In this article we tackle COSTS & COSTUMES that you'll need to consider if you are dancing Country ProAm for the first time!
How to register for a competition:
- Each competition will have a registration sheet or online registration.
- You will be responsible to register yourself for each competition.
- Your teacher will help you fill out the registration.
- You will also need an associate membership from the country dance organization
Costs for competition:
Competition fees
- Avg cost for a weekend pass is $85 (paid the the competition)
- Avg cost per dance entry is $20 Example 7 dances x7 dances = $140 (paid to the competition)
- ProAm fee - $200 (paid to your pro)
ProAm fee breakdown (
This is a professional fee paid to your teacher to cover travel costs, hotel and dancing. There is a range of pricing as you can see below
- Teachers sometimes charge a per dance fee. $15-50 per dance is typical
- Others have a flat rate of $100-$500 that will cover all of your entries and sometimes their travel & lodging
- Travel & Lodging expenses. This fee will cover your pro's expenses of being at the competition with you. Sometimes this cost is included in the earlier fees, sometimes not.
- Check with your local pro to find out their exact pricing.
Travel costs to consider
- Hotel - Most hotels are around $109-129/night range.
- Often times students will share rooms to keep costs down.
- Travel - Most events are a 2-7hr drive. Students often carpool to save money and have fun together. Sometimes flights are required which adds to the cost.
- Food - Hotels have restaurants but with the schedule of the events it's a good idea to bring snacks, food and water make your weekend more comfortable and to keep costs down
Costuming Requirements
Newcomer dancers
Boys:
- Most wear black pants and a nice shirt any color. You could also wear a vest.
- Cowboy hat is not required until you dance at Worlds but you will see people wearing them during the year.
- Dance boots are not required until you dance at Worlds but you will see people wearing them during the year.
Girls:
- Non sparkly dresses
- Waltz needs to be ankle length, everything else can be mid thigh to mid calf length.
- You may wear sparkly jewelry but none on the costume.
- Dance boots are not required until you dance at Worlds but you will see people wearing them during the year.
Novice dancers and above:
Boys:
- Same as newcomer but can have sparkles on it.
- Must have a cowboy hat for every competition.
- Must wear dance boots for every competition
Girls:
- Dresses are same lengths but you can now have SPARKLES on them 😉
- Must wear dance boots for every competition
Costume Resources
Country Dance Boots
There are 3 main companies offer dance boots for country dance competition.
- http://prodanceboots.com/
- https://www.swaydshoes.com/boots/ (Prescott & Candace boots are legal - available for order at the studio)
- https://www.danceconnection.com/dance-boots/ (available for order at the studio)
Costuming Websites
For basic entry level costumes for guys and gals theses websites will help get you started.