Foxtrot Project

how do i convince my mom to let me take ballroom dancing?

I am 13. I have always loved ballroom. the nearest professional studio is an hour away. I already know a few dances. there is a class you can take 1/2 hour away, but it doesn't have a competition licence ( I don't think) and I want to compete. my mom wants me to go to the local one. what do I do? and what shoes do I wear for practice? I will wear black pants and a shirt (proper clothing for practice). what shoes do I wear? thanks!

Public Comments

1. Since you're 13 the only thing you can do is convince your mom to let you go to the studio you want to go to, you can help pay for it by babysitting, mowing lawns, walking dogs, and other small jobs. Explain to your mom how much you want to compete, if she sees that you have passion then you may get your way :). Show her how much it means to you so sacrifice other things, tell her your grades will be better and you'll watch less TV and stuff. I'm guessing you would wear ballroom shoes, but I'm not sure if you wear that in your age group. Good luck!
2. Since you're only 13 i would throw your mom a bone and take classes at the closer studio. Learn the dances you can, and over time, try to work your mom over to letting you go to the better studio an hour away. as far as shoes and clothing goes, i would ask the studio what is appropriate.
3. If I were you I'd do what your mum wants and start at the local studio. Just because a studio isn't big or fancy or a "professional" studio doesn't mean they can't produce quality dancers. And you don't even know for sure that they don't have a competition license. Plus, you wouldn't be competing straight away even if you did start at the professional studio (you'd still have to learn the dances, get decent technique, find a partner, etc), so what's the rush? You're only 13 and I've seen people still competing when they're 50. As far as shoes go, if you do intend to be serious about this you will need to eventually invest in a good pair of ballroom shoes, but to start off with just wear something with a low heel that has straps around your ankle so you won't fall out of it (and don't wear anything with a rubber sole, you'll just stick to the floor).