A 5-Step Guide for Wedding Dancers
‘Let’s see, we’ve got guests to invite, decorators and a DJ to hire, food catering and… What the holy heck do you mean we’ve got to get a dance ready??’ For many brides and grooms-to-be, the wedding dance is slightly less important than making sure the gift-bags have equal amounts of candy in them (translation: not at all).
Despite this, wedding dances remain a common way for couples to celebrate their union, while family and friends look on and make various ‘aww-ing’ noises. But if you want the show to go off without a hitch, you’ll need a plan.
1. Pick a Song.
What’s the point of dancing if you hate the song? Bring your song to the first lesson, and your instructor will immediately be able to tell you what dance(s) you can do to it, and how difficult it will be, before they even start teaching you the first few steps. Not bad for a $30-50 assessment class! Pick a few songs you like, just in case the first choice turns out to be a fatally fast quickstep.
2. Pick a Budget.
Deciding on a ballpark estimate of how much you want to spend can keep you from being talked into a higher price than you feel comfortable with. Think about how much time you have, and how good you want to be. While it will likely take more lessons than you think it will, remember that simpler steps, well danced, will always look better than a complicated mess.
3. Find a Studio.
When it comes to choosing your instructor, it’s best to be picky: An instructor who matches your personality can teach you twice as much in half the time, and it will be a lot more fun for you. Likewise, the studio can range from welcoming or distant, clean or poorly-maintained. Consider checking out a few before making a final decision.
4. Make a Plan.
Your instructor should be able to give you at least an estimate – after watching you dance – of how far you can go with the time you have and the lessons you can afford. Hopefully this matches your budget, but if not, at least you can make a more informed decision about whether to stretch it or not.
5. Execute!
Now that you’ve got a plan, stick with it! Many instructors will recommend you practice in between your lessons. While this is easily forgotten, keep in mind that practice can help you improve faster than the lessons themselves! Even practicing your basics while brushing your teeth can make a big difference.
Weddings can be a lot to manage, but like a well-planned first date, a bit of forethought can make the difference between an uncomfortable time and a night to remember. Good luck!
About the Author
Ian Crewe has been dancing ballroom for over 18 years, and has a Licentiate in American smooth and rhythm. His passion for dance and his endless seeking for ways to reach new audiences eventually led him to blogging and the World Wide Web. Ian currently teaches at the Joy of Dance Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.