Wedding Dance

Why learn to dance? “Let’s get married” and “learn to dance” go hand in hand. When you commit yourselves to lessons and regular practice, it reinforces your commitment to each other as well as your future relationship. Continue to dance after you are married - it is something you do together as a couple, it increases your confidence and opens up a whole new social scene for both of you. Dance class is a great idea for date night!

Why take lessons from a professional? Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. With the pressure of planning this occasion and wanting to enjoy yourselves on the big day, you do not want to be worried about your first steps on the dance floor. We can help make it as pleasurable and stress free as possible.

Why learn to dance properly? Although this is your special day, your guests will be watching, and taking photos and video too. You will want them to remember your first dance as being impressive and special for you, as well as to record it.

What should we do for our first dance? Traditionally, the first dance by the newly wed couple is intended to lead off the dancing at the reception - you start the dancing, then others join in. So, you have a choice in what you do for your first dance -

You can learn basic steps in a particular style of dance, then freestyle these steps throughout the entire song.
You can learn a choreographed routine for your guests to watch and enjoy (the most popular option).
You can combine the two by starting with a set routine, then mix and match steps as your guests join you on the dance floor.

What music should we choose? We can choreograph your first dance to some of your favorite music in most genres (choose a song that really means something to both of you) or we can suggest a variety of music. If you don’t know which song to pick, think about the dance style. Do you want a graceful, flowing waltz, a romantic rumba, or something more up tempo like a cha cha or jive? We have a selection to suit nearly every taste in music.

What is the advantage of choosing a particular song? Whichever music you play, try and choose a well known song. It will help you both to feel more relaxed when you are dancing and thinking about your steps; your guests will feel more involved even though they are only watching; and they will be more likely to join you on the dance floor later.

When should we start lessons? We usually recommend around 2 or 3 months before the wedding. The most important part of learning your first dance is preparation and practice - failing to prepare is preparing to fail! You will want to feel at ease on the dance floor and confident with your own steps, as well as dancing nicely with your partner, so you will need time not only to learn your dance but to practice it together.

How long will it take us to learn a dance? That depends on a number of factors including (but not exclusively) your physical ability, any previous dance experience, a genuine interest in learning the steps, how long until the wedding, your availability for lessons, and how much you are able to practice. Most couples will need at least 4 or 6 lessons, depending on the style of dance and how simple or complex are the steps and choreography.

Our wedding is soon - can we still learn to dance? Yes, of course you can learn some dance steps at short notice, as long as you do not have unrealistic expectations of how much you can master in the time available. Provided we can squeeze in a few lessons and you practice in between, then your first dance will be great.

When can we have our lessons? We are flexible in when we can teach you, daytime or evening and on days to suit you, and depending on availability and commitments. Ideally, you should take lessons weekly or two-weekly so you do not forget what you have been taught, but still have time to practice between lessons.

Where do you teach? Our regular lessons are held at The Lighthouse Community Centre (see our Contact Page).

However, if there is another venue you can arrange to use, or if you have a suitable floor space at home, we will travel to any reasonable location between Campbell River and South Nanaimo to teach you at your convenience (travelling expenses apply).

What clothes should I wear for lessons and dance practice? Wear whatever casual clothes you feel at ease in. Dancing can make you very warm, so dress in layers you can discard and avoid heavy material such as jeans. Practice dancing in a long dress or skirt with a similar feel to your wedding dress so you get used to dancing in that style of clothing. It will also help your partner, so they don't risk treading on the hem.

What shoes should I wear? To start with, wear soft shoes that are comfortable. Try to avoid runners or rubber soles that will stick to the floor and not allow your feet to move. Closer to the big day, practice dancing in the shoes you are going to wear for the wedding to make sure they are suitable.

Will I be able to dance in my wedding dress? If you already have a wedding dress, describe it to us so we can assess its suitability for the style of dance you choose - we may have to reassess what dance steps you are able to do. If you are yet to pick a dress, choose one that you can move freely in - do not wear one that is too tight around the legs or you will be restricted in your movements; avoid a dress that is too long, otherwise you or your partner may tread on it or damage it, or you may even fall over.

How much do lessons cost? The standard fee for a full 1 hour private lesson is $70. A discount to $65 per lesson is available if you book and pre-pay for 6 lessons. There are no refunds on cancelled or unused pre-paid lessons. (Note: if you provide your own venue, you are responsible for floor rental.) There is no tax to add on, so what you see is what you pay - there are no hidden extras. Your budget will dictate the number of lessons you can afford.

Why does it cost so much? When you learn to dance with us, you are taking lessons from an experienced, qualified, professional dance teacher. Not all dance instructors are, and there is a risk of injury in learning from an unqualified teacher. These are not group classes - you will have our full attention for a whole hour. The dance steps we teach you are tailored to suit your ability and preferences. You are welcome to compare our rate with others but, when you do so, it is only fair to compare with those who are equally or better qualified, and with their hourly rate.

Why learn to dance properly? Although this is your special day, your guests will be watching, and taking photos and video too. You will want them to remember your first dance as being impressive and special for you, as well as to record it.

What should we do for our first dance? Traditionally, the first dance by the newly wed couple is intended to lead off the dancing at the reception - you start the dancing, then others join in. So, you have a choice in what you do for your first dance -

Where do you teach? Our regular lessons are held at The Lighthouse Community Centre (see our Contact Page).

What shoes should I wear? To start with, wear soft shoes that are comfortable. Try to avoid runners or rubber soles that will stick to the floor and not allow your feet to move. Closer to the big day, practice dancing in the shoes you are going to wear for the wedding to make sure they are suitable.

Learn to dance for your wedding. We can teach you how.

Ballroom & Latin Classes

Corta Jaca Dance