How much have you spent on your Dance Education?

[AspiringDancer]

I was thinking about this the other day and stopped myself when I realized that so far, I could have put a down payment on a house.

Do you spend a lot on your dance education? Has it been worth it to you?

I'm not good enough to be pro yet and not making any money back on the investment but I feel like I'm receiving some of the best training available in my city. Only time will tell!

How about you?

 

[Roshanna]

It doesn't bear thinking about. I spend more now on dance per year than I did on annual tuition fees when I was at university. Now I'm doing a little teaching and pro work, I currently earn back about 1/4 to 1/3 of what I spend... I think it's worth it, it keeps me sane and gives me hope. Although a large fraction is actually spent on train tickets to get to weekly classes :/

When I registered as self employed I had to start keeping accounts, and they are sometimes quite alarming.

 

[Ariadne]

More then I should have and no where as much as I would like.

 

[gisela]

:lol: I was just thinking of something along the line of Ariadne's answer.

like....

I don't want to know how much I've spent but I sure wish I could double the amount

 

[Mosaic]

:lol: I was just thinking of something along the line of Ariadne's answer.

like....

I don't want to know how much I've spent but I sure wish I could double the amount

:lol: My thoughts exactly, doubt very much I could earn back what I spend with just bellydance either, but its fun
~Mosaic

 

[AndreaSTL]

Do you spend a lot on your dance education? Has it been worth it to you?

It has absolutely been worth it. I've never added up what I've spent, but I've gotten so much from the journey. I've met some great and not-so-great people, and I've visited places I might have never seen. I've been entertained and (hopefully) I've returned the favor. I've found parts of myself that I didn't even know were there.

I only spend disposable income for dance; I've never not eaten or gone into serious debt to do it. I've gotten way more from the money I've spent on dance than the money I spent over 18 years of smoking (quit in 2000 - woot!). Dancing makes me happy, so it's definitely money well spent. It sounds so trite, but it's the truth. I figure that if I'm not harming anyone else or left wanting then it's all good.

 

[Darshiva]

My hubby, who completed his 4 degree about 15 years ago, says that I've spent more on my dance education than he did on his degree. I refute the claim because he can't claim costumes as educational expenses!

 

[AspiringDancer]

It has absolutely been worth it. I've never added up what I've spent, but I've gotten so much from the journey. I've met some great and not-so-great people, and I've visited places I might have never seen. I've been entertained and (hopefully) I've returned the favor. I've found parts of myself that I didn't even know were there.

I only spend disposable income for dance; I've never not eaten or gone into serious debt to do it. I've gotten way more from the money I've spent on dance than the money I spent over 18 years of smoking (quit in 2000 - woot!). Dancing makes me happy, so it's definitely money well spent. It sounds so trite, but it's the truth. I figure that if I'm not harming anyone else or left wanting then it's all good.

Congrats on quitting smoking. I agree that even if I never earn back a penny it's a wonderful experience. It challenges my mind and body and frees my soul.

I still can't help but think that it's probably one of the most expensive hobbies out there!

 

[gisela]

I still can't help but think that it's probably one of the most expensive hobbies out there!

I think it's a hobby that is pretty adjustable to your budget actually. What about Golf, photography, sailing or motorcycles? Those hobbies could be pretty expensive I imagine.
But yes, Bellydance can definitely be expensive

 

[Roshanna]

I still can't help but think that it's probably one of the most expensive hobbies out there!

Oh, there are far worse! Anything involving horses, for example. Or any type of winter sport if you're British. Or scuba diving, sailing, light aircraft flying...

 

[Yame]

Ariadne gave the perfect answer!

Honestly I don't know, and I don't want to know. All I know is that I'd be a much richer person if I didn't belly dance. My car just broke down last week, and there's no way I can afford a new one anytime soon. Hubby and I now have to share a car. If I didn't belly dance, since I'm not big on spending money on anything else (I'm not much of a clothes shopper, I don't drink, I don't go out that much), I'd definitely have enough money to buy a car right away.

It's not an investment I'm putting in expecting it to pay off, either. If I wanted to make money from belly dance, I should stop going to workshops altogether and spend the money promoting myself so I can start gigging everynight and all weekend, focusing on the wedding market. That's not something I want to do, though. Taking classes and workshops makes me much happier than gigging ever will (as does teaching, which isn't a great way to make money either), because I get to see myself and others grow and improve and get to take part in gaining and sharing knowledge.

But then again, I'm also the kind of person who would go to school forever and never pick a job, if I wasn't forced to make a living somehow.

I kind of wish there was no such thing as money in the world, so we could all just do what we love, for the love of it, without such an arbitrary, made up limitation...

 

[~Diana~]

I have most likey, over the 7 years of danceing so far, probbly spent close to $10,000 or more in classes, workshops, flights to workshops, dvd's, online classes, conferences, and costume pieces.

 

[Marissa-Julia]

I'm just a beginner, but classes themselves are expensive. Now that I'm getting ready to perform, I'm seeing the numbers in my bank account get lower lol. Most of my free time and energy goes into belly dance. I work at it every day, my muscles are sore, and sometimes I just come home pooped. I had to choose between a night out and a dance class. Luckily, I'm able to go out with friends and not spend much because I don't drink. But my point is...belly dance is worth every penny spent and every achy muscle It's my passion.

 

[AyaKara]

If we add up my classes, DVDs, music, costume, transportation, that one hafla I went to, my hip scarf & zills, & leggings, I'd have spent . . .

around $375 :shok:

& to think I'm not even a year in yet :lol:

I can't wait until I reach the celebratory $10,000 like everyone else here

It's definitely worth it, I really love BD more than anything else (recreationally/ activity-wise) I've ever done in my life. I have no words for how much it means to me.

 

[allinorah]

I joke that I keep a 2nd job just to pay for my dance habit.

I'm finally getting to the point where I'm earning back some money from it and it feels awesome. I think I finally broke even on one bedleh.

Honestly though, it's the best way I've spent my money (outside of the necessities). It helps me keep my sanity and has put me in touch with a great group of people that I would not have met before. Just this week I was having first world problems and I was crabby about it, went to dance, vented, danced, and got over it.

 

[mahsati_janan]

Many thousands at this point, but every dollar has been worth it and I plan to continue spending whatever I can to learn as much as possible.

 

[Suzanne Azhaar]

How much? :think: Nothing sucks the joy out of a wonderful learning experience like a price tag. (Ask a graduating college student.)

Prefer to look at this as what have I gained? 1) Solid self assurance. 2) Confidence to tell others, "No". Whether or not they like me after that is their issue. 3) Grace under pressure. 4) Setting aside life's hardships long enough to make it through a three, six, or thirty minute performance with a smile on my face. 5) Acceptance of self. Perform to the best of my ability at that moment. 6) Stuff happens. Bad performance. Deal with it. Move on. No whining. 7) Do not judge others using the same standards you use for yourself. They are not you. Cheer them on or hush. 8) Zills are a musical instrument. If they were easy everyone would use them. 9) Learning to sew saved a fortune in costuming. 10) Wanting a new sparklie does not equate need.

That stage performance when it all comes together perfectly and the audience enjoys it~ priceless.

 

[Jane]

I don't want to think about a real number...:shok: We can say "a good bit" and leave it at that :lol:

 

[Munniko]

I feel like yes I've spent a lot of money on my dance education, but using a TVM (bwahahha using my accounting knowledge for good) I know that every penny has been worth it. I'm in a much better place not just physically, but mentally as well. Yes I can't put it on a resume like other hobbies....if I did I'm not sure how that interview would go "Ah I see you've studied dance modern, ballroom, and belly dance....." I just know that would be hilarious eye brow wiggling.

So I could spend money on something that reduces stress, make me happy, has me socializing with others, and getting a more positive body image....or I could save it sit in my room maybe work out (but who are we kidding I know I wouldn't) be super stressed and poorly socialized.

 

[Greek Bonfire]

I don't even want to explore the numbers, but money spent on a passion as long as it is spent responsibly, is worth it. And it's nice to spend money on something I really love. I only wish I had more TIME to spend on dance training as well.