Current Update

Wedding Dance Tips

1. Budget your time for dance classes EARLY.

I can't tell you how many couples come in a week or two before their wedding and expect to have a fabulous wedding routine! Different couples have different ability levels and different goals for their wedding dance. Do you just want to be able to stand and sway together for a few minutes without falling down? Do you want a flashy Tango routine choreographed from beginning to end? Or do you want a few steps and patterns sandwiched between a dramatic entrance and a romantic dip? Whatever your goals are, start your lessons EARLY and allow yourself some time to become comfortable dancing together.

2. Choose your music wisely.

Some songs are more difficult to dance to than others. Different songs lend themselves to different dances. You could be doing a Foxtrot or a Swing or even a Night Club 2-Step. (Chances are, your wedding song won't be a waltz). Bring me your favorite songs and I'll help you choose the music and dance style that suits you best.

Check the Wedding Music Suggestions on the Dance On Cloud Nine page to get some good ideas!

3. Check our prices and availability. Compare to other local studios.

You'll find that my prices are quite reasonable. And you'll never get a pressure sale from me. Private lessons in the comfort of your home are reasonably priced. I also have wedding packages offered at a discount for couples that want more than just a few lessons.

Private lessons must be booked ahead of time and are subject to availability. My schedule fills up fast so call today!

4. Practice, practice, practice!

Practice at home. Listen to your music in the car. Visualize it when you relax. Practice in attire that's as close to what you'll wear at your wedding as possible. Guys, wear similar type dress shoes. Ladies, wear your slip and similar type heels etc. Be sure to take notes after your classes so that you can refer to them later.

First Dance Tips:

1. Cut your music!
Have you ever been to a wedding and watched the first dance drag on for what seems like forever as the wedding couple just stands there and sways back and forth? Don't be that couple. Even professional dancers try to keep their routines to 2-3 minutes tops so that they don't bore their audience. Have your music edited professionally or ask your DJ to fade it out at a pre-determined point. Another trick is to invite your wedding party out to share the floor with you after the first minute or two.

2. Know the limits of your dress...
Ladies, when you go for your fitting, be sure to try moving around in your dress. Can you lift your arms above your head? Do your heels get caught in the hem? Would a swing dance just not work in your hoop skirt? Is your dress so poofy that you won't be able to reach your partner? Is your tiara so tall that you won't be able to do an underarm turn? Find out the answers to these questions early!

3. Weddings and Vaseline
Guys if your patent leather shoes squeak when you rub them together, they may stick and trip you up. (Really, I've seen it happen.) Just rub a bit of vaseline on them where they rub and you'll be good to go.

4. Dip Trip
Gentlemen, when you dip your partner, make sure to keep your back straight and don't bend over her. Lower her with your arms. We know it's tempting to bend into the dip to plant one on her, but wait until you bring her back up. Leaning forward makes keeping balanced difficult. We've seen grooms topple over and onto their brides more than once. Don't let it happen to you.

5. Practice in your shoes
Break those puppies in. Let them adjust and stretch to fit your feet. Ladies get used to moving in your heels. Practice under conditions as close to what you'll have on the big day as possible. The fewer surprises you have on the dance floor the better.