of dance. This is where they learn their serious technique. She spends hours on making sure each position is perfect. She expects perfection and gets it..and what do I pay for this?? $5 per class. The classes may be 1 hour or longer depending on how close to exam time. Yep $5 she is obviously doing this for her love of dance.

Now again at the other studio I pay $145 per month for 2 ballet, 1 tap, i jazz, i musical theatre, one lyrical, one group voice lesson and one acting class (a triple threat program). Still quite good after reading all of your responses.

 

[Sleepy]

At the time it seemed like a good idea, but in hindsight, not so much. The two younger ones bypassed the whole experience and I can't tell that they're any worse for it.

Other than chuckling every year at the Fantasy of Trees about DD falling off the stage during a performance there, I'm not sure any of us have all that many fond memories of those years.

Sheila

Maybe the difference is that you were expecting something in the end, rather than view the dance years as an "in the moment" adventure with no visible expectations in the end.

It is difficult to compare one child with another. Lets say you have 3 kids....one who plays baseball, one who only focuses on academics to go to an Ivy League college and the last one who doesn't care to do anything or have any goals. They all had different experiences growing up, but seem the same as individuals (well adjusted and happy), because what they chose to do is what makes them feel whole. I hope that makes sense.

The world of dance is full of sacrifices. There are expenses, commuting, schedules, etc. It is a lot of hard work put into it with little in return. I doubt there will be too many truly fond memories that stand out other than getting a good part, passing each level, mastering difficult steps, getting into the school of your choice, etc. The other fond memories are there, but less significant, so maybe forgotten. I know my son comes home almost everyday with a story about something good that happens either to himself or someone else. As you state, some of the memories might not have been so nice at the time, but you make them positive memories. I know my son has many of those too. You just have to make the best of the experience. You have to end the adventure of dance with the understanding that as long as were happy enough to work that many years at something so difficult, it had to be worth it in some way.

If your kids were happy enough to take classes all those years and are happy today for doing so, isn't that enough to make dance a good idea? Or do you look at the more physical end result and say nothing came of it, so what was the point? Had your kids become successful professional dancers, would that change your mind? I'm just curious.

 

[littlele]

Glad your daughter is starting dance-hopefully she will enjoy it. I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts. My kids are in 2 different studios. They are both great but (don't be jealous!). The one studio is taught by an amazing lady in her 70's. She has been teaching for over 50 years. The kids do exams through the Royal academy of ballet and the british association of dance. This is where they learn their serious technique. She spends hours on making sure each position is perfect. She expects perfection and gets it..and what do I pay for this?? $5 per class. The classes may be 1 hour or longer depending on how close to exam time. Yep $5 she is obviously doing this for her love of dance.

Now again at the other studio I pay $145 per month for 2 ballet, 1 tap, i jazz, i musical theatre, one lyrical, one group voice lesson and one acting class (a triple threat program). Still quite good after reading all of your responses.

How can I NOT be jealous

 

[PixiePlanner]

DD7 has been taking Dance (tap, ballet & tumbling) lessons since she was 3. I think I have bought shoes for her twice. Otherwise, she has just used what was there (traded).

Her teacher requires solid color leotards and ballet pink tights. I order online from discountdance.com. Definitely spend the money on the tights. You will pay that much very quickly if you don't by dance tights.

We pay $40 a month and her lesson is every Wednesday. Doesn't matter how many Wednesdays there are in the month, 4 or 5, it is the same price. I noticed this week that the teacher is starting to "crack down" more on the technique/hand positions. DD loves her teacher and looks forward to class every week.

BTW, our dance school doesn't do recitals. About every 3-4 months, she lets the parents sit in the studio and watch. Otherwise, we wait in the waiting area and visit.

 

[strmtroopr96]

My youngest DD is 3 1/2 and started a ballet/tap combo class in September. Her teacher is very nice and she loves it. We pay $6.00 per class or we can get a 10% discount by paying for the whole month all at once. Her recital will be in June and we have already ordered her costume. That was about $56.00. The kids can wear whatever they want to class...no specific colors or anything. We also bought her ballet shoes and tap shoes from Payless and leotards, etc from Walmart for now.

Our oldest took a ballet/tap class a few years ago through a different teacher and we were not happy there at all. It seemed more unorganized and we only kept her in about half the year. It was also much more expensive. That same person has moved to a different location and we know of someone who goes there and it sounds like not much has changed and it is still very pricey compared to our class.

 

[swilshire]

If your kids were happy enough to take classes all those years and are happy today for doing so, isn't that enough to make dance a good idea? Or do you look at the more physical end result and say nothing came of it, so what was the point? Had your kids become successful professional dancers, would that change your mind? I'm just curious.

I think the thing that would make me feel better about it is any fond memories of it from the kids (now adults). A lot of the classes seem to be a bit of a racket. There is often more interest in filling the directors purse than in helping the kids.

To give another side, my three oldest were all in the high school marching band. Almost as much money and certainly as much commitment as the showchoirs. But all three of them recall the experience with a lot of fondness. They are all really glad they did it.

I think music is good, though I also have two kids who took lessons and then put down their instruments for good. Number 3, on the other hand, gets up at 4AM every morning to play the piano. He had lessons on the Pedal Steel, which he abandoned, but he still has a real love for music.

Sheila

 

[Sleepy]

I think the thing that would make me feel better about it is any fond memories of it from the kids (now adults).

To give another side, my three oldest were all in the high school marching band. Almost as much money and certainly as much commitment as the showchoirs. But all three of them recall the experience with a lot of fondness. They are all really glad they did it.

I think music is good, though I also have two kids who took lessons and then put down their instruments for good. Number 3, on the other hand, gets up at 4AM every morning to play the piano. He had lessons on the Pedal Steel, which he abandoned, but he still has a real love for music.

Sheila

I do see your point. For me this is simple. As long as my son is happy while taking classes, I will be happy to pay the tuition and be the taxi driver. He rarely talks about past dance experiences now, so if once the dance venture is finished, he never speaks of it again, it won't change my mind. He was happy when he was taking classes, so I will be happy that I gave him that experience.

A lot of the classes seem to be a bit of a racket. There is often more interest in filling the directors purse than in helping the kids.

I think most schools are set up that way....to make money. Some make it by offering 10 different forms of dance and/or misleading and making promises that they know will never happen. Telling a child they will become a professional, but never telling them they need go to another school when the time comes is, in my opinion, a money making scam.

I think if a child is in it for the recreational fun ONLY, and the parents don't mind the expense, then these schools are great and I don't really blame them for doing everything they can to make a buck. I just think they need to be honest when it comes to expectations of the customer.