How To Take Dance Classes Economically

If you are interested in taking dance classes or starting your child in classes or a program, you may be worried about the expense. Dance classes (particularly now, as with most things) have become a bit expensive. If you have already tried to budget for the experience but can't find much wiggle room, there are a few things that you can do to lessen the burden.First Option: Look For A Studio That Does Not Have Recitals Or PerformancesOne of the exciting aspects of taking a dance class is getting the opportunity to perform a choreographed routine in front of family, friends, and other interested individuals. Unfortunately, however, this is also a very expensive aspect of dancing. If you are only taking one dance class, the performance will not be that costly. You will only have to pay for one dance costume, which cost cost anywhere from $40-100 (or more if it is a very elaborate costume). However, if you are taking several classes that have several dance performances and require several costumes, you could be looking at upwards of $300 for the costumes.On top of the costumes, most studios will also hire professional photographers to take portraits of each dance class in costume. Even if you decide to perform and participate in the photo, you are not obligated to purchase any copies. However, if this is your first (or your child's first) dance class, you may feel as though you have to purchase a package (or you may be guilted into it). This can add up quickly as most packages cost around $40 as well, depending on your geographical location.Second Option: Join A Gym With Dance Classes IncludedThis is a very economical option; Unfortunately, it also involves the least amount of personalized instruction. If you are already considering joining a gym, you might find that this option suits you well.Some gyms offer studio classes included in the price of a membership ~ such as 24-hour Fitness. What this means is that for a set cost per month or per year, etc., you can attend as many dance classes as possible.With this option, however, you will be one student of many many students. So if you are an entirely new dancer, you probably won't be getting as much instruction as you need. However, if you are returning to dance from a hiatus, this option is perfect for you.Third Option: Buy Or Rent Dance VideosI've mentioned this option in recent articles. Learning to dance from a DVD or video also has its merits. It is by far the most economical option of the three since purchasing one video will give you enough information for several weeks worth of practice. It is also convenient: you can learn any time and any place.The downside to this option is (depending on the video series you choose) you may run out of material to learn and need to switch to another video series. You might also get a little bored with the content if you don't purchase enough videos. However, this total cost will still be far less than most of the other options out there.There are many great dance video series out there - you can learn everything from ballet to hula in your own home! Personally, I practice hula at home and Tahitian style dancing using videos I've purchased (but I also took those dance classes while in college).What Now?Basically, these three options for dance classes are ordered based on cost from most expensive to least expensive. If you have a little wiggle room, I'd try Option 1 - search for a studio that doesn't have annual or semi-annual recitals. You could always opt-out of the recital, but many dance studios devote at least 20-30 minutes of class closer to the recital to choreography and practice (which you would be forced to sit out of). Some dance studio heads may be kind enough to allow you to sit out and then only charge 1/2 or 2/3 of the class price.