Tips for Brides

“Learning to dance is the fun part of preparing for a wedding –
like tasting cakes. So why skip it?”

Some Commonly Asked Questions

When should we take classes? (”I’m afraid we are going to forget our moves.”)
Option #1: Take the First Dance workshop and follow it immediately with approx. three private lessons each a week or less apart. That will take somewhere between a week and a month to accomplish (Do this as early as possible and then let the information age like fine wine. Practice periodically). Plan a brush up lesson at about 1 1/2 weeks prior to your wedding.

Option #2: If just getting by is your goal, choose a short song and hit the First Dance Workshop closest to your wedding date, unless it is the week of.

What level of dance is taught at the First Dance Workshop?
This is a beginning level social dance class. You will learn how to hold your arms, a couple of basic steps and a dip. If both of you are beginners, this class is perfect for you. If you are at different levels this class will get you on the same page. If you are both advanced a private lesson is a better place to start.

What makes a good first dance song?
A song that is 1-3 minutes in length, has a beat that is steady and easy to distinguish, has a moderate tempo, means something special to the two of you, and is not offensive to your guests.

Need help choosing your music?
1) Go to www.wedalert.com to choose a first dance, father/daughter, or mother/son song. I highly recommend this resource. You can listen to clips of the songs for most selections and some even have the lyrics available for your perusal. Good Luck!

2) Email me to let me know what your first dance choice is. I will preview it via i-tunes and let you know if it is a waltz, rumba, foxtrot etc. (Please note: almost everything is danceable, but if I really feel you have chosen a tough one, I will let you know.)

Why is song length a factor?
Imagine knowing only one dance step and repeating it over and over for a 10-minute song. It gets redundant. Conversely, if you have lifts and flips in mind… we just plain can’t safely fit it all into a 60 second song. You should learn roughly 2 steps (or variations) for each minute of the song. Expect walking onto the floor and the dip at the end will fill 30 additional seconds.

How many lessons will we need?
This is determined by three factors. The length of the song you choose, ability level of the couple, and how simple or flashy you want it to look. The average couple learns one to two new steps per lesson.

What’s it gonna cost me?
$300 (That is if you take the workshop ($40 for the couple) and follow it with three private lessons, and one more private lesson to brush up right before the wedding. Private lessons $65 for 50 minutes.

Is there another route?
Absolutely. Group lessons are less expensive. Pick your song, email your choice to me, I will tell you what it is (Foxtrot, Waltz, Rumba… whatever). Get a group of your friends or family together and designed your own group class. Split the cost between the members of the group. Please note: Steps are learned well in any size group class but to understand how to lead and follow well, you need a little more individual attention.

My Groom will not take a dance class… He says we can fake it.
Most hesitant grooms will agree to a one-time workshop rather than a series of lessons. Take the workshop. When he sees how easy and fun it is he will probably change his mind and regardless, at that point, you will be qualified to “fake it”.
Please note: His lack of interest in class does not mean he is not committed to you… it is me he is not committed to (the “ballroom” dance teacher) and we are all ok with that lack of commitment.

Other tips from a seasoned professional:
- Beginning dance is not about loosening up, it is about memorizing steps. Alcohol slows your ability to memorize. Drinking prior to dance class is not in your best interest. I really, really wish this were not true… but it is.
- All the good restraunts near Phinney are busy so make a reservation if you want to go out to eat on a Friday evening before or after class. Dinner and a dance lesson make a great date!