What an exciting adventure!
Upon my return, my thoughts have turned to the great
rewards my competitive students receive from this experience versus the
financial investment each makes in order to participate.
There is no denying that Pro-Am DanceSport, for all
styles of dance from Ballroom to Country, is an expensive form of
entertainment. However, I have
repeatedly witnessed how the value of competition, the growth it imparts, and
the joy it delivers outweighs the price tag it carries.
So, how much does it cost to compete? Private lessons to prepare for the event will
average $70 – 100 per hour, for qualified professional instruction. Competition gowns range from several hundred
dollars to several thousand dollars; however, many gorgeous gowns can be found
on consignment at very competitive retail prices. Competitors also need to be prepared for the
cost of registration and participation in the event, which will depend upon the
number of dances an amateur chooses to compete in. The professional instructor
escorting the student will charge a per diem for his or her time. And, there
are travel expenses if the event is not in your home town or nearby.
In return for the investment, a student of dance receives
immeasurable reward! As with all great,
memorable experiences in life, it is difficult to quantify the value of one’s
rapid growth in the art of dance, the life-long friends that are formed by
being a part of a like-minded community, the joy experienced through expression
in a beautiful art, and the cherished memories formed through travel.
Think of the Pro-Am competition experience in terms of an
investment in entertainment, such as a vacation. The difference here is that when you travel
to an exciting Dance destination, instead of money spent on local tours and
souvenirs, the Pro-Am dancer purchases the dance experience.I encourage all students to invest in at least one Pro-Am DanceSport experience! It is a unique adventure not to be missed!
Some great upcoming competitions are:
Austin Swing Dance Championship, Austin, April 19-20
Texas Classic (Country Western competiton), Houston, May 16-19
Sapphire DanceSport Championship (Ballroom competition), Austin, May 30 - June 2
See you on the dance floor,
-Mark
