Had to cough up the second installment payment yesterday for DD's ballet classes this semester, to the tune of $400 ($800 for the whole semester). Yes, I know. A lot of money. Fortunately for us, we only have to pay for her. DS, who also takes classes, is on full scholarship, and always has been these last 5-6 years that he's been with the school, just because he is MALE (his teacher gives full scholarships to all boys, any boy). In fact, we originally gave the classes a whirl for him on a whim, way back in the beginning, simply because it was Free. Always the opportunist, I figured ballet for him would be exercise and a way to channel some energy, as well as an opportunity to learn a little music, art and culture. Then, it turned out he had rather a knack for it, and began getting cast in the shows right away, which he did and still does absolutely ADORE (natural born ham that he is). Over the years he's been in 5 or 6 Nutcrackers seasons (I lose count), Swan Lake, Peter and the Wolf, etc etc. (Currently he's rehearsing for Coppelia, for which he has a big part and lots of stage time). And the classes are definitely a discipline for him -- a good balance to his personality (plus, the coordination, balance and flexibility he has developed helps him in his soccer game). So, we've stuck with it all these years. Had we been paying for him all this time, it would have added up to many thousands of dollars by now -- therefore, I guess I can rationalize it this way when it comes to paying for DD's dance education (who naturally wanted to get involved too once she was old enough). In effect, we're getting a 2-for-1 deal, I guess you can say (actually we're coming out even more ahead because, being younger, she's in a lower, less expensive level than he is)....