I thought it would be a good idea for those less-affluent amongst us to share our tips and tricks for cutting the cost of our very expensive hobby.
As has been highlighted recently, per year, the cost of lessons, eqipment and travel can really add up. So are there ways to dance without blowing your budget?
some things off the top of my head to get us started:
Car share - it's fun, sociable, environmentally more friendly and it'll save you money on petrol and wear and tear on your car.
Costumes - can often be picked up cheaper second hand or made with a little imagination and a decent sewing machine, and a few swarovski crystals can go a long way!
Drinks - where possible take your own water/drinks to the venue with you. I know all venues do not permit this but if they do take advantage of it.
and of course the main one has to be:
Taxi dancing - if you enjoy Ceroc then why not approach your local venue manager/Ceroc teacher about becoming a taxi dancer. There have been lots of threads about the perks of the job, including free entry to ceroc venues. Many people find it's fun, it helps people, it's not an excessive drain on your time and the free admission can save you a fortune.
So... more money saving ideas, anyone?
For some reason, DavidB couldn't post this himself, so...
Posted on behalf of DavidB:
As we all know, dance shoes are expensive. To avoid wear and tear, try to avoid moving your feet unnecessarily. A truely advanced WCS leader will manage to keep their feet on a t-shirt during the entire dance. This also helps protect the soles of the shoes from any dirt on the dance floor (use an old t-shirt).
And Lily asked me to post this:
Posted on behalf of LilyB
I've gradually come to realise the real reason my husband wanted to do all those aerials was that by keeping me off the ground he'd minimise the wear on my shoes so I wouldn't have an excuse to keep buying them. Well, in the words of Rocky and Bullwinkle:
That trick never works!
Of course! And I guess that if you're not moving around, then you won't need to change shirts as often ... saving more money on your laundry bill.
But Dave, you forgot your money-saving dance tips:
- Glue on your own (or your wife's) costume sparklies
- Hire out your sparklies attaching skills to other dancers
Group together and buy 1000 admit one at a cheaper price per ticket...
Busk and get admit ones.
Demo
Lee
Open your own venue and charge people to come.. Charge people more if they are unpleasant or smelly
Then open a franchise, and market the idea..
Call it
Dance Nicely with Clean PeopleTM
and send royalty checks to DianaS care of Francks Foreign Adventures
Date / marry someone who owns a franchise / venue
(Or marry / date anyone who thinks that £7 for a night dancing with their beloved is a steal)
Take care,
Christopher
Get the most "bang for your buck" -
Get there early, leave when they kick you out. Not exactly a cost cutting venture, but if you only turn up half way through two nights, you could have turned up early to one and have the same quantity of dancing.
Enjoy every dance: It dosn't matter the music or your partner, find something in it to relish in and savour. One good dance is worth two or three OK dances.
Dance more: ask people - don't just sit, wishing you were dancing - get up and dance! Smile. Have fun. Try and leave all the stresses and hastles of 'real life' at the door - you will appreciate the dancing much more.
Do what some of the Lindy Hoppers do -- dancers collectives (*) and exchanges.
SpinDr.
(*) Hire hall -- bring stack of DVDs / videos and practice the moves with your mates.
Or marry/date someone who thinks that £7 to send their beloved out dancing for a night - while they stay in with a curry and a couple of beers - is a steal...Originally Posted by Ghost
(Or marry / date anyone who thinks that £7 for a night dancing with their beloved is a steal
Host a website canlled Wannna dance with me? and put pictures of your friends up and market their strong points. Put their email addresses and contact numbers on line and indicate their fees as a dance escort at an hourly rate.
Then wait for the phone to start ringing.
Only agree to take their numbers offline if they take you dancing for a month devil:
You're just evil!
Or date a dj!
Works for me.....
Car share - Yup, always do this, and my friends only want a drink in return, although I always offer to pay my share of the petrol cost!
Costumes - can often be picked up cheaper second hand or made with a little imagination and a decent sewing machine, and a few swarovski crystals can go a long way!I'd never even dream of buying a costume ready made! It's amazing what you can make with some scraps of fabric, paper, glue, paint...... Like an ice-cream cone outfit, perhaps?
And watch this space for my BFG hat! Old loo rolls and newspaper go a long way.....
Drinks - where possible take your own water/drinks to the venue with you. I always do!
and of course the main one has to be:
Taxi dancing - Done this for about 2 1/2 years, and I'm sorry, but my sanity is already pretty fragile, so I won't be doing that again!
Ooooh, and my top fashion tip - WEAR ONLY BLACK! That way everything in your wardrobe will match, and you don't have to constantly buy new tops, shoes etc to match your outfits!(D'you like this tip, Sparkles?
Avoid Ceroc- Saves a couple of quid in entrance fee, another couple of quid in paying for water.
Ceroc central prices
£150 for entrance to 60 events is quite cheap.
When I next see you you're going over my knee for that, young lady!Ooooh, and my top fashion tip - WEAR ONLY BLACK! That way everything in your wardrobe will match, and you don't have to constantly buy new tops, shoes etc to match your outfits!
Ooooh!When I next see you you're going over my knee for that, young lady!
Better pack my running shoes.....
Or your hair brush... depending on your inclination
Don't have kids as it's an extra expenceone nights dancing can land up to be £25, unless you are fortunate enough to have a partner to help sit while you go out.
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