Dance classes - yes or no?

Question

I am struggling with whether to pay for my daughters to take dance classes this school year. It would be $1251 for them to take dance.

My husband is going to school full-time this school year which is going to make money really tight and I just don't know if I should spend this money. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I would say only if your daughter is a very dedicated dancer. The schools around here only charge that if they are professional dance studios that train people to become professional dancers.

If you want a more relaxed type of setting, where they are dancing for entertainment I would suggest looking other places. The relaxed type, where dancing is more of a hobby/entertainment purpose only charge $20 a month.  

Answer 2

It will not hurt them to wait one more year or a few if your husband is in school. Ideally we would like to send our kids to dance etc. but do not strap yourself over it. I also agree with the person who said to look for a cheaper school. My kids both dance and we pay $50.00 a month for both, that is a grandparents discount because they signed them up. I only allow my girls 1 class period, time wise more  than one in crazy especially with more than 1 child dancing even if your youngest will only take 1 class.

If your oldest does not act dedicated maybe it is time just the youngest gets to dance. Your oldest has for 6 years you can just tell her it is her sisters turn.

Or tell them both no and let them play seasonal sports it is a bit cheaper and it not year round.

Bottom line do not strap yourself over it regardless if they want it or not. There have been times I have had to tell my kids no and it was really hard, actually more so on me, but they survived and they still have a great deal more than I ever did as a child.

Answer 3

You're not obligated to do this.  Keep telling yourself, "I am not obligated, I am a GOOD mom!"

How about having the older girl take one class instead of two?  She may not do en pointe ballet, but there's really no need for en pointe unless she is a serious student.  

Also check with your Y about scholarships.

You are a good mom!

All the best.

Answer 4

My honest opinion is...don't do it unless you can absolutely afford it! I would check into scholarships and so forth and also look around, because many community centers also offer dance classes. It's great that they love to dance and they can still have a lot of fun even if you can't afford the lessons right now; just have them do their own thing.