Partner dancing is a rewarding and fulfilling passion, but it can also be a significant financial investment. Here's an overview of the costs associated with partner dancing, including regular dance classes, parties, festivals, dance shoes, and wardrobe.
Regular dance classes
Regular dance classes are often the first expense for a dancer who discovers this passion. They allow you to acquire and perfect the technical skills necessary to progress.
- Average cost: Prices vary depending on the dance school and the region. In general, a couple dance class costs on average between 5 and 15 euros per hour depending on the formulas and subscription. An annual subscription can cost between 300 and 800€ depending on the number of classes.
-
Budget advice:
- Look for packages or memberships that offer discounts for multiple classes or long-term commitments. Some studios offer student discounts or sliding scale rates.
- Take advantage of pre-registration rates
- Organize your schedule to take offers with a minimum of 2-3 classes per evening to optimize your time and budget
Evenings
Participating in dance parties is essential to practice the techniques learned and meet other dancers. These moments of relaxation and practice also allow you to have fun and enrich your experience.
- Average cost: Entrance to a dance party can range from free, €5 for regular parties, €10 to €20 for bigger parties on weekends, depending on the city. Some parties include a dance lesson before the social session or drinks included, which can increase the price slightly.
- Reminder: even if entry to the evening is free, think of the organizers and the venue that is hosting you and make the effort to consume to ensure the sustainability of the evening.
- Budget tip: Take advantage of pre-sales when possible.
Festivals
Dance festivals are must-attend events for dance enthusiasts. They offer the opportunity to participate in workshops with renowned teachers, sometimes to dance to live music and to meet dancers from all over the world.
-
Average cost:
- Festival registration fees vary considerably depending on the fame of the event, the type of dance and the type of pass. Full pass prices (classes and evening) generally vary between €100 and €200.
- Travel Expenses/Accommodation and Food: Treat every festival like a vacation weekend with its own set of logistical expenses.
- Transport: €100 to €200 for average journeys by car or plane
- Accommodation: 100-200€ depending on the standard and number of people
- Food: 100-200€ for the weekend depending on your tastes
-
Budget tips:
- Plan ahead and book your tickets and accommodation early to get the best rates. Choose destinations that are easily accessible from home.
- Share accommodation and transportation costs with other dancers to reduce costs.
- Take advantage of the first prices for festival passes: this requires an organizational and logistical effort (first sale up to 1 year in advance) but it often allows you to save between 30 and 50%.
Dance shoes
Dance shoes are a crucial investment for any dancer. They are designed to provide the comfort, support and flexibility needed for optimal performance.
- Average cost: A good pair of dance shoes costs between 50 and 150 euros, depending on the brand and type of shoe.
-
Budget advice:
- Invest in a quality pair of shoes that will last longer. Take care of your shoes by cleaning them regularly and using them only for dancing to extend their life.
- Give your shoes a second life by going to a shoemaker to repair them or add a rubber sole.
- Watch for My Dance bulk order announcements and sign up for our newsletter for all the latest info.
Wardrobe
A couple dancer's wardrobe can vary greatly depending on their style and preferences. It includes clothes for classes, parties, and festivals, and may include specific outfits for shows.
- Average cost: Difficult to estimate because it will depend heavily on the frequency of purchases and the brands chosen. An occasional dancer will use their everyday clothes for evenings. A more dedicated dancer will often start investing in clothes for classes and specific outfits/accessories for evenings.
-
Budget advice:
- Buy versatile clothes that can be worn in different situations. Take advantage of sales and second-hand sales to find quality dance clothes at a lower cost.
- Share your wardrobe with your friends
Our average budget simulation based on the dancer profile you are:
| Occasional dancer | Conscientious student | Addict | |
| Profile | Practice a few times a month, no classes | 1-2 classes per week 1 evening per week on average 2 festivals per year |
>3-4 classes per week 1-2 evenings per week 1 festival per month |
| Dance classes | - |
400€/year (1 or 2 courses depending on the school) |
600€ /year (Full pass on 1 school) |
| Regular evenings |
2 evenings per month on average - |
1 evening per week for 40 weeks 15€ per evening 600€/year |
2 evenings per week over 40 weeks 15€ per evening 1200€/year |
| Festivals | - |
1 local festival - €200 |
10 festivals per year - 500€/festival on average |
| Shoes |
Everyday shoes |
1 pair per year - €100 |
2 pairs per year - €200 |
| Wardrobe |
Everyday outfits |
Some specific purchases - €200 |
Specific purchases - €500 |
| Total budget |
360€ /year |
1900€/year 160€/month |
7500€/year |
Conclusion
Partner dancing is a passion that requires some financial investment. With careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to fully enjoy this activity without breaking the bank. Regular classes, parties, festivals, dance shoes and wardrobe are essential expenses to consider. With a few tips and careful management, you can maintain a balance between your passion for dance and your budget.
And you, what is your dance budget?