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Are dance lessons still common practice?

posted 1 year ago in Dance
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    1.
    78 posts
    Worker bee
    kdkadinger    May 21, 2011   Wedding: Key West, FL

    Hi, my dad actually approached me about wanting to take dance lessons for our father/daughter dance. Really surprising since he hates dancing and is the "man's man". So very sweet though. He obviously wants this to be special. I've always wanted to have dance lessons as well (bucket list item) and FI has also agreed to it. So, I'm really excited actually.

    However, is this too "formal" for the type of wedding we're having? It's an outdoor, intimate garden setting with about 75 guests in Key West. So, the vibe will be very laid back anyway... just wondering if doing the waltz (or whatever) will seem like a "wtf moment" in the grand scheme of things. Really hoping not ... because I would love to do something more than sway back and forth like I did at school dances.

    Is there a less formal dance that you can learn that would be more fitting for our Key West vibe? And no, we're not interested in doing an "evolution of dance" type thing (both my men: FOB and FI are too nervous to free-style). And when you go to these classes, do they typically teach you more than one dance? Just don't know what to expect - or what to ask for! The songs that we'll be dancing to are somewhat slow (country songs) so tango wouldn't work. lol!

    Your thoughts on things would help! Thanks!!

     
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    Honey bee
    Prewitt    June 19, 2011   England

    @kdkadinger:

    I'm not a dancer or anything so i'm not an expert so would have thought if you explain the laid back feel of your day they'll find a dance to suit, like you say you want it to look right and not just a high school shuffle. To my surprise my fiance has agreed to having a couple of dance lessons (which is saying something) as even he didn't want us to look like we were at high school either. So i'd say go for it, it'll be fun.

     
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    Beekeeper
    Gemstone    July 2011   Cincinnati

    A lot of dance studios now teach a "slow dance," which works for basically any type of slow song. It's a stylized dance rather than just the sway. We're considering that so we don't have to choose a song based on its rhythm.

    And no, I don't think it's too formal. :)

     
    4.
    2,253 posts
    Buzzing bee
    MandaMack    September 10, 2011   Pittsburgh, PA

    We're going to do them eventually, not sure what kind in particular.  I'm excited because I love to dance and have never taken any "ballroom" type classes.  And fi is all for it because he isn't really coordinated and is afraid of making a fool of himself, lol.

     
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    Honey bee
    Prewitt    June 19, 2011   England

    @MandaMack:

    DITTO.

     
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    Helper bee
    eseds    September 4, 2011   Long Island, NY

    My FILs are both dancers... theyve seen my FH and I dance (its a scary situation)... when we asked them about dance lessons she told us wed probably be better off just swaying and theyll teach us a few dips and spins... Since weve taken their ballroom class before (also disasterous)... I dont think its common practice anymore... A lot of people who arent part of their studio contact them to help choreograph their weddings. I would suggest doing the same, explain to whomever what exactly youre looking for they should be able to help!!!

     
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    661 posts
    Busy bee
    Habibah14    October 24, 2010   Fairfield County, Connecticut

    Speaking as a professional, I have a biz teaching dance lessons and choreographing wedding first dances and I get a wide range of clients. Some who want very casual lessons just so they feel comfortable and prepared and others who want a full blown choreographed piece. I'm sure there is someone in your area or a studio who can help you out, just let them know what you're looking to get out of the lessons. I teach lessons which are basics with dips, turns, and some combinations. I don't have a strong background in ballroom and in reality, most couples aren't looking for that which it sounds like you're not either. Just make sure you communicate what you are looking for and envisioning. I recommend a box step based on what you're staying. It's great for country songs. Also a simplfied waltz step might work too. PM me if you want and I can send you some examples of what past couples have done if that helps. www.adance2remember.com is my site, and there are a ton of videos, might help you get an idea. (honestly not trying to promote myself, but I think it would help to see some simple ideas and you're welcome to use whatever you like!)

    Speaking as a bride, totally into it. FI and I are doing a choreographed piece and have been practicing so much, he's so not a dancer but we're having a blast with it. It's something we can do together, spend time together and it's a great memory. If anything else, lessons are a fun experience that two can do together whether it's with FI or dad. It's a great memory.

     
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    Blushing bee
    popover    December 31, 2012   East Coast

    We went for a free lesson and enjoyed it so much we signed up for ten more...  I want to be one of those old couples that surprise you by dancing so romantically together ... (eventually)

     
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    Buzzing bee
    Beluga    July 16, 2011  

    I'd be really into lessons if we could afford it. Life skills, people! Sadly, we can't, but I heard there are some tutorials on youtube I could check out.

     
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    Bumble bee
    DanielleZara    August 21, 2010   California

    Oh YES you MUST do it!! So much fun :)

     
    11.
    78 posts
    Worker bee
    kdkadinger    May 21, 2011   Wedding: Key West, FL

    thanks for all the advice! we're definitely going to sign up. I didn't realize they would potentially be so expensive. Wondering if they'll let me work out a deal with them...

     
    12.
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    92 posts
    Worker bee
    anwenning    June 18, 2011   United States

    If you are into the thought of lessons, but can't afford them, I would suggest renting a ballroom dancing tape from your local library.  Then you can practice on your own schedule in the privacy of your own home.  :-)

     
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    400 posts
    Helper bee
    aandmklover    September 10, 2010   Mid-West Michigan

    My county had dance lessons as something you could sign up for in the summer. $40 per person for 8 weeks of lesson. The class was "ballroom" but that can mean so many different kinds of dance like... Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha, Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango. We walked in thinking we were going to get something like a Walts but ended up learning a Tango. It was fun and we got to spend every Wednesday night together for 8 weeks leading up to the wedding.The Tango was not what we danced at the wedding but we at least we knew how to move with each other. We dance the Tango in the living room together every once and awhile.Wink

     

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