It can be different if your going to a comp with a studio or an independent instructor.
The reason as stated above is that some instructors and studios pad their bill to the student. This padding can be "an all inclusive service." where your cab/transportation fees from/to the airport as well as cab tipping, hotel luggage tipping is covered. You also are paying for all the top line parties (before and after event), gifts, meal services and hotel as well as your instructors fee. Some may also include your air fair.
Some independent instructors get NOT breaking the bank on their students - To keep them around to do comps for years to come. Some have a large enough stable of students that running one into the ground financially in 6 months is not big deal. (KNOW your instructor)
My instructor has no problem putting the call on speaker phone for all of us to write out the costs of ALL the dance package rates as well as going just Al La Cart.
The given costs for my instructor is his day cost - what he would be making at home if he were teaching. His students split this cost.
We split his dance package - food, tickets to the ballroom.
We split his hotel cost. - My instructor is willing to share a room with another instructor (he knows) to help save money.
We split his air fair and shuttle costs.
We know there will be a $10 charge per dance heat for "teacher wear and tear"
We get to do the math and see what our pocket book can support.
Country Western is starting to follow ballroom in the hidden coast areas
West Cost Swing - teachers don't charge their students day fees or dance fees.
I've hear some teachers pay their entire way.
West Coast Swing does not have costume requirements. From what I see if your jeans are not ripped up and falling off - your quite dressed up.
You get counted off if you have stones on your outfit.
