I danced for almost 3 hours straight on Friday night – it was so fun. I was also exhausted. Who knew that a dance can be such a full body workout?
Because of exercise benefits, I’ve decided that I can devote more monetary resources to this addiction endeavor. So I’ve decided to buy 15 classes for $185. Individual classes would cost $15 each, or $225 total for 15 classes. In truth, then, I am saving $40 by buying in bulk, right? That’s not including the cost of practicas (practice sessions ~$5 to $10) or milongas (dance parties ~$10 to $15) that I might go to. But I’ll try to only select one or two occasions a month, to keep down the costs.
The 15 classes should last me a month and provide around 6 hours of dancing a week. I find running a little boring (although I really do want to complete a 5K – baby steps), I don’t play any sports, and I don’t belong to a gym. So those 6 hours of tango will be the only exercise I get for the week, at least for the near future.
Therefore, I’m going to consider the money an investment in my health (and happiness). Isn’t it amazing how much easier it is to spend money when you’ve decided it’s something that’s “good for you”? 
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I think $185 is a great price for 15 classes. If you love it and if it’s great exercise, go for it and don’t feel guilty. A girl’s gotta have a passion! It’s awesome that you found yours!
That’s a terrific deal and I’m positive you won’t regret it. Tango is my main exercise (though I walk my dogs quite a lot) and there’s nothing that’s beat the health benefits. I’ve lost weight, developed muscle tone, increased my stamina and balance. It’s the most brilliant work out routine ever because it simply doesn’t feel like an exercise program. “me in a million” is absolutely right – don’t feel a bit guilty about it. You scored a great deal!
@me in millions: I did the calculations and that means each class is only $12.33. AND, because each class has additional practica time, I’m paying around $7 per hour of dance time.
@Mari: I know! I’m really excited. I also found an instructor that I really liked. Also, I’m begining to learn milonga the dance. I think I might almost like it more than the tango – it’s so quick and fun and the music just makes me smile. Not to mention all those grapevine steps w/ bent knees (can you say cardiovascular workout?!). I felt like I just ran a mile after that sequence.
Don’t undervalue something that makes you happy as not “good for you.”
While my cars don’t provide me much exercise, the happiness and satisfaction is unrivaled in my life. So while exercise is a great reason to feel good about it, happiness is always worth affordable spending as well.
I start getting depressed when I start missing my dance classes. I wish I was kidding! Or maybe that’s just exercise in general, but I have myself convinced I NEED my classes. lol.
If it makes you happy and you’re dedicated–and it sounds like you are–I’d say do it! I’m active in swimming and sometimes people gasp at the cost (a whopping $50 a month for twenty hour-and-a-half COACHED practices–every weekday morning–AND access to the pool during its open hours). I do other things, too, like races and yoga, but I (as it appears you too) calculate the opportunity cost of spending our money on our passions and compensate in another way. If we (in general) weren’t spending money on sports/activities, we’d probably be buying too many DVDs, etc. that won’t give us as much lasting happiness. Go you for getting your priorities in order!