ballet class

[livie1205]

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?

 

[pixiedancr]

It depends on the school she is going to. Some schools want your child to wear specific clothes. If you don't have to wear a specific leotard go to Walmart and get the ones in the girls section for 7 dollars. If the school just wants you to have a specific color Walmart has both pink and black so if that is your dd's color you will be fine. When you buy the tights they also have tights in that same Walmart section but again it all depends on your dance school...if you have to buy from the school like we do they usually cost around 12 dollars....leotards for my dd cost anywhere from 15-20 depending on if they are on sale. Now the shoes...I think they universally cost the same and those I would try and buy thru your dance school or if you have a dance wear company in town go there...they cost around 18 dollars.

If you can go thru Walmart I would it makes everything cheaper...and the leotards hold up just as long as the more expensive ones do.

 

[msmayor]

At such a young age, the clothes and shoes can be had fairly reasonably.

My suggestion, though, is to spend the extra money on the tights and get actual dance tights, not just any garden variety pink tights. Dance tights are a heavier weight and resist holes/runs much better than standard dressy tights, and in the end you may find that you'll spend less $$ starting out with the more expensive tights.

 

[budbeerlady]

Its not bad until recital or show time (for us it was the spring) then its been anywhere from $85 - $195 for costumes. (And 2 pairs of tights, bobby pins, show tickets, etc.)

Dd loved ballet, many "dance" stores gave discounts depending on where you danced, you can always ask....

 

[Pigeon]

I agree--it depends on where she's taking lessons. Ask these questions upfront. Ask if there's a recital. If there is and you want her to participate, you will likely have to buy a costume and tights for the occasion. They can run $50-100 for one costume.

 

[thebeesknees]

Your best bet for shoes will be either Payless or if you have a dance store near you. My daughter's teacher lets the kids swap out their old shoes for used ones in the next size for free, but initially we had to pay out for the tap and ballet shoes. I got the tap ones at Walmart on clearance for $5; I'm not sure if they are selling them there anymore, but you could check when you are looking for leotards. Target also sells the leotards in pink or black (and blue, I think). I'd invest in a pair of dance tights - they are thicker and last a lot longer than the regular nylon tights you'd wear for everyday. My DD puts holes in her regular tights after a couple of wearings, but she's had her dance tights for 2 years now and they still look great. At my daughter's class, they don't do formal costumes, they are allowed to wear what they like for both the class and recital, so you will want to check to see if there is anything particular she needs to wear. Enjoy! There's nothing cuter than a bunch of preschoolers at a dance recital!

 

[bridget]

It can get kind of pricy. I pay $86 a month (Sept-May) for 3 hours a week for a 1st grader. She has tap, jazz and ballet shoes. Ballet shoes were the cheapest at $18. She does 1 hour of ballet on Monday and 2 hours on Tuesday (tap & Jazz w/a little ballet). Then I pay a one time fee of $225 for Saturday afternoon practice (1.5 hours) for Sept-January. This is tap/jazz and hip-hop. She was also in the Nutcracker and practiced in the morning on Saturdays.

I know when my daughter was 4 she was already so serious about dancing. It is very hard to explain, but you could tell at age 4 she was serious about this. I swear there must be a dancing gene!!

I think we are going to do this plan for next year, and then in 3rd grade, I think she will focus just on ballet.

 

[KKB]

is too much for such a young child.
Once a week is good (MAYBE twice...). I pay about $30/month for a weekly class. I'd say the most is $50/month in town for once a week.
Target for black leotard & pink tights (typical required attire) and Payless for shoes. (pink ballet slipper is typically required). Studios vary on how particular they are about what they wear.
I danced my entire youth, and taught during high school. Children that young should simply develop a love of dance. True dance development will not occur until several years later. Be sure your studio's focus for such young children is fun and not a developmentally inappropriate strict one.

 

[jakenjess]

I agree, once a week for a four-year-old is plenty. My DD started at once a week, and now at age 12 it's four days so enjoy while you can! I also agree with springing for the better dance tights; you'll save in the long run! You can get inexpensive leotards, and ballet slippers aren't expensive either. Have fun!

 

[sk!mom]

The cost depends on the type of school your DD attends. Find out what her school requires. Some schools require specific colors or styles while others do not. I would encourage you to buy well fitting leos and tights as it's hard for even a beginner to dance if her leos crawling up while her tights are sliding down. If the Wal Mart or Target leos fit her well then they are fine. Good tights, like capezios or my DD's favorite- Primasoft- will last a long time without losing there shape. Please don't buy the cheap shoes form Payless or WalMart. The soles are slippery and will hinder her progress. I order from Discount Dance and you can get good shoes for $15 or less http://www.discountdance.com/frame_set.php3?mf=/dancewear/shoes/page1

My DD13 studies ballet at a school that focuses on classical ballet training so there aren't expensive costumes to purchase. Her school puts on The Nutcracker at Christmas as well as a Spring ballet but there is no costume fee. We only provide shoes and tights. We do, however, have to purchase tickets- $250 this year for Nutcracker. As far as class fees, my DD takes class 4 days a week for 2-3 hours each day for $155 per month. Summer Intensives add several thousand dollars a year but she would go to other Summer camps if not dance. Dance started as an inexpensive activity my DD loved and has grown into a pretty costly way of life but she still loves it.

Have fun!

 

[Pigeon]

We've found the Payless shoes to be just fine.

 

[mjkacmom]

We pay $300 for a 3 month session for dd8, level 3, 1 1/4 hours a week. There is no recital with this studio, and they can wear whatever they like. They do offer programs for several times a week, but they're over $500 a session, and she does irish dancing 4 nights a week as well (which is only $80 a month).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Our dance school consigns old ballet slippers. That--or going to payless are your least expensive slipper option.

Walmart and Target sell the leotard and tights. If you have a flexible studio with what the kids where, you can get off cheaper. But often it is a dance leotard and dance tights and Walmart and Target are the least expensive.

If they are going long term or have a shoe width issue like my 7yo ...payless slippers aren't as flexible. But starting out, they are fine.

I think the first year of dance at a different school, we were actually told to not by the payless slippers--but many moms did and did not have trouble. OTherwise, it is about $18-$23 for a little ones slipper at a dance store.

 

[livie1205]

thanks

 

[hedgehog2owl]

if you are going to put her in a "few times a week" it will get pricey.

At our ballet school 1 hour a week for 16 weeks is $176

2 hours a week $272
3 hours a week $368...etc

She goes to another school, where she gets tap/ballet combo, and they are $35 a month for one hour, if you go two hours it would be $70 per month.

As far as dance supplies go, it doesn't have to be pricey. Check once Upon a Child, you can usually get used shoes and leo there. But even buying a Leo from a dance shop has never cost me more than $13. Walmart has plain leo in pink or black for under $10. Just DO NOT get your shoes at Walmart! This is every dance teacher I know pet peeve! The satiny one with the cushioned bottom they sell in their dance section are bedroom slippers, absolutely not ballet shoes. real ballet shoes will have a thin tough leather bottom, either full sole or split sole and have an upper of either canvas or leather. Every new student who joins the class has these shoes at first and it drives the teacher nuts!

both school we attend require black leos and pink tights, so check if they have requirement before you buy. Have fun!

 

[Darcy03231]

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.

 

[littlele]

First of all, I absolutely agree when it comes to getting the right tights. Yes they are more expensive at first, but they will last forever and fit so much better.

Also second the recommendation of getting the right kind of shoes so they fit well. It's worth it! PP was right, www.discountdance.com is a great resource.

And I am never thrilled when I see what it costs others around the country for dance lessons. I feel like we pay way more for whatever reason. 3 hours a week to the tune of $140 a month. Not fair! But that is definitely the going rate around here. And costumes are $70 for each class for recital. It does add up-so be prepared!

 

[mjkacmom]

First of all, I absolutely agree when it comes to getting the right tights. Yes they are more expensive at first, but they will last forever and fit so much better.

Also second the recommendation of getting the right kind of shoes so they fit well. It's worth it! PP was right, www.discountdance.com is a great resource.

And I am never thrilled when I see what it costs others around the country for dance lessons. I feel like we pay way more for whatever reason. 3 hours a week to the tune of $140 a month. Not fair! But that is definitely the going rate around here. And costumes are $70 for each class for recital. It does add up-so be prepared!

If it makes you feel better, that's what ballet costs here for 3 classes a week, too. If you really want to feel better, dd8's irish dance costume cost $1200, although she'll wear it all year, hopefully (6 - 8 times). Her school dress was $250, which she'll wear about 2 - 3 times total.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I'll admit that I read the whole thread but the words ballet, inexpensive, and or cheap will probably never be found in the same sentence in our house...

DD started early also. And as much as finding inexpensive shoes are important to you, it is one place we never sacrificed price. Your daughter's feet will thank you later on.

 

[littlele]

If it makes you feel better, that's what ballet costs here for 3 classes a week, too. If you really want to feel better, dd8's irish dance costume cost $1200, although she'll wear it all year, hopefully (6 - 8 times). Her school dress was $250, which she'll wear about 2 - 3 times total.

In a sick sort of way, it does make me feel better!