Shoestring

Got a Dancing with the Stars–obsessed kid? If your tween likes to get down, look into hosting a world-music dance party. A surprisingly affordable option, this fete can be held in your home (if there’s room); alternatively, many of the dance companies listed below are affiliated with studio spaces that double as reasonably priced party rooms. You can also consider renting a space at a nearby church or synagogue, community center or school.

Top choice

Flamenco: Andrea Del Conte Danza España

Statement-making clothes. Attitude and posturing. Over-wrought emotions. Another day in junior high? Nah, its a flamenco birthday party! With its dramatic ambience and all that foot-stomping and olé-shouting, flamenco just might be the perfect match for the trials and tribulations of tweendom. Standing in a circle, partygoers are taught a dance, often an easy-to-learn four-count fiesta type like the tangos, to the beat of traditional guitar music via boom box.

details The party includes an hour-long instruction by a member of the company, during which guests can practice flamenco’s rhythmic clapping, posture, and arm and hand movements. This is followed by a short group dance. Participants should wear hard-soled shoes since percussive heel work is part of the fun.

decor The instructor will appear in full flamenco regalia; you can decorate in traditional black, red, white and polka dots.

eats Authentic food like tapas or paella from your local Spanish restaurant will add to the festive mood. If you really want to get traditional, serve flan instead of birthday cake.

loot Stuff goody bags with items like castanets (at westmusic.com), paper fans (pearlriver.com) and roses—either real or chocolate wrapped in red foil.

damage Instruction starts at $300 for 12 kids; studio rental starts at $32–$40 per hour
144 E 24th St at Lexington Ave (212- 674-6725, delconte-danza.com)

Alternatives

Lotus Music and Dance
109 W 27th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-627-1076, ext 11; lotusmusicanddance.com); $300 for 12 kids

Brooklyn Arts Exchange
421 Fifth Ave at 8th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-832-0018, bax.org); $400 for 15 kids

Dance Factory New York
20-21 College Point Blvd at 20th Ave, Flushing, Queens (718-358-3369, dancefactorynewyork.com); $250 for 12 kids