How much do the dance moms pay for tuition


Celebrity Bankruptcy Alert – Dance Moms Chapter 7 Strikes Again

Celebrity bankruptcy alert - another Dance Moms bankruptcy

Image Source: Flickr User Valerie

In today’s celebrity bankruptcy alert, we look at another reality TV star that danced their way out of debt using Chapter 7 protection. If you watch Dance Moms or have a teenage daughter, no doubt you know the name Maddie Ziegler, the teen dance sensation that is the top dancer on the Lifetime reality TV show. But it’s Maddie’s parents that are the stars of this bankruptcy story.

Dance Moms Bankruptcy Strikes Again

As we’ve written before, Dance Moms boss Abby Lee Miller filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy just as her TV show was taking root. Then last year, Miller was accused of bankruptcy fraud and hiding income and assets by the bankruptcy court after the judge assigned to her already-dismissed case saw her show on late night reruns. Since then, Miller was indicted for bankruptcy fraud and now faces trial.

Maddie’s parents, Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni and Kurt Ziegler, now divorced, filed for Chapter 7 protection in May 2009. They listed more than $1.2 million in debts, including close to $1 million in mortgage debt on three separate properties. They also had more than $14k in tax debt according to Radar Online.

They also had a whopping $200k in credit card debt, plus another $7k owed for jewelry. The case filing showed that Melissa and Kurt earned close to $4500 per month, but their outgoing monthly expenses were nearly double that at $8k per month. Their bankruptcy and debt was discharged in 2010 and then, in 2011, Melissa and her daughters landed the plum role on Dance Moms.

Dance Moms Divorce

Melissa is now re-married after a split from Maddie’s father Kurt in 2011, the same year their bankruptcy was finalized. The divorce – and many of their financial problems – was blamed on the toll of pursuing competitive dance careers for both Maddie and her younger sister Mackenzie Ziegler. So how much does it cost to be a Dance Mom?

A former Dance Mom stated that she spent about $16,000 a year on competitive dance but said the dance tuition was the cheapest part at about $4k a year. Costumes, competition entry fees, and travel expenses make up the bulk of the cost. Plus, there is usually no financial reward as part of the prize at a dance competition – just a trophy.

But with six kids between them in Maddie and Kurt’s marriage, two girls in competitive dance had to come at a heavy cost to the large family. Plus, when Dance Moms kicked off, the pay was pretty paltry at about $1-$2k per episode with end-of-season bonuses. With 33 episodes a season, that’s a good chunk of change, but the costs have escalated each season with more travel and then a move to LA.

Bankrupting Yourself for Your Kids

In the case of Maddie’s mom, all those years of tuition and travel costs have paid off. Maddie has been featured in three Sia videos that amassed more than 1. 8 billion YouTube views and scored her multiple performances on the Ellen show, as well as film opportunities. Maddie also started in May 2016 as the youngest judge ever on the So You Think You Can Dance franchise.

But for every Maddie, there are tens of thousands of girls that won’t ever see fame from their dance. Millions of parents across the US devote tens of thousands of dollars a year to their children’s hobbies and athletics, including travel sports teams, competitive dance, miniature race cars and other interests. But is the money worth it?

If you can’t afford to pay your bills and set money aside in savings, then you are likely overspending on these activities. And believing that going into catastrophic debt now will pay off when your child is a professional athlete or another type of high-earning performer is a long shot hope. According to the NCAA, less than .04% of high school athletes will ever play professional sports.

The Bottom Line

Putting yourself in the poorhouse to give your kid long-shot opportunities is probably not wise. Instead, teaching your children how to budget, the importance of saving money, spending frugally and living within your means is a much more practical legacy. No matter what they do with their lives, these valuable lessons will serve them well.

If you’re deep in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and stressed out about debt collections calls, we can help. Contact the Law Offices of John T. Orcutt today for a free North Carolina bankruptcy consultation. Call +1-833-627-0115 now for a free consultation at one of our locations in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilson, Greensboro, Garner or Wilmington.

Here's How Much It Really Cost To Enroll In The Abby Lee Dance Company

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By Shana Aborn/May 10, 2021 10:28 am EST

For nearly 10 years, "Dance Moms" reigned as one of the queens of the reality TV world. The Lifetime series had it all: jaw-dropping performances by talented tweens and teens hoping to become professional dancers; behind-the-scenes drama between the mothers; and, of course, the real star of the show, Abby Lee Miller. The studio owner/lead dance coach was part drill sergeant, part fairy godmother; with one word, she could either bestow a coveted solo performance or remove a girl from a big team number. 

Miller's Pittsburgh studio, the Abby Lee Dance Company, became so successful that she opened a second branch in L.A. (via Entertainment Weekly). Over the years, the studio has taught dancers who have gone on to careers in professional companies, in casts of shows on- and off-Broadway, and in Disney parks worldwide, according to the studio's website. Its most famous alumni include Maddie Ziegler, Chloe Lukasiak, and JoJo Siwa, who all came to prominence courtesy of "Dance Moms."

The show skidded to a sudden halt in 2017 after Miller was convicted of bankruptcy fraud and spent a year in federal prison. She was set to launch a spinoff called "Abby's Virtual Dance Off" when a former cast member came forward to accuse her of making racist comments toward her daughter. The network promptly canceled the production of the new show (via USA Today).  

While the future of "Dance Moms" is still in doubt, the studio itself is still very much alive. Aspiring performers are welcome — but you'll need to bring your checkbook.

Kevin Mazur/fox/Getty Images

Via the studio's official website, both locations are currently open and registering for the fall semester. In keeping with COVID-19 precautions, the studio has established protocols, including keeping students 6 feet apart and requiring masks in the building except during lessons. 

The Abby Lee Dance Company's tuition is based on the number of studio hours a student takes per week. According to the company's tuition chart, the first 45-minute class costs $50; after that, the fees range from $62 weekly for a 1.25-hour schedule up to $284 for 14 hours. Students can also "drop in" on a class for $30 to see if it's a good fit for them, or take private lessons that range from $35-60, depending on length and whether the student is a registered member. The company last updated their rates in 2016; the fees may have gone up since then.

Truly serious dancers can expect to pay more than average students. Members of the competition team have to attend two to three classes weekly, plus weekend practices. They also study a variety of techniques, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, acro/gym, and intensive study of jumps, turns, and leg/feet movement — and, of course, there are the local and national competitions.

You don't have to have a budding JoJo Siwa to enroll your child in ALDC, however. The company site says, "We realize that not every child has the drive, determination or natural talent to become a professional dancer. However, we believe that every child deserves the chance to try!"

Recommended

where to study, salary, pros and cons

Author: Professional Guide

Updated

Another name for dance teacher is a dance school teacher or dance studio teacher. It is clear that this is the name of specialists working in a specialized company. But a teacher or dance teacher can be called not only a dance studio teacher, but also a specialist of an educational institution where dances are studied along with other subjects. By the way, the ProfGid career guidance center has recently developed an accurate career guidance test that will tell you which professions suit you, give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physical education and singing, music (see. choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).

Content:

  • Features of profession
  • Workplace
  • Dance teacher salary :

    Peculiarities of the profession

    Some teachers prefer to work with children, others prefer to work with adults, others can work with both. In any case, the task of a dance teacher is to teach their students to move, expressing themselves in dance. However, the higher the level of teaching, the wider the scope of the teacher's activity. It is also commonly believed that the higher the titles he won, the higher his value as a teacher. Also, he often acts as a choreographer: he puts dance numbers for his students when he prepares them to perform on stage.

    The dance instructor may have a preference for a particular dance direction: Latin American, jazz, Irish, etc. For example, on his resume, he might write "Latin teacher" or "Jazz-modern dance teacher."

    But that doesn't mean he can't do anything else. On the contrary, the profession of a dance teacher means constant learning and learning. As a spectator, he regularly goes to musicals, dance shows, competitions to watch the performances of his colleagues; attends dance workshops to learn something new for his teaching. Different dance and musical styles, teaching methods, eminent dancers and bright debutants - everything is interesting for a dance teacher.

    The teacher-dancer tries himself in different genres, sometimes changes his preferences, expands his role. In a word, it is in creative search. Beauty, joy of movement and creativity are the formula that can describe this profession.

    Of course, no person can perform on stage until old age. But while studying with students, the teacher maintains excellent physical shape for many years.

    This is enough to be able not only to explain, but also to show the dance to his students. Even if performances and competitions are in the past, the dancer remains a dancer who knows and feels the dance from the inside.

    Workplace

    Dance teacher salary for December 2022

    Salary information provided by hh.ru portal.

    Russia 10000-75000₽

    Moscow 40000-80000₽

    A dance teacher can work in a dance school, studio, dance club, fitness center, comprehensive school, university, etc. Many teachers work simultaneously in different places, having time to perform and participate in dance championships. Also, a dance teacher can open his own dance school.

    Read also:

    Important Qualities

    The profession of a dance teacher involves a love of dance, artistry, an ear for music, good physical health, goodwill, patience, leadership qualities, self-confidence and optimism. He should be a sociable person, able to pick up the key to a variety of students.

    Knowledge and skills

    A dance teacher must be able to dance - this is understandable. But he should also know well the dance directions in which he works, including their history. Be proficient in teaching methods, be able to plan your classes. In order for dancing not to harm the health of students, the teacher needs knowledge in the field of anatomy and physiology. He must be able to competently manage physical activity.

    Where to study to become a dance teacher

    Most often, dance teachers become dancers who have been trained in dance since childhood. But there are other examples when already adults, having taken a great interest in dancing, reach notable heights and become teachers. Already having dance training, you can learn new directions of dance. As experts say, you can master some kind of dance style in less than six months, having worked out at a dance school.

    See also:

    Examples of companies with vacancies for dance teachers

    How much do you have to pay for private dance lessons?

    Do you find it hard to price a dance teacher? If YES, here are 7 factors that will determine how much you should charge for private dance lessons. With the rise of dance as a sport and the growing trend of dance shows and competitions on TV, people have found more reasons to take private dance lessons for themselves or enroll their children in dance lessons.

    Although there is a growing number of dancers who want to offer free dance lessons, most of these dance programs cost money. Prices for private dance lessons depend on the type of dance and whether the student prefers individual or group lessons.

    Although dance instructors have the experience and knowledge to offer dance lessons, most dance instructors find it difficult to find a better price for their dance education and sometimes end up charging too little for their services.

    If you would like to pay a fair price, simply follow these factors and the guides below to find out how much your private dance instruction will be charged.

    1. Location

    As a private dance teacher, the amount you charge will mainly depend on your location and your competitors. Please note that the approximate hourly rate of dance teachers depends on two factors; the average salary of potential clients in your area and the number of other teachers who offer the same dance teaching style as you.

    If you teach in a low-income area, your rates are likely to be lower. However, if you are one of the few closest instructors of your style, you may want to command a little more than average. The local economy largely determines the rates you can charge.

    For example, if you advertise in downtown Washington, DC, you can safely charge more than if you were in Wisconsin. Also, if you're offering hip hop classes along with twenty other professional teachers or studio classes, you'll have to lower your rates to stay competitive.

    2. Lesson level

    Another factor that determines your hourly rate is the level of your lessons (beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults). The purpose of the lesson (training, rest, fitness) is connected with this. Keep in mind that students preparing to audition for an elite ballet school will need more of your attention and expect to pay much more than those who only consider dancing as a form of fitness or leisure.

    Indeed, a student does not need a predetermined amount of time or experience to advance to the next level. In fact, the level and speed is usually determined by the individual teacher. However, always consider the preparation time needed to achieve the student's goals and the amount of time it will take to achieve them.

    Also note that dance teachers are often asked for specific services. If additional time is required to plan for these requirements, you should apply higher rates to reflect this. Such events may include:

    • The first dance of the bride and bride
    • School formal preparation for primary and secondary schools
    • Choreography for a special event
    • Exhibition of art in secondary school
    • intend to enroll in a dance academy or performing arts school.
    • Mentoring students who are about to get a job as a dance teacher
    • Command training with dramatic art teachers for the musical for the secondary (or primary) school
    • Focus on certain dance movements, styles or techniques
    also a knowledge area also Please note that when developing rates, you will need to take into account your area of ​​​​expertise. Factors including the technical complexity of the style (such as classical ballet), competition from other instructors, and whether you are working with beginner or advanced students will all affect the fee you set.

    It's a good idea to find out what dance styles are taught at your nearest dance school or academy - if they don't offer what you plan to teach, feel free to raise your fees. Don't forget to think about what you can do to make your classes stand out from the rest.

    Students are always looking for a great instructor - someone from whom they feel they receive more than just a basic education or training. Think about cultural connections, theatrical or dramatic aspects, or performance techniques.

    4. Your teaching and dancing experience.

    Most of your prospective students will want to know about your experience before they know about your qualifications. While qualifications are important if you are applying for a high-level job at a performing arts academy, individual students are more interested in whether you have experience when it comes to dancing and teaching.

    Remember that an experienced but inexperienced mentor or teacher is often valued more than a highly qualified but inexperienced teacher. Which category best describes you?

    • Passionate self-taught dancer with no formal dance education.
    • Experienced student currently enrolled in a university level dance course or performing arts school.
    • Fully qualified teacher with experience in a professional dance school or equivalent.
    5. Lesson Resources

    Please note that certain dance styles require certain resources such as clothing or props, especially when it comes to performance, but also for general practice. If you choose to provide your students with the necessary resources and equipment, including:

    • Articles of clothing (tights, happy coats, etc.) )
    • Music and sound equipment (including microphones if required)
    must be included in your rates.

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