In the 80s and 90s, we did festivals, shows etc. usually all within the UK. Back then it was expensive enough, with the cost of dance costumes, shoes, exam fees, lessons, travel etc! I don't remember international competitions.
My 3 year old has just started ballet. I've noticed that most of the dance schools around my area now compete in Dance World Cup.
What this often means is that many of the students who get selected to dance now have to expect their parents to pay for flights, hotel and the cost of flying multiple family members over. In addition to all the above.
Imagine how disappointing it would be for those children who couldn't go? I think the dance schools should help to pay for these families if they want to enrol students for international competitions, personally.
Instead, they are asking for charity from the public. Sitting with buckets in places like supermarkets, This is unlikely to help with many people unable to afford heating atm.
Anyway, it just made me reflect on how it's another example of high pressure on young people. And I suspect the government has cut grants for young dancers.