Dance Instruction
Don't want to have two left feet for your reception? Investing some time and money in a
dancing shoes, throw on your
Sinatra, and get psyched. Depending on where you live, classes may run anywhere from $40 to $80 an hour for private lessons or from $10 to $15 for group sessions. If cost is an issue, obviously a group class would be the right choice. However, both options have their pros and cons.
Private vs. Group Lessons
While private lessons might come at a steep price, remember that it only takes a class to get you and your partner on the same page. An instructor can quickly teach you the basics of proper posture, how to hold your frame nicely, how the man should lead, and basic steps and rhythm. One on one lessons allow you to work with the song you plan to use for your first dance and gives you both individual attention.
However, group lessons have their advantages too. If you and your partner have the time and don't mind spending some money (at least enough group lessons to make up the same amount in what you would spend on a single private class), group classes are ideal. You get to practice and learn a new dance that you both want to show off at the wedding, whether it be the first dance, or dances throughout the evening. Group classes also help improve your overall skills by allowing you to dance with other partners the woman learns to follow and the man to lead.
Other options to learn how to dance include attending free lessons at a night club. Big cities usually have special sessions during the weeknight after work and they are usually quite fun. If time is an issue though, consider buying a dance tape in the style you want to learn. That way you can practice on your own in the privacy of your own home. The only problem is that you won't know whether or not you are doing it well. For the money, you might as well take a class.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that both bride and groom get accustomed to dancing in their
wedding shoes. The bride, more so than the groom, may find that it will take a bit of practice to get up to par in the perfect heels.
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Choosing a Studio
Regardless of which method of training you select, it is important to select the right trainer or studio. A good place to start is looking online, asking for referrals from vendors, and talking to friends and family who may have used a dance instructor before.
Think about what kind of DJ or band you have hired and the type of music that you want to be played. Do you have a funky jazz band, perfect for learning to jive, jitterbug, and swing or a sexy Latin group, requiring you to master dances such as the tango, salsa, and merengue? The right dance studio will cater specifically to the types of dances that you want to learn. Beware of going to a school that specializes in training professionals or competition dancers (unless you are one yourself) as they might lack the tact needed to teach someone with minimal to no prior experience. When in doubt ask if you may look in on one of the lessons. You'll quickly get an idea of what type of dancers the school caters to.
If possible, speak to the teacher who would be giving you the lessons. You want it to be someone who makes you feel comfortable and at ease. If you notice that his or her style is too intimidating or eccentric for your tastes, keep shopping. Ask about experience. Is the teacher trained as a teacher? A professional dancer? A dance coach? Can he or she choreograph for you? His or her professionalism also counts.
Other details that you will want to consider are the location of the studio. If you are taking group lessons you want it to be close and convenient so that you can actually attend.
