This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow Ballroom Dancer in person for the first time. It was a delightful reminder that even when moving to a new place, the dance community can create unexpected connections. She shared that she’s been a reader of my blog since its beginning, which was incredibly heartwarming to hear.
Over tea at a picnic table, our conversation naturally flowed to our shared passion: ballroom dancing. She expressed appreciation for my open discussions about the financial realities of this dance form. The cost of being a ballroom dancer is often an unspoken truth, lurking behind the glitz and glamour of the dance floor. It’s a topic frequently avoided, overshadowed by the dazzling lights and sparkling costumes. The focus is often directed towards the beauty and artistry of the dance, rather than the often-significant financial investment it requires.
Finding Your Rhythm Despite the Cost
From the outset of my ballroom journey, I’ve been transparent about the financial challenges. My blog is filled with articles detailing the struggles of pursuing dance on a budget. I meticulously tracked every expense to afford private lessons and competitions. Ballroom dance became a priority, often placed above non-essential needs. I explored various avenues to generate income, from selling personal items to freelancing, and eventually transforming my blog into a business to support my passion. My books, Ballroom Budgeting and The Solo Practice Guide, were directly inspired by these financial hurdles, with the latter emphasizing the cost-free benefits of solo practice.
Money is a complex factor in the ballroom world, regardless of your financial situation. It intertwines with societal values and can evoke a range of emotions, from guilt and shame to feelings of entitlement or fear. When I first encountered competitive ballroom dancing, I felt an immediate sense of belonging, only to be confronted by a feeling of exclusion. The high costs of competition dresses and multiple weekly private lessons felt insurmountable.
It was disheartening to discover a passion, a place where I felt truly myself, only to be met with such significant financial barriers. It felt akin to finding the perfect wedding dress and then realizing it was far beyond budget.
However, human motivation is a powerful force. Despite the initial discouragement from the financial demands of ballroom, the dance itself was too compelling to ignore. I was determined to integrate ballroom into my life. And I succeeded. I discovered numerous ways to make it work, which I detail in my book. The journey was undoubtedly challenging, but with sixteen competitions under my belt, I’ve learned that determination can pave the way to achieving your dance goals.
The Unspoken Exclusivity in Ballroom Dance
While I’ve found ways to navigate the financial aspects, I recognize that many are unable to do so due to their circumstances. They may begin with group classes, occasionally indulging in a private lesson, enjoying dance as a joyful escape. However, feelings of exclusion can arise as they observe others preparing for showcases and competitions. They may notice a shift in attention from studio staff towards clients investing more heavily. Eventually, instructors might stop extending invitations to participate in events, assuming the answer will be dictated by budget constraints.
This inherent exclusivity has always troubled me. The way the financial aspect of ballroom is often glossed over exacerbates the issue. Ballroom outwardly projects an image of warmth and inclusivity, emphasizing that dance is for everyone. Yet, there’s an implicit asterisk: “everyone* who can afford it.” For those who cannot, the initial welcome can quickly turn cold and superficial. It can feel like a bait-and-switch. If you’re not perceived as a financially lucrative client, the initial enthusiasm may wane.
Of course, the reality is more nuanced than simply studios and teachers seeking to maximize profit. Operating a dance studio incurs significant expenses, particularly in high-cost areas. Independent teachers also face considerable overhead, especially if they are actively competing professionally. However, observing luxury vehicles owned by studio teachers while arriving in my older car did raise questions.
Luxury is undeniably woven into the ballroom experience. Ballroom teachers and studios are selling a premium service, and their image often reflects this. Perceptions might shift if a dance teacher arrived in an older, less impressive car or wore casual attire. Maintaining an image of success and glamour often necessitates spending on expensive clothing and vehicles. While some students might prioritize the quality of instruction over appearance, initial impressions matter, especially for newcomers entering the ballroom world. The visual association of ballroom with glitz and glamour is powerful.
Dancewear companies contribute to the high price point, with competition costumes costing thousands and practice wear often priced in the hundreds. I still practice in workout clothes purchased years ago on sale. However, even I recognize the value of practicing in a skirt that mimics the feel of a competition gown. Shoe companies, coaches, and event venues all contribute to the premium cost of the overall ballroom experience.
Re-evaluating the Expense of Ballroom Dance
Is it truly necessary for ballroom dance to be so expensive in this country? One wonders if the high costs are simply perpetuated by tradition, with little incentive to explore more affordable alternatives. If the current model provides a comfortable living for those in the industry, why would there be a push for change?
Businesses typically cater to their ideal clientele. In the ballroom industry, the ideal client is often not the most talented dancer, but rather the one with disposable income willing to invest in a luxury experience. I recall attending a showcase with a ballroom newcomer who questioned why certain dancers were featured multiple times despite, in her opinion, lacking exceptional skill. The explanation is simple: they paid for it. Top billing in a ballroom showcase often goes to the highest-paying student, not necessarily the most skilled. Top student awards at competitions can operate on a similar principle.
Ballroom studios differ from mainstream dance academies that emphasize student progression and advancement. In ballroom, students can remain at the Bronze level indefinitely without pressure to advance. Competitors can participate for years without achieving top placements. Ballroom studios often build their reputations on the overall experience they offer, rather than solely on the technical proficiency of their students.
Individual teachers do place greater emphasis on the performance of their competitive students, as student progress reflects on their teaching abilities. However, even achieving a world champion title doesn’t guarantee discounts on lesson packages. Teachers still operate businesses, and while a titled student is a prestigious accomplishment, it doesn’t directly cover studio overhead.
Returning to Your Personal Dance Journey
While teaching ballroom isn’t my current path, I sometimes contemplate how to make it more accessible and inclusive without compromising the livelihood of instructors. It wouldn’t be about a mere financial experiment; students deserve dedicated teaching. With plans for the stables on my property, I might still create a truly inclusive ballroom space. I believe that starting with genuine intention and values can manifest such a vision. However, mirroring my own dance journey over the past years, it wouldn’t be easy, as it challenges the established norms. Trade-offs and sacrifices would be necessary. Perhaps it means forgoing extravagant attire or luxury vehicles. Perhaps events would adopt a less opulent aesthetic. But the ideal client for an inclusive ballroom space would prioritize learning and growth, driven by maximum effort, regardless of their financial capacity.
Ultimately, whether you’re a professional ballroom dancer or a student pursuing your passion, the key is to choose a path that aligns with your individual circumstances and avoid comparing your journey to others. This is often challenging, but with time and practice, it becomes easier. There is no shame in enjoying a luxury ballroom experience, nor is there shame in being unable to afford it. Your financial status does not define your worth as a ballroom dancer. If the love of dance resides within you, you are a dancer.
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