Is Dance Camp Your Daughter's Next Big Leap? The Ultimate Guide for Dance Moms

Dance moms, put on your seatbelts! If your daughter's been pirouetting in the kitchen or running through TikTok chorea on the dog, you're likely asking yourself if dance camp is all the fuss—or just a glittery money hole. No need to dig out your jazz shoes; I've got the real lowdown with a dash of attitude to assist you in determining if it's worthwhile or not. This manual is for mothers of 8- to 17-year-old girls with visions of dance camp stardom. Let's get down to it. 

The Cost: Less Than a Unicorn, More Than a Latte 

Dance camps might pinch your purse as hard as a tap shoe on tile from a toddler. Be prepared to spend $250 to $1,500 per week, depending on whether it's a local day camp or a sleepaway affair with the works—cabins, choreography, and personalized leotards. As a point of comparison, that's a season's worth of Starbucks or a new sofa (without the unsightly stains). Camps such as American Dance Training Camp (ADTC) provide classes in idyllic locations such as Vermont's mountains or California's beach, packaging top-notch instruction with perks such as talent shows. Worth it? If your daughter's fixated on getting that pas de bourrée just right, sure. If she's only in it for the sparkly swag, perhaps keep scrolling. 

The Schedule: A Dance Marathon with a Side of Mom Freedom 

Imagine this: your daughter begins the day with ballet barre, moonwalks into hip hop, and unwinds with lyrical by dusk—then plops like a winded puppy. Camps such as ADTC cram four to six hours of dance into every day, blending styles such as jazz, contemporary, and even K-pop-inspired routines. Throw in bonding moments such as lake swimming or lip-sync competitions, and it's a full-on experience. For an 8-year-old, it's a whirlwind of fun and concentration. For a 17-year-old, it's serious training—college audition prep or résumé bolstering, for example. The icing on the cake? You have a week of quiet to watch that series she'd roll her eyes at. Just be ready for her return, when she'll most likely choreograph your vacuum into her next viral dance. 

The Payoff: More Than Just a Shiny Trophy 

Dance camp isn't solely about mastering a double turn (though that's a boast). It's a glow-up factory. Your shy 10-year-old may saunter out with newfound confidence, whereas your teen may make lifelong friends and gain serious dance street cred. Solid camps like ADTC, which has been empowering girls for more than two decades, focus on community over competition. Envision sisterhood energy where phones get put away in favor of authentic connections. Your daughter will gain confidence, learn new steps, and perhaps even spark a college essay. And she'll sleep like a boulder, giving you a break from her 17th "Mom, look at this! 

The Catch: Glitter Stains and Tween Tantrums Let's be honest: dance camp isn't all tidiness and tidiness. Teens may come home with blisters and an epic story of a botched routine. Younger children might become homesick, missing you or their iPad by day three. And the equipment? Sigh goodbye to that $30 water bottle and expect glitter in your SUV until the next decade. The week-end showcase? Pack snacks, a power bank, and zen for 47 renditions of the same pop song. 

But all those downsides—aching feet, missing socks, and all—tend to pale alongside the upsides: honed skills, beaming smiles, and experiences that shine brighter than the mess. 

So, Is It Worth the Splurge 

Here's the million-dollar (or $600) question. If your daughter is dancing for life—no matter if she's 8 and spinning to Taylor Swift or 17 with a Broadway aspiration—it's a resounding yes. Camps like ADTC offer A-list instructors (imagine pros who have danced for Beyoncé) and a buffet of styles that trump a summer of screen time. On the fence? Ask your daughter. Even your 8-year-old might pull out a bedazzled vision board to plead her case. 

Mom Hacks: Play Smart, Save Big 

Still hemming and hawing? Search for scholarships—ADTC and other programs frequently provide them to soften the blow. Carpool with other moms, stock protein bars (dancers eat like gymnasts), and look to X for real-parent perspectives. A hasty internet search may turn up reviews like "ADTC made my introverted child a theater star!"—evidence it's something more than an expensive slumber party. Tip: bring extra hair ties and a stain stick for those wardrobe malfunctions. 

The Last Curtain Call Dance camp is a leap of faith—and sometimes an actual one. For the right girl, it's a jackpot of growth, joy, and possibly a killer recital photo for your fridge. Imagine her, sweaty and smiling, with new moves and new crew. Worth it? That's up to you. Just don't be shocked when she begins campaigning for a home dance studio—or a pet to star in her next number.