I totally see your point, Peanutter. Must be a difficult thing to suss out before you start don't you think? Probably likewise the attitude/culture of the group. No doubt that changes with each influx of kids that passes through. I can only hope in whatever she chooses to do she's surrounded by a supportive, friendly mob rather than a bunch of whackos. I wish the same for your kids.
Nae, wow. Thanks for that! Stupidly I hadn't really thought about the wearing out of shoes in dance. Only costumes (which I understand can be very expensive) but not multiple pairs of shoes a year! Eeek. Ah well, we'll have to see how we go. Thanks for your input.