I am curious to discover what others have experienced when it comes to their instructor's charges related to competitions. A friend's instructor at our studio quoted her an astronomical price for the teacher to go compete with her at this year's Heart of America competition. When I compare the price he quoted to the package deals offered, it would seem he has padded the price with a per diem. His asking price seems greedy. I am hoping some of you can share your experiences on what you have paid for when you have competed with an instructor. Most of us expect to pay for travel, room, meals, and their dance time, but to what extent?

Your question can be responded to by soooo very many who have different experiences. Some more common than others. Here are several 1)Pro - charges per dance (including any recalls in scholarships and multi-dance)plus hotel, meals and travel. This is in addition to Organizer entry fees and your own package or other costs. OF course, with the exception of your own cost for your entries - if others are going with pro - the costs are split among them. NOW, that said, if the pro is associated with a studio - there is an additional (sometimes/not always) charge for the studio - as the teacher is missing in action for the time it takes for competition. Some champions - charge $3,000 to $5,000 per day - just to compete with them. Others who are starting out might just charge, travel, meals, hotel and a flat rate. While still others might say, hotel, travel, meals and a flat $800 per day - dance all you want entry style of fee. It's probably the biggest reason many who do not have endless funds - get a large group of students to split the costs of the pro - or they go with another amateur instead of a pro which then signficicantly reduces the cost and allows a person to dance more entries. And, in yet some other cases some studios may charge a "mark-up" on the packages offered. Shop around - there may be better offerings elsewhere.

The best experience I've had for comp quoting is with my current (independent) pro - I get a breakdown of how much the comp organizers charge, incidental costs (airfare, etc) and a further breakdown of how much she charges with justifications. Even if I say no, she knows I'm not going to shop around. Honesty pays off big time in such a personable profession. In return for such honesty, she knows how much I make, how much I can budget, and thus knows how to find comps that are up my alley.

My "normal" experience is what you have seen - flat pricing plus dances with no explanation, take it or leave it; not necessarily a bad thing since this is the norm in most industries. Travel agents don't always do a cost breakdown of that two-week group trip to Southeast Asia.

The least expensive route to compete was via an intercollegiate comp. I joined the ballroom club of a local college (I'm several years out of college) and discovered it. For under $100, an amateur partner and I were able to compete all day. Heart of America actually looks less expensive than that for people close to KC.

Comps are stupidly expensive in my opinion. I don't see what exactly I am getting for my arm and leg, which is basically what it costs when you factor in the dress.

My pro is independent. I basically pay him whatever I paid in fees for entries, etc. Then the cost of his going is split between how many other students go. He is honest about the cost and it means though I feel comps are a rip off I'm not angry with him for cheating me.

I don't compete. I'd rather apply the money to becoming a better dancer. A lot of the other girls do compete and do so voraciously. It is just about doing whatever it is your 'thing' is.

Reading the comments 1 to 4. You are all dancing PRO A/M. Is that correct.
What would it cost if you had partners and competed as Amateus. Where I live the only cost is what is paid at the door which is exactly the same if you were a spectator. We dont have the PRO A/M thing here. I doubt if it would ever take off. Our major expence is if the competition is held in another State , air fares accommadation and so on.

ME,

I dance both Pro/Am and Am/Am.

If you're in the states, see if you can find a local USA Dance chapter or collegiate ballroom club, and if they hold a comp (or team match) or two. They are always inexpensive.

Travel isn't always that bad, either. For instance, a "big" comp, like the Manhattan Amateur Championship, is probably the least expensive weekend you'll ever spend in New York. Check out: http://www.nyusadance.org/mac/mac.shtml?page=compete Combine that with smart accommodations: look on Craig's List for weekday city workers who rent out on the weekend, and you're set.

And silver, good luck! I hope you get out there.

ME you are correct. I know amateur comps are much less expensive. I was speaking only to the assumption that she was a Pro/Am dancer.