I, too, would agree that the cost of the performances prevent the dance students (and parents) from attending many performances. My DD would love to attend most, if not all, of the offered dance performances in our city. Only one company, a modern company, provides a student-friendly method of attending. The "student" price tickets for the other companies and venues are still a bit much for the "nose-bleed" seats for a student's budget. With the costs of classes, leos/tights, and pointe shoes, decisions must be made where discretionary income is to be applied. Can't remember the last time she went to a movie, so it is not a matter of choosing one form of "entertainment" over another.
On the occassion that a spectacular dance company from out-of-town comes, I try hard to make sure she attends. Next week, she is travelling three hours one-way on a "field trip" organized by her variations teacher with other class members to seize the once-in-almost-never-even-close-to-here opportunity to see ABT perform---the ticket is $70, plus the theatre's service and handling fees of $9. Definitely a little steep for the everyday budget. (That's a whole pair of pointe shoes.) Doesn't even take into account the cost of gas money or dinner.
I would dearly love for her to be able to attend everything that is available--the good and the bad---such that she could develop a better feel/sense/and discerning eye for the artform she so loves. But those pesky $$$$ do get in the way. The situation definitely presents an ironic situation The companies need their ticket prices to be sufficiently high to help support them; but unfortunately, those prices remain out of reach for many of whom perhaps might be their most ardent admirers.