When considering a new hobby or sport, one of the most common questions is: Is dance an expensive sport? For those venturing into pole dancing or aerial acrobatics, understanding the financial investment required is essential. This article explores the costs involved and the value these art forms bring to your life.
Is Dance Really the Most Expensive Sport?
The question of whether dance is the most expensive sport depends on various factors such as training, equipment, and competition costs. Unlike traditional sports that may only require minimal equipment, dance—especially pole and aerial—demands specialized gear, professional training, and even ongoing workshops to stay at the top of your game.
While many people are quick to invest in fashion or leisure, they may hesitate when it comes to dance classes, believing them to be costly luxuries rather than worthwhile investments. However, it’s important to view dance as a long-term commitment to both physical and mental well-being.
Explore our range of pole and aerial equipment here to invest in your dance journey today.
Understanding the Costs of Pole Dancing and Aerial Acrobatics
To Pay or Not to Pay for Pole Dancing or Aerial Acrobatics lessons? We are all aware of the sayings:
- “Money makes the world go round”,
- “No money no honey”,
- “It’s all about the money”
- (or P Diddy’s more gangsta version “It’s all about the Benjamins”) or even the infamous
- “SHOOOOOOOOOWWWWW MEEEEEEEEEE THEEEEEEEEEEE MONEEEEEEEEEEY”.
We are all aware that going out on a first date involves getting dolled up and dollar up. Vacation costs money, getting to work costs money, and almost everything in this world costs money – So why is it that many of us believe that Pole Dancing or Aerial Acrobatics is cheap or should be cheap?
We are all more than willing to rush to the stores to grab any brand name provided it’s on 50% sale but when it comes to Pole Dancing we stung out.
Granted shopping is a one-time thing (or so we tell ourselves) but if you want to be good at something you have to invest. Investing time following the steps of Rocky or anyone else who uttered the phrase “no pain no gain” is one thing, investing money is another. Both are necessary.
The Melting Pot of Pole Dancing
With minor exceptions of performers who can fly from one pole to another using just their nose and ears as a grip most of us will probably never be natural freaks of nature (at least when it comes down to pole). Natural talent is great and can get you far down the yellow brick road but If you want to defeat the evil witch you’ll have to know how to wear and use those ruby slippers.
Investing in Your Skills
Pole dancing may require unnatural strength and inhuman coordination to be successful in the various tricks listed in the Pole Dance textbooks, but being able to complete a trick does not mean your journey ends there.
The Importance of Supplementary Classes
Just as other sports have supplementary or preparatory classes so does Pole Dancing. Flex, Stretch, Conditioning, and Dance Routines are some of the many courses available to assist you and improve your performance in the sport.
Next time you scoff at someone with a full program or someone who runs in and out of Pole Studios more often than running in and out of the lavatories after beer bonging think of their dedication and their logic. Pole Dancing, for those who want the whole experience, cannot be limited to a class or two, it’s a holistic sport and it should be treated as such.
Therefore, plan your program and know that some of these classes may be necessary or at least useful.
We All Gotta Accessorize
Would you go to the beach without a swimsuit, would you go to work without a tie, would you go out with your furry fluffy friends to the park without sweatpants? Then why would you go to a pole/aerial/stretch etc. class without the proper outfit?
Pole Dancing is not a sport where you are fully clothed – Pole Dancing is a sport where your bits and pieces can come out and say hello just because. This is why there are specially designed outfits for pole dancing – to help you train, help you look good, and most of all to help you be safe. As much as you may prefer your outfits, are functional for many reasons and should be preferred.
The Role of Pole Dancing Outfits
Again, I can hear what you are saying – that pole outfits are expensive, and you are half right there. It’s only logical that with the inclusion of a new market supply and demand principles would hike up the prices of Pole Dancing outfits – however, this is last year’s news. There is a plethora of online sites that cater to the tall, short, geek, sleek, hot, and the rest of the lot.
Strutting Your Stuff on the Catwalk
Many of you will have participated in a Show (either for your dance school or professionally). It should be noted that you are going to be on stage, being judged, by many weird people. This would not be the place to cut down on costs. You must feel and look the part or else all the hard work you’ve put in may not be appreciated if you aren’t in a role. Just as you would at a night out look after hair, makeup, outfits shoes,s etc (oftentimes sparing no expense) the same should apply in this case, and even more so if you are part of a team.
Teamwork and being part of a team is a matter not to be taken lightly. As in most cases majority rules. There is the occasional exception where a team is so close that your opinion will be heard and respected. Generally speaking, when you are part of a team you cannot drag the others down, it’s not lady like it’s not polite and it certainly isn’t sportsmanlike. Remember in most cases it’s an attitude thing and not a money thing but in either case, you won’t be able to participate in a group show wearing just “your underwear backwards”.
Training Costs: Is Dance the Most Expensive Sport in Terms of Lessons?
Every time a training or a seminar comes into town think twice about whether or not you’d rather go to the bar, pub, or cafe. The purpose of training and workshops is to ensure that you are taught, by experienced professionals all the tricks, tips, hin, ts, etc. (the list goes on) that you may not have had the chance to learn in your Pole Dance lifetime.
Such seminars can give you an advantage and regardless of how much you think it’s being overcharged, they are the ones with the knowledge which you need to gain. Besides there are seminars for all pockets and wallets – pick one that suits you.
No sport is for free and it is understandable that with the current situation being able to go to one class is an achievement. We all make our choices and our sacrifices. You have every right not to invest time energy or money. However:
- Those that do are not to be laughed at or to be characterized accordingly.
- You cannot expect to be splitting, spinning, and inverting with the same ease as others who have put in the time (and ergo the money).
- Neither can you have the same expectations as others who live and breathe pole or aerial.
Is Dance the Most Expensive Sport Compared to Other Activities?
To put things into perspective, dance is often compared to other high-cost sports such as:
- Ballet: With ongoing lessons, pointe shoes, and costumes, ballet can be equally expensive.
- Horseback Riding: Between equipment, training, and boarding fees, costs can skyrocket.
- Gymnastics: Specialized training and travel expenses add up quickly.
While dance may not be the most expensive sport overall, it requires a significant commitment both financially and physically.
Making Dance More Affordable: Tips to Save Money
If you’re wondering how to pursue dance without breaking the bank, here are some practical tips:
- Look for discounts and package deals.
- Buy second-hand or discounted gear.
- Join community classes or online training programs.
- Take advantage of early bird registration for competitions and workshops.
- Invest in multi-use clothing and accessories to avoid unnecessary purchases.
By planning wisely, you can enjoy all the benefits of dance without the overwhelming costs.
Final Thoughts: Is Dance the Most Expensive Sport or a Worthwhile Investment?
While dance, especially pole dancing and aerial acrobatics, may seem costly, the benefits far outweigh the expenses. From improved physical health to boosted confidence and creative expression, dance is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle.
Ready to take the plunge? Explore our online shop for the best pole dance equipment at competitive prices.
What’s your take? Have you encountered unexpected costs in your dance journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s connect!
