Good advice! Definitely don't go into hock to compete. And learn from my mistake - don't go out and spend huge amounts on dresses, at least not at the earlier levels. I spent way too much on a dress and I'm having a hard time selling it. In fact, I'm not even done paying for it. It's a striking dress, but it was a mistake on my part.

As far as the "getting your face out there," I spoke to my teacher at my last lesson about this because sometimes I compete against someone who has been competing A LOT, so she is well known in at least my part of the country. I just don't have the funds to do that many competitions. My teacher doesn't think recognition is an issue. So, let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that's true!

Good luck, and have fun!