Not enough money for dance classes

Dancing is a passion for me but times are hard now days. Can I still become an excellent dancer without going to classes? If so, how?
************************************************

Hello!

My heart goes out to you!! So many of us have been there, myself included. This is a big and important question. I know that you are not the only one asking this.

There are excelent ways to increase your dance knowlege for cheap/free. Depending on the genre you practice you can find lots of success by trying the following:

Study Dance Technique and Theory at the Library
An intellectual understanding of body mechanics and dance technique will make the time you do spend in the studio more effective.

Check within Your Community for Free/Cheap Classes
Many cities will have community outreach classes that are cheap or free. The level is usually designed to allow for beginners, but is a great opportunity to deepen your technique.

Audition for Scholarships
Make sure you are auditioning! Studios, conventions and conservatories often have some money to put toward talented dancers. Make sure they are looking at you!

Trading for Cleaning Services
Some studios are willing to trade for classes. You never know until you ask.

Community Colleges
A semester of community college class might be a chunk of change up front, but often breaks down to be more afordable than paying per class.

Dance Workout DVDs
These are meant for the average person, but taught by talented dancers! You can pick up on the newances of technique and style while staying in shape in your living room.

Practice in Your Basement
Find a mirror and start moving. Be creative. Surf YouTube for inspiration. Some of the coolest styles have evolved from dancers who were "held back" in one way or another and so paved their own way.

I've used all of these strategies during tight times (which is more often than I'd like) with varying success. Find the ones that work for you.

Meanwhile, continue to look for work that will let you dance. Time in the studio, with someone else to help you with your technique is important and is often the best way to improve.

Most importantly, keep dancing! Keep moving! You never know when a break will come.

Good luck!!! Check in in a few months and let us know what is working for you!

Ashleigh