As moms, we absolutely love it when our kids develop a passion. There is nothing quite like seeing them pour their hearts and souls into something they love. Of course, some of these passions come with a higher price tag than others and mean a big financial commitment. But if our kids are happy and we can afford it, then why not? Right?
TikTok mom Dana Thompson's 13-year-old daughter, Kennedy, is an incredible dancer. The young girl is focusing all her extra time and energy on mastering her craft, and her mom supports her 100%. So does her dad, Justin, but he was caught a bit off guard recently when Dana shared how much they'd spent on dance this past season. The couple's video blew up on Dana's TikTok, @danamomdana, and some TikTokers were just as shocked as Justin.
More from CafeMom: I Posted a List of Things I Won't Let My 3 Daughters Do & People Think I'm Way Too Strict
Dance is an expensive sport.
Yes, dancers are athletes and Kennedy's strength is impressive. To keep her body and mind fit, she takes a lot of classes, both in group and private lessons, which can add up. In addition to classes, Kennedy travels, does competitions, and needs lots of attire, costumes, and makeup.
Just hearing about her schedule is exhausting, but when Dana put pen to paper about how much this all costs and showed it to Justin, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Who do you think we are? OK. Who do you think we are?" Justin yelled and laughed, befuddled and frustrated by the astronomical number.
Dana revealed the actual cost the next day.
She posted Part 2 where she listed every single expense, and we promise you, there are a lot. So much so that Kennedy's dance season this year cost the family a whopping $50,328.66. It's OK … take a breath. We'll wait.
"That's the price of a car. A nice car," Justin pointed out.
"But it's worth it, right?" Dana asks with a smile.
Justin responds, "Maybe not every number."
The bottom line caused a lot of shock on TikTok.
Seeing costs upward of $50,000 was too much for some people.
Like this person who wrote, "Not me thinking this was for 11 years of dance this is one year???"
The total was more than this person makes in a year. "I've been teaching for 21 years with a masters degree…and that is more than my take home pay!" the person commented.
Someone else was blown away and commented, "And I had parents complain about $250 for 6 months of swim team at the Y where I live."
Plenty of people praised the parents.
Dana shares Kennedy's dance journey on TikTok, and the teen is quite an accomplished dancer. Because of this, a lot of TikTokers thought the parents were making a solid investment in their child.
Like this person who wrote, "That's why I have always said that your daughter is so bless[ed] to have you both as parents, and I thank God that you both are able to do this for her God is so good and may God continue to bless and."
"Best parents on this app, setting their child up for success and not to mention the great memories!" someone else commented.
More from CafeMom: Mom Who Makes 7-Year-Old Pay Rent & Bills Every Month Sparks Controversy
Dana says dance doesn't have to cost a fortune.
She tells CafeMom that Kennedy's dance life is very expensive but that dance costs can vary considerably.
“We know plenty of other dance and sports families who are doing even more! However, even before adding up the cost, we had decided as a family to go in a different, more economical, direction with Kennedy’s training and seeing the number in plain sight only solidified that choice," she says.
Kennedy's success has helped ease some of the financial burden. "Lucky for us, Kennedy has had success with professional jobs that have not only helped fund her passion, but given her exposure to amazing opportunities, people, and places that are beyond anything she could have imagined," Dana tells us.
"We also started creating positive social media content together two years ago to help fund dance and other things she loves, and doing it together has not only strengthened our bond but taught her appropriate ways to use social media."
Kennedy is also invested in herself.
Someone asked if Kennedy would one day help pay for dance if she continued on such a strenuous journey. "Are you going to include her in dance expenses one day? When she is older it may be beneficial for her?" the person commented.
Dana responded that she already does. "She helps now. She has helped pay for extra things she wants with earnings from professional jobs and we also make content together to help pay. So every view helps fund Kennedy's dance dreams ," her reply reads.
Dana tells CafeMom that she and Justin feel blessed to be able to help Kennedy's dance career.
"It’s been a lot of fun too! We are grateful every day to be able to assist in helping Kennedy chase her dreams. You only live once," she says.
Dana, we love that you and Justin are supporting Kennedy and her passion. She is a talented dancer, and we can't wait to follow her journey. This will all be worth it, Justin. Trust us.
