Wow, that's a lot! Our costumes for the littles are in the $50-$70 range and include the new tights, no new shoes needed - but there are specific colors we have to provide at the beginning of the year.
My older one is in a higher level class, where they require specific brands as well as colors of shoes, all of which are expensive, naturally. Her costume costs a bit more - I think last year it might have been $120? - but it covers three dance numbers. (So, it was a fancy leotard, plus a tutu for the ballet number, a different skirt for jazz, and tap pants for the tap number, as well as a hat for one number and some other little accessories.)
We do have a recital fee, but any number of people can attend the recital free of charge. I agree once you add in pictures (which we always buy) and the DVD (which I also always buy, since I'm so busy running them back and forth to wherever they're supposed to be that I don't get to see very much of the recital) and flowers, dance can get pricey. But it's pretty much the one activity either of them does that requires any specific cash outlay, and they both love it!
Sarah
Mommy to:
Carolyn, 10/04
Anna, 7/08
Matthew, 8/13