Dancing on a Budget by Dria Fair

At CDS we understand that times are tough, and that any money you have available to invest on your love of dance has to be spent wisely. It is no secret that picking out a dance uniform that is both stylish and economical can be a challenge. However, it isn’t impossible! By shopping at CDS and following these great tips, you can rest assured that you will look fabulous in the studio without breaking the bank!

Ballet Outfit: Eurotard Camisole $23 ; Basic Moves 2” Hot Shorts $11; Leo’s Capri Tights $11 ; Sansha Silhouette $16.

Total: $61

Jazz or Tap Outfit: Basic Moves Jazz Pant $19.50 ; Basic Moves Adult Cami $16.50; Sansha Tivoli Canvas Jazz Shoe $25 (or) Junior Jazz Tap $30.

Total for Jazz: $61; Total for Tap: $66

Hip-Hop Outfit; UFO Silky Crop Pant (Reg. $56 Now $36.40); Sansha Mesh Hoody (Reg. $30, Now $19.50); Sansha Salsette Jazz Sneaker $52

Total for Hip-Hop: $107.90 (a little pricer but this can be worn out of the dance studio!)

Men’s Ballet Outfit: Bal Togs Cotton Tank Unitard $38; Sansha Silhouette $16

Total for Men’s Ballet: $54

Men’s Jazz Outfit: Bal Togs Tank Nylon Short Unitard $32; American Apparel Fine Jersey Relaxed Pant $28; Sansha Tivoli Canvas Jazz Shoe $25

Total for Men’s Jazz: $85 (This outfit is versatile can be used also for modern and ballet!)

And if you can’t find an affordable, but reputable, studio to call your home, here are just a few quality dance studios that offer classes at reasonable prices.

Lou Conte Dance Studio is providing great deals this summer. For instance, they are participating in a Pay-What-You-Can yoga program that will last through the remainder of the Spring Session.

This will allow students – beginners included – to pay what they can for any yoga classes that they take, although a $5 donation is encouraged. Additionally, Lou Conte will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, June 12, 2011. All beginner classes will be free on this day, and those who attend will receive a 2-for-1 class pass.

Visceral Dance is providing a two hour Feldenkrais Workshop for $20. The workshop will be held on Sunday, June 5^th. For more information, visit their page.

Here are a few links to other studios that provide affordable classes:

All About Dance: $10 “Class of the Week”

Chicago Moving Company: $10 Drop-In Rate

DanceWorks Chicago: $12 Open Classes

Everybody DanceNow: Posts Groupon/Chicago Social Dance Deals

Joel Hall Dancers & Center: $10 Student (high school & college)/Professional Dancer Rate

Check back to this article because we will continue to add to the list! Happy saving!