What will preparing for our first dance feel like? What will we get out of it other than learning to dance?
I know it can be a bit scary to come into your first dance class. For most of you, this will be an entirely new experience and many couples come in worried that they have no dance experience. This it absolutely ok and to be expected! I will teach you to dance from the beginning and I have extensive experience working with beginners. I aim to create an environment that is laid back and allows you both to relax and have a great time. You will find that not only is dancing easier than you expect, but that you might learn a few things about yourself and each other.
One of my favorite things about dancing is that it can be a bit scary at first to try, but it’s actually quite fun and not at all as intimidating as you might think. Doing something as a couple that makes you feel a bit vulnerable together also leads to greater connection.
What should we expect from our dance lessons?
Dance lessons are totally customizable, so every experience is different, but in general, during your introductory lesson, we will talk about what you are looking for from your first dance. Many couples come in saying they just want to be comfortable dancing with each other in front of family and friends and want to do more than the classic “awkward hug” in front of everyone. Some couples have an idea of wanting to do a lift or dip or something with a bit of “WOW” factor. Every couple is different and it’s my job to figure out what will serve you best.
From there, I will start teaching you a few moves. From my experience, what works for most couples is to have a special twirl/dip/trick in the beginning and end, then have a few moves that they can lead and follow (structured improvisation) in the middle (but again, we can do whatever you want). You will get lots of time to practice and it’s my goal that on your wedding day, you won’t have to think about what you are doing during your dance. My goal is for you to be able to be completely present with each other and share this beautiful memory with each other as well as your friends and family.
How many lessons do we need to take?
I suggest starting off with an introductory lesson, then proceeding with either the 5 or 10 lesson package. If you are looking to do something more elaborate, there are options for adding more classes. We will talk about what package is best for you in your intro class, but in general, the 5 lesson package is the minimum I suggest for a comfortable first dance. This package (generally) allows enough time for us to learn a beginning, end and about 3 moves for the middle.
The 10 lesson package not only allows more time to learn more moves, but it also gives us the chance to work more on the connection between you and how you move together. Dance is such a wonderful way to learn how to work together and communicate in a whole new way. I think that one of the most beautiful parts of learning to dance together is how it can help develop your relationship. You will get this benefit from the 5 lesson package, but we will be able to dive deeper into this with 10 classes.
When should we start?
I usually suggest you take your first lesson about 7-13 weeks out from your wedding. I would suggest 7 weeks for the 5 lesson package, and 13 weeks for the 10 class package. If you know you will be away for certain weeks, I would add more time in accordingly. I usually suggest taking a lesson at least once a week, as it can be hard to remember what we have done between classes when you take long breaks. Of course these are just guidelines-I understand everyone’s lives are busy and we can make anything work.
If you are preparing early and are much further out from your wedding, you are welcome to contact me to ask any questions and I can put a note in my calendar to reach back out to you on a certain date to get you set up. I know you are working very hard with coordinating vendors, and this way you will have 1 fewer thing to remember in the future.
What should we wear?
For your first lesson, wear whatever you are comfortable in. Wear shoes that easily stay on your feet and you can move in. I also ask that you make sure your shoes are relatively clean and free from rocks/debris/salt/moisture as they can deteriorate the dance floor. In your last few lessons, I suggest bringing your shoes you will be wearing for your first dance to get a feel for them.
Do lessons expire? Do we have to use them all for our first dance?
No! Lessons never expire and you can use them for whatever you like. Some popular options include bringing in a parent to work on your dance with them (parents ALWAYS love being included in this and it’s such a unique bonding experience) or, coming back in after the wedding to learn another dance for fun.
Do we have to practice on our own?
Not at all, but many couples choose to. This is one of those things in life where you get out of it what you put into it. At the end of every lesson, I will give you a short video going over what we did that day, so if you choose to practice, you will have a reference point. Many couples find they enjoy dancing together so much that they want to practice together at home while others find themselves so busy they don’t have a chance to. Both are great approaches.
Also, pets tend to LOVE when you dance together at home and sometimes want to be included themselves-it can be quite cute and hilarious!
