Without the context of knowing what the competition was like (i.e., just your studio, just your region, a Superama, or???) and how many entries you danced, it's difficult to know if $1000 was a rip-off or not as compared to what you can pay on the "outside."

It is our region, not a superama. I have 18 entries based on my instructor's recommendation (9 newcomer, 9 bronze 1). It is an all-day event and includes dinner (which I would gladly skip, but all participants are required to pay for it).

I don't feel ripped-off per say. I understand the franchise fees, quality standards, and socializing bit. It just seems like based on my income, it would be a better match for me to go outside Arthur Murray.

The instructors there are fantastic, but I know I cannot personally afford these fees after this year. There are a lot of great studios in my area, so I now have a better idea of what to look for when I shop around.

In creating my dance budget for 2006 (haha!) how much can one expect spend (not including travel) on a competition for say 8-10 entries pro-am or amateur?

Based on my experience at a franchised studio, and also working directly with an independent teacher, you are being charged a VERY fair price. You might even find yourself paying more on the "outside" for 18 entries at a comp. It all depends on the comp's entry fees, the ticket prices, and your instructor's per-dance fee.

In your situation, the best way to save money doing Pro/Am is to dance fewer entries. I used to only do 5 per comp plus the scholarship event for my style.

At an amateur event you wouldn't usually dance as many entries unless you and your partner did all four styles. Generally people enter their current level and one level higher, for a total of two to six events. Prices for this can range from about $25 per person to about $150 per person when dancing in the regular amateur (NOT student/student, which is priced and run as part of the rest of Pro/Am), it all depends on the competition. The number of events available to you also depends on the competition.

Thank you, Laura! You always have great input.

I feel much better from reading your message. Even though my bank statement will probably be in the red, at least I know I will be getting a good value for this particular competition.

How do you decide which dances to enter? Do you rotate or just stick to a few dances to really focus on?

A very long time ago I realized that my one true love was Standard, so that's what I have focussed on ever since. I'd enter the 5 Standard dances for my level, or sometimes I'd do two levels and so enter 10. And I'd always enter the multi-dance Scholarship or Championship for my level.

If you don't want to give up a style, then you can try doing one style at one comp, and the other at the next.

Laura, How often would you recommend competing? Is twice a year sufficient, or would it be better to compete quarterly?

You should compete as often as your pocketbook and personal taste requires. Some people go to pretty much every comp, doing about 18-20 per year. Some only go once or twice a year.

Personally, I liked competing six times per year, with the comps spread two months apart. That is what worked best for me.

But really, everyone is different and if you're doing Pro/Am then you're doing it for your own personal enjoyment, challenge, and satisfaction. Just keep that in mind and stay true to yourself. If you don't feel like going to a comp, don't. If you do feel like going, then make it a point to go. Most of all, don't go into debt for this. It's a hobby, right? Even though it's a serious hobby that you are passionate about, you should still keep a sense of perspective because the costs add up quickly!

Now, some people will tell you that you should do as many comps as possible and as many entries as possible because it will get you "seen" and "known" and will help your placings. I don't know how true that is -- I never played that game once I figured out what that would mean to my bank account.

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!