When it comes time for recital day, unflavored gelatin dissolved in about 12 ounces of warm water makes a great spray on gel.
Happy dancing

She was able to find really cute ballet shoes from Payless for half the price then at regular stores. She has also talked to moms in the upper levels to see if they have leotards and such that she could buy off of them since their daughters were done with them. In cases like these, it pays to be resourceful.

I need to look into what our parks program offers and look into those lower cost options rather than at a studio or lessons elsewhere

Excellent post and GREAT pictures of Princess!

Rebbecca-See, I do know what I’m talking about Personally I like to wear a flattering solid colored top (not white, white washes you out under lights) and a pair of comfortable buy nice black slacks with my character shoes. You can move and dance in it, but it looks like a sort of business casual look.

Tessa-It can get even more expensive as time goes on-I know a 13 year old who is taking 6 lessons a week-each is $30 a week, some require specific gear, and then there are various recital costumes and competition expenses. And if you want to participate in Tap or Jazz for competition, then they REQUIRE you to take ballet as well. But it’s nice to hear that you enjoyed it and feel that the entire thing had value.

Speaking of kids’ activities, but not really related to this post, dd just went through auditions again and is cast in her first musical (she’s in the hag chorus in Little Women – lol!). Anyway, I thought of you when I noticed that our group has refined its what to wear to audition policy. They now ask for clothes you would wear to a professional job interview or to church.

It’s good. The only tricky thing is it’s also a dance audition. ?)

See if your or other local schools sell second-hand goods (instead of or as well as notices). My dance teacher used to sell character shoes and skirts for parents. She would also sell crossovers, chiffon skirts and scarves (for RAD higher grades ballet) and very, very occasionally, very gently worn ballet shoes. If purchasing ballet shoes second hand, you must use caution – ask your teacher for advice. Never, ever wear second hand pointe shoes as this can cause considerable damage to your feet.

It’s a good idea to look after your dance shoes. Always wear street shoes to class and change them once you’re in the studio as roads, footpaths and over surfaces can cause considerable (and unnecessary) wear and tear.

If you haven’t yet chosen a dance school, shop about, particularly if you’re in a metro area with lots of choice. Talk to the teacher(s) and other parents and find out about the hidden extras, particularly the cost of participating in recitals (participation fee, tickets, costumes) and exams. These are normally extremely worthwhile exercises but forewarned is forearmed and all that – make sure you can budget for these costs as well. Also consider value for money – if you participate in exams, are they recognised by a professional dance body (such as the RAD)? Are the recitals run in a professional manner? It might cost more to participate in and buy tickets for a recital in a proper theatre but especially for older children or ones serious about dancing, the experience is a wonderful one and might be better value for money than an expensive production in a school hall. I’m not saying either way is better but it’s worth thinking about.

Exams can also add up quickly particularly since you normally need to wear a certain uniform. If your school already has an enforced uniform policy (another cost to think about) then this won’t matter but if not, it’s an extra cost.

Try and buy hair supplies (hair spray, gel, bobby pins, hair and bun nets) on the cheap. Depending what the school’s hair policy is, you might only need it a few times a year but if you need it every week, the cost can add up particularly when you don’t normally wear hair spray and gel. Another good idea for little Christmas/bday presents is to buy pretty ribbons when you find them cheaply or on sale (check op shops as well) because lots of older girls who dance love to wear pretty ribbons around their buns in class. In schools with stricter uniform policies, it’s often the only individuality you can have (and in the strictest schools you can’t even have that!).

Also, many schools offer the first class free if you’re trying it out. Even if they don’t advertise such a policy, ask. If they won’t let you, consider if you’d want such a school anyway. Normally kids (and adults) can wear shorts and tshirts…a good way to make sure it’s right for you before you fork over the cash.

Sorry for such a long comment (I think the only comment I’ve added was also long!!) but I have been dancing for a long time and I think it’s wonderful you’re showing people how to do it on the cheap – hopefully my comments will also help a bit. I hope your daughter enjoys her class!