I am happy to concede to Strong that the pony costs more than my DC's dancing. They do a big show every 2 years, between that they do a charity cabaret every year. The reason I am having to pay so much out this time is two fold: 1 we didn't do the last show so I don't have costumes to re-use, and 2 I don't see so I am paying extra (about £25 per costume) to have things made.
Usually their lessons cost £110 per half term between the three of them, which is 2-2.5 hours twice a week for the older ones for what is normally a 6 week half term, plus about 1.5 hours once a week for the little one. This is a lot cheaper than any other dancing lessons I gave found. I pay £6.25 per week for swimming for a 30 minute lesson, whereas dancing is about £4 for a good 2-2.5 hours per class.
There is a really good trade on second hand shoes, I bought DD1 some dance trainers in really good condition for £5. These were an extra, very much not needed, and I wouldn't have paid £35 for them which is generally the cost new. I also got 2 pairs of almost as new shoes for 2/3 of the new price, but they were immaculate. A size too big, so 2 pairs of insoles and cotton wool in the toe to make them fit until her feet grow!
In the 14 the DC have been dancing, I have had to buy uniform ( 5 t-shirts between the 3 at £10 each, plus the older 2 needed hoodies at £18) with these they wear black tracksuit trousers/leggings. For normal classes they don't need to wear uniform, just everything black, I try to keep their uniform for the occasions they have to wear it, such as at the theatre, or yesterday when their teacher requested uniform specifically. DD2 has had 3 pairs of shoes, but 2 of those are new because of the show, and after the show she can wear those until they are worn out.DS is on his 3rd and 4th pairs of proper dance shoes dye to needing specific colours for costumes, but I bought the white ones up a size to make them last, and the other are a grand me down from his cousin. The teacher is thoughtful about something's, trying to use cheap Primark shoes to go with costumes rather than proper dance shoes if she can, but the costumes are phenomenal. She doesn't like to compromise.
Other than main costumes, for Panto we had to provide tights (DD1 tore one pair and someone "borrowed" a pair and didn't return them but I don't know who to chase them back) and a leotard, plus white gloves so not too much. For the Lord Mayor's show black trousers (now used for uniform) and a black polo neck. For Hoseph they needed white Primark plimsolls £3 each and blue jeans, so they can use those again.
We have just hit a really expensive time, but I am grateful that yesterday we were lent a costume being used from before (that is 2 for DS that have been lent)
Spends yesterday £10 for a birthday party gift for DD1 to take, plus £11.75 buying 2 pairs of jeggings for DS to wear under a cowboy costume. Will get £5.75 back from the other mum for her sons pair.
Tuesday night I ordered 2 chefs jackets £26 and 2 pairs of trousers £16, but again half is for another boy and will get that back. Buying together we gave shared the delivery costs between us.
Wow, mega post!