The Costs of Competition Dance (And How to Avoid FOMO Spending)

When my dancer first joined competition dance, I was so excited. The costumes, the performances, the thrill of seeing her on stage—it all felt magical. ✨ But you know what I didn’t think about? The costs.

I walked in completely blind, not realizing just how many fees, tuition costs, and extra expenses would come up. Looking back, I really wish someone had sat me down and broken it all down for me.

So, if you’re considering competition dance—or if you’re already deep in it and wondering why your wallet is crying—this is the post I wish I had back then. Let’s go over the main costs you can expect so you can make informed (and FOMO-free) decisions.

1. Monthly Tuition & Class Fees

Your dancer will be taking multiple classes each week—likely three to four classes minimum—and that means you’ll be paying a monthly tuition fee based on the number of hours they dance. Some studios offer unlimited class pricing after a certain number of hours, while others charge per class.

💡 Things to ask your studio:

✔️ Is tuition a flat rate, or does it depend on the number of classes?

✔️ Are extra classes (like ballet, acro, or technique) required for competition dancers?

✔️ What’s the cost difference if my dancer is offered a solo, duet, or trio?

2. Dance Competition Entry Fees

This is where things can sneak up on you. Each competition charges a fee for every routine your dancer performs. So if they’re in three group routines and a duet, you’re paying for all of those for every single competition.

🔹 Example: If your dancer is in multiple routines and attends several competitions, you’re paying for those routines every single time. And don’t forget—some studios add an admin fee on top of this to cover their registration work.

💡 Things to ask your studio:

✔️ How much are competition entry fees per routine?

✔️ Are admin fees added on top of competition costs?

✔️ How many competitions will the team attend this season?

3. Costumes, Accessories & Props

Costumes are not included in tuition. For every routine your dancer is in, there will be a separate costume fee.

Then there’s all the extras:🎀 Tights, shoes, earrings, accessories💄 Stage makeup (and specific shades you may need to buy)🎭 Props for routines (sometimes parents have to purchase or help transport them)

💡 Things to ask your studio:

✔️ How much do costumes usually cost per routine?

✔️ Are accessories included, or do I need to buy them separately?

✔️ Will I need to buy new shoes for each routine?

4. Travel Costs

Unless every competition is in your hometown (which is rare), you’ll need to budget for travel expenses. Think about:🚗 Gas, flights, or rental cars🏨 Hotel stays for multiple nights🍽️ Food for the weekend (because let’s be real, competition food adds up fast!)

Some competitions require several days of travel, meaning you may need to take time off work or arrange for other family members. If your dancer is competing in Nationals, that’s a whole other level of travel planning!

💡 Things to ask your studio:

✔️ How far do competitions usually require us to travel?

✔️ Is Nationals required, and where will it be held?

✔️ Are there group hotel blocks with discounts?

The FOMO Factor: You Don’t Have to Say Yes to Everything

Here’s something I wish someone told me earlier: You don’t have to say yes to everything. Just because a solo, duet, or extra routine is offered doesn’t mean you have to take it.

It’s easy to get caught up in FOMO (fear of missing out), but sometimes saying no is the best financial decision. This year, my dancer was offered an extra routine, and I decided to turn it down. Instead, we’re focusing on the routines we already committed to, and she’s still having an amazing season.

💡 A simple mindset shift:

✔️ More routines = more costs. Each extra routine means another costume, more competition fees, more practice time, and more travel expenses.

✔️ It’s okay to prioritize. You can choose to focus on a set number of routines that fit your budget and your dancer’s capacity.

✔️ Cheering from the sidelines is still part of the experience. Your dancer can still celebrate and support their teammates, even if they’re not in every routine.

Final Thoughts

Competition dance is an amazing experience, but it’s also a huge financial commitment. The best way to set yourself up for success is to go in prepared.

✨ Ask questions before committing.

✨ Get clear on the costs specific to your studio.

✨ Make financial decisions based on what works for your family—not just what’s offered.

I wish I had known all of this before we started, but now you don’t have to go in blind like I did! Want a full breakdown of these costs and how to prepare?

📺 Watch my video here: 

Thinking about joining competitive dance but worried about the price? 💸 Let’s break down all the main costs so you know exactly what to expect before committing!

Have questions about competition dance costs? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help! 💬