Ballroom Latin Dance Made Affordable
Determining Your Own Budget Level Of Dance Activities
Jun 21, 2009
The popular television shows of Dancing With The Stars and movies like Shall We Dance (Japanese and English versions) did much to revive and stir the craze of Ballroom dancing around the globe. The glamor seen in all these Ballroom dancing has led numerous prospective hobbyists to perceive that Ballroom dancing is expensive. Instead of trying Ballroom dancing, many are just inhibited by the “high” costs and stay away. The truth is, Ballroom dancing can either an affordable hobby or an expensive pastime. It is up to the individual to choose his or her own level of affordability.
Ballroom Dancing As An Affordable Hobby
Ballroom dancing is not necessarily expensive if there is a plan and a modest objective.
Investment items include:
- Group Classes: Group Classes organized both by the community or private studios are inexpensive way to start Ballroom dancing and to test your own interest level before further investment. Participants can learn and sample all dances in both Ballroom Standard and Latin styles. The atmosphere is more casual than private lesson. Many students are also single and who do not have regular partners.
- Accessories: A good pair of dance shoes is still necessary for men and ladies. Ladies can just buy a pair of practice shoes suitable for both Ballroom and Latin styles instead of spending on specific Ballroom and Latin shoes. No need to buy any specialized clothing yet. Wear comfortable clothing but no jeans. Ladies can wear pants made of stretch materials.
- Social activities/Practice Sessions: Dance parties or practice sessions at venues like community halls that are inexpensive.
Why Ballroom Dancing Is Seen As A Luxury?
In Asia or elsewhere, it is not uncommon that single ladies can spend fortunes on Ballroom dancing. The biggest reason is that they have no regular partner of their own. Much of the costs involved have to do with hiring professional partners and more glamorous if not ambitious objectives. Theses ladies invest in most of the following:
- Private Lessons: Single ladies always prefer private lessons even as beginners for exclusivity. Private lessons are charged per 45 minutes session. Usually 2-3 sessions will be taken every time. Fees vary from US$80 to US$120 according to the reputation and nationality of the teacher.
- Professional Partners: Single ladies need to hire professionals to practice and dance with most of the time. These professionals are teachers who are charged per 45 minutes sessions.
- Tea Dance: Tea dances are held at private clubs or restaurants with live bands daily from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.. Ladies would dance with their professional partner costing around an equivalent of 4 private lessons plus food.
- Dinner Dance: Dinner dance starts from 8:00p.m. till midnight. The cost is equivalent to 4 - 6 private lessons plus food for the partner.
- Overseas and Local Pro-am Competitions: Overseas airfares, food and lodging, application fees, tailor made and custom designed costumes including that of the professional partner.
- Accessories: Imported dance shoes in the latest styles and opulent designer clothing. These can be up to any amount.
Setting Your Own Level Of Affordability
It is strictly a personal choice and value of how much to invest in Ballroom dancing. If an individual could afford the costs and want to take as many private lessons as she wants, there is nothing wrong with that. One point to note is that an individual's standard of dancing is never a direct variable of the investment amount in lessons. Only practice and hard work can make dancing better. Other sports like golf for instance, can be played the budget or luxurious way. Ballroom dancing is no different.
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