When my son Ethan was just five, he unexpectedly dashed my hopes of becoming a proud dance parent. He announced that he no longer wanted to take dance classes. To be honest, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of being a dance mom, but the adorable costumes and the sight of a little one in a perfectly styled bun were hard to resist.
What truly took me by surprise was when I noticed Ethan’s natural talent for dancing. Neither my husband nor I possess any rhythm, so I was absolutely floored the first time I saw him move to music. It was as if he was born to dance.
Last year, I decided it was time for him to give dance another shot. Each time I had asked him previously, he’d declined, but this time I insisted he at least try a class. Like most 7-year-olds, he was more interested in video games than anything else, but he reluctantly agreed to join. To my delight, he enjoyed it and wanted to continue—until I saw the costs involved.
The class fees weren’t too burdensome, but the additional expenses quickly piled up: registration fees, costume fees, and recital fees. It seemed like every little thing came with a price tag. He was enrolled in a breakdancing class, and honestly, I knew he could have picked up most of the moves from YouTube tutorials. Our $40 costume was just a T-shirt paired with saggy pants that looked like they belonged to a 90s rapper.
Despite the mounting costs, I continued to pay for everything because, frankly, he loved it. He was not just good; he was exceptional, picking up new moves quickly, and his instructor even suggested private lessons. However, I chose to prioritize our mortgage over that idea.
After the first semester, I was shocked to find out that attending his recital would cost $10 per ticket. “Wait, what?” I exclaimed. My jaw practically dropped when the instructor clarified that such charges were standard for most dance studios. For our family of five, this meant another $40 just to watch Ethan perform a two-minute routine filled with dabbing and clapping while others took center stage. As I sat through the recital with my fidgety 4-year-old, who repeatedly asked if we could leave, I couldn’t help but feel like I was being taken advantage of.
I began to wonder: Could a 7-year-old get a job? While I marveled at the cuteness of it all, my thoughts drifted to the luxuries I could afford if dance weren’t in the picture.
Here are a few things I fantasize about while waiting outside the dance studio:
- Personal Grooming
My eyebrows have seen better days, and as I approach 40, the thought of laser hair removal for my chin hairs is tempting. Not to mention, I could use a pedicure and some anti-aging products from Ulta. - Quality Bed Linens
In my 20s, I envisioned having high-thread-count sheets by the time I hit 40. Instead, I find myself forking over cash for dance fees. - A Second Fitting Pair of Pants
With only one pair of pants that fit, it would be nice to add another to my wardrobe, but breakdancing takes precedence over my clothing needs. - Supporting Friends’ Ventures
While I want to back my friends’ small businesses—like selling essential oils—I also need to support Ethan in his ever-changing dreams, currently focused on dance. - Home Repairs
There’s a hole in my wall from an incident involving a spider and a towel rod from a year ago. Fixing it would be lovely, but once again, dance takes priority. - Noise-Canceling Headphones
With kids around, these would be a lifesaver, but they’re out of my budget. - Car Detailing
I would love for my car to be spotless instead of a mobile disaster zone, but that’s just another expense I can’t afford. - Avocados
With prices skyrocketing, the cost of avocados is outrageous. Sorry, guacamole, but my kid is in dance.
As for toilet paper, let’s just say I take that seriously. Maybe it’s time to encourage Ethan to consider a job to help with the expenses. But as I sit outside the studio listening to his joy, I remind myself that he truly loves to dance, and someone has to cover the costs.
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In summary, while the costs associated with my child’s dance classes can be overwhelming, I wouldn’t trade the joy and passion he experiences for anything. The dreams we build for our children often come at a price, and it’s a balance we navigate as parents.