My aspirations of being the quintessential dance mom were dashed when my daughter, at the tender age of 5, declared she no longer wanted to participate in dance. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sold on the idea of being a dance mom; however, those adorable costumes and the sight of a tiny ballerina with a perfect hair bun were hard to resist.
What truly took me by surprise was my son’s unexpected talent for dance. Neither my husband nor I have any rhythm, so when I first saw him move to music, I was left in awe. He seemed to have an innate connection to the beat.
Last year, I decided he needed a bit of encouragement. Despite his previous rejections of dance classes, I insisted he at least give it a shot. Like most 7-year-old boys, he was skeptical about anything that didn’t involve video games, but much to my delight, he agreed to try it out. To my excitement, he loved it and wanted to continue—until I realized just how much it would cost.
The class fees were manageable, but the registration, costume, and recital fees had me feeling dizzy. It seemed like there was a fee for everything! He was enrolled in a breakdancing class, and honestly, he could have learned most of the moves from YouTube. The $40 costume was simply a T-shirt and baggy pants that looked like they were from a 90s throwback.
Despite the costs, I gladly continued to pay because he truly enjoyed it. Not only was he having fun, but he was also impressively talented! His instructor even suggested private lessons, but I opted to keep my mortgage payments in check, so we passed on that.
At the end of the first semester, I was stunned to learn that we had to pay $10 a ticket just to watch his recital. “Wait, what?” I exclaimed in disbelief. I think I even momentarily lost my sight when the teacher explained that charging for recitals is standard practice at most dance studios. So, for my family of five, that added up to another $40 just to see him perform a two-minute routine filled with dabbing and clapping while other kids showcased their skills. Meanwhile, my wiggly 4-year-old kept asking if we could leave during the opening act.
I found myself daydreaming about the things I could afford if my child wasn’t in dance. Here are a few thoughts I had while waiting outside that dance studio, listening to the upbeat music and my son pursuing his passion:
- Self-Care: My eyebrows are in dire need of attention, and I could really use some laser hair removal for those pesky chin hairs as I approach 40. Don’t forget the luxury of manicured toenails and anti-aging creams at Ulta—if only dance didn’t have such a tight hold on my wallet.
- Quality Bedding: In my 20s, I imagined that by 40, I’d be able to splurge on high-thread-count sheets. But alas, dance expenses have disrupted that dream.
- A Second Pair of Fitting Pants: You’d think that avoiding guacamole would lead to a slimmer figure, but here I am, stuck with just one pair of pants that fits. A second pair would be a nice treat, but breakdancing takes precedence.
- Supporting Friends’ Businesses: I want to cheer on my friends who run small businesses selling essential oils, but my priority is funding my son’s dance dreams. Those flattering leggings would be lovely, but sadly, they have to wait.
- Home Repairs: There’s a hole in my wall from a past incident involving a towel rod and an overzealous spider removal attempt. Fixing it would be great, but dance is priority.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Because, well, kids. But nope, that’s another luxury I can’t afford.
- Car Cleaning: I realize I’m blessed, but wouldn’t it be nice if I could open my car door without empty yogurt tubes falling out? On second thought, maybe I should just get a new car. Oh, wait—dance.
- Avocados: Have you seen the price of avocados lately? They’re practically gold! Sorry, guacamole dreams, but my kid’s dance classes come first.
- Quality Toilet Paper: Just kidding. But seriously, I take my bathroom needs seriously!
As I ponder these realities while listening to LMFAO blasting from the studio, I can’t help but contemplate whether it’s time for my son to consider getting a job. After all, he truly loves dancing, and someone has to foot the bill for it.
If you’re interested in learning more about family planning and related topics, check out some excellent resources like Facts About Fertility and discover more about the journey of home insemination at Make a Mom.
In summary, while I may feel financially strained due to my child’s dance pursuits, I wouldn’t change a thing. Their happiness and growth are worth every penny, even if it means I have to forgo a few personal luxuries along the way.