Wedding Dance 411

Wedding Dance Workshops April 28

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:19:00 +0000

Wedding Dance Workshop Part A (Footsteps)
Sample a variety of slow dances to see which style you prefer.
Develop your individual composure as a dancer.
Learn the fundamentals and secrets of partner dancing.
Techniques for travelling around the floor.
Overview of choreography concepts
The perfect way to get comfortable dancing around others!

This workshop is sure to put a twinkle in your eye, butterflies in your stomach and a skip in your step. Feel like it's a first date all over again! Learn easy moves that look impressive! Learn to be a versatile dance partner with universal movements that are perfect for slow or fast tempos including Latin, world beat, techno, Top 40, and rap. it's time to get your flirt on with your honey! You will dance out positively glowing!

Wedding Dance Workshop Part B (Twirls) Every woman loves to be twirled and your guests can't get enough of seeing it either! Learn how to safely transition and travel and skillfully twirl, spin, drape, cuddle and unwrap to give your bride the "Cinderella Moment" she deserves in the spotlght and have your guests applauding, cheering, wildly photographing and eager to join you on the dance floor!

Let's cut to the chase. "H-O-T" is how grooms describe this workshop! "Sensual" is how to the brides describe it so it looks like everyone is in agreement! Spice up your First Dance plus see how you can use all many of your moves during the reception! Learn how to loosen up, shake your hips (and other important parts) & look confident! The temperature is bound to go up with this rendezvous and the two of you! This date night will make you blush, feel intoxicated and high on life as you gaze steamily into your lover's eyes! It's time to get down and dirty, hot and flirty as you prepare to rock the reception and heat up the honeymoon!

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
City: Alexandria, VA 22314 and Columbia, MD 21026
Date: April 28, 2013
Time: 3pm - 6pm
Investment:
$75 per person / 3 hour workshop City: Columbia, MD 21026

Celebrity Interview with Dancing With the Stars Star Tony Dovolani

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Do you LOVE Dancing with the Stars? We sure do! We are thrilled to announce that The Wedding Dance Specialists recently held an exclusive interview with DWTS celebrity dancer Tony Dovolani!

Tony is a professional ballroom dancer who began dancing at the age of three, and is acclaimed for his many performances and World Champion Titles in Latin style dance. Overall he has won an astonishing seven championship titles in world-renowned competitions, including an Emmy nomination for his incredible choreography of a Jive dance routine that was aired on Dancing with the Stars in 2006. Tony’s newest partner for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars is Melissa Rycroft who is best known for her appearances on The Bachelor. Tony and Melissa were also partnered together on the show in 2008 and placed third in the competition.

Now that the introductions are out of the way, (even though I’m sure you’ve already heard of him) let’s turn to the scoop on what we learned from Tony during our interview with him! Tony divulged some tips for us. His favorite dance move is the over-sway on a dip. He likes the move's versatility as you can begin and end a dance with it. When asked about dance trends, Tony remarked that ballroom dancing has played second fiddle to solo dance styles like ballet for decades. However with the popularity of the hit show Dancing with the Stars it has been brought to the forefront again and no longer lingers as the step-child of the dance world. Another fantastic point Tony made was, “You have to love dancing to truly excel at it and love teaching it to be a good instructor.” Tony also said to become a great dancer one must believe that they are capable of dancing in the first place.

But how can you dance like a pro if you don’t have the right attire? Tony gave us advice on that too! Tony is excited to be sponsored by Capezio dance shoes and encourages engaged couples to consider using proper ballroom shoes for their wedding dance instead of struggling with street shoes.

He is also excited about the latest Zumba craze that incorporates Latin ballroom dance moves with aerobic exercise. While he is an esteemed ballroom dancer, he admits that his favorite dance style is Latin. At The Wedding Dance Specialists, we believe in always improving upon our dance knowledge base so that we can provide you with an even better dance experience. We hope that Tony’s tips have inspired you to become even better dancers. He’s sure inspired us! Thanks Tony!

Written by: Kimberly Irwin, Publicist for The Wedding Dance Specialists

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:17:00 +0000

HOT OFF THE PRESS! - click here to view our latest video!
Referrals are the highest compliment! Please don't keep us a secret!

Why Learning to Dance is Beneficial

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Let us help you polish your dance skills for social dancing or energize your special event with our diverse and talented staff of professional dance instructors and performers. Dancing creates sparkling memories and adds delicious excitement to any celebration! Dancing is incorporated at fundraisers, private parties, corporate, military and political galas. The fun factor of a special event directly affects its success and could even improve its profits!

More reasons to learn:
Physical Fitness
Intellectual Stimulation
Social Development
Creativity
Personal Growth
Stress Reduction
It’s FUN!

Wedding Dance Workshop Hosted by The Wedding Dance Specialists- Recommended by Washingtonian Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Wedding Dance Workshop (FOOTSTEPS)
Sample a variety of slow dances to see which style you prefer.
Develop your individual composure as a dancer.
Learn the fundamentals and secrets of partner dancing.
Techniques for traveling around the floor.
Overview of choreography concepts
The perfect way to get comfortable dancing around others!
---------------------------------------------------
Wedding Dance Workshop (TWIRLS)
Every woman loves to be twirled and your guests can't get enough of seeing it either! Learn how to twirl, spin, drape, cuddle, unwrap to give your bride the "Cinderella Moment" she deserves in the spotlight and have your guests applauding, cheering, wildly photographing and eager to join you on the dance floor!

Registration Details:

Virginia Wedding Dance Workshops
Date: Sunday March 11, 2012
Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012
Location: Alexandria, VA 22314
Time: 3-6pm
Investment: $60 per person (3 hour workshop) *
$70 per person (3 hour workshop)

Maryland Wedding Dance Workshops
City: Columbia, MD 21026
Date: March 18, 2012
Date: April 15, 2012
Time: 3-6pm
Investment: $60 per person (3 hour workshop) *
$70 per person (3 hour workshop)

*Early Registration Discount: 14 days prior to the workshop

Click HERE to register and for more information about the workshops.

Event Planners Recommend our Wedding Dance Workshops!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Wedding Dance Classes for Splash Couples!

If the thought of dancing with your new wife or husband in front of all your family and friends for your first dance as a couple at your wedding reception terrifies you (like it does me!), we wanted to make sure you knew about a fabulous opportunity. The Wedding Dance Specialists is a local company based here in the DC metropolitan area that has taught thousands of couples how to dance like a pro for their wedding reception. I had the opportunity to sit in on one of their classes and loved watching Deborah Joy in action, giving helpful tips like how to maneuver around the dance floor while wearing a ball gown. And what couple doesn't need a date night before the big day?

For more about The Wedding Dance Specialists and to see their list of upcoming classes, please visit their website by clicking here.

Happy Planning!

Julie Daniel, Splash Consultant
A Splash of Elegance
http://asplashofelegance.blogspot.com/2011/06/wedding-dance-classes-for-splash.html

Celebrity DJ Company Interviews The Wedding Dance Specialists

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:21:00 +0000

Yeah We Think We Can Dance - by Dave Armon of Scratch Weddings (Image courtesy of FOX)

When it comes to the first dance that couples share with one another on their wedding night, the Waltz immediately comes to mind for bridal purists. But two popular TV shows have stoked interest in far more challenging dance floor moves.

ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance?, have led to far more lofty aspirations among couples planning to demonstrate their fancy footwork. The result: a booming business for professional dance instructors who specialize in weddings.

Deborah Joy Block, an industry pioneer whose team trains close to 1,000 engaged couples annually, credits the dancing reality shows for convincing couples that an investment of time and energy can make a wedding reception more memorable. Although The Wedding Dance Specialists’ claim to fame is working a miracle in ONE lesson by providing a basic but complete routine, she cautions against procrastinating.

“Realistically, a lot of couples tend to delay taking lesson until a month or two before the wedding day. And they don’t leave themselves enough time or budget to allow for an elaborate routine and a lot of lessons,” said Block, who operates multiple The Wedding Dance Specialists studios in the Washington, D.C., area.

The musical preferences among couples learning dance from The Wedding Dance Specialists match up closely with Scratch Weddings clients. A recent review of first dance song selections reveals 70% opt for slow songs – mainly Top 40 slow love ballads. Examples range from At Last by Etta James to Sade’s By Your Side, to You Are The Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne.

For the 30% of couples who want their music – and their feet – to move a bit faster, we’ve seen plenty of merengue, salsa and swing, along with memorable rock tracks like Modern English’s Melt With You, and The Zombies’ This Will Be Our Year.

For those who just want to survive their moment in the spotlight regardless of the song’s tempo, the experts offer these words of reassurance.

“If you have a really good instructor who understands the unique needs of engaged couples, you should be able to look natural, elegant and relaxed in a very short period of time and still impress everybody even without an elaborate routine,” Block said, adding, “If a studio tells you need 10 lessons when your goal is just to avoid the ‘high school prom sway’– that’s excessive.”

One real-life example of how a working with a professional can make a novice into a respectable dancer involves Los Angeles Times business reporter Dawn Chmielewski, who prepared in just two weeks for a one-time guest appearance on Dancing With The Stars in 2009. She wrote a page one column about the experience
Granted Chmielewski’s partner was professional dancer Jonathan Roberts, not a groom with two left feet. To compensate for that, we’d recommend an extra week of lessons.

Celebrity DJ company and training academy Scratch Weddings was founded by Grammy Winner Jam Master Jay of Run DMC, trains thousands of DJs nationally and internationally, won numerous wedding industry awards, executed events for top national corporate brands, Their DJ training software Scratch DJ Academy MIX software is sold at Best Buy and the video game DJ Hero 2 features their curriculum. The original post of this article can be found on the Scratch Weddings Blog at http://www.scratchweddings.com/yeah-we-think-we-can-dance/

Here are a few Scratch Weddings DJ's DC bios. They include high-res photos, video interviews and demos, and mixes:

n DJ As-One http://www.scratchweddings.com/dj-biomix.php?r=REoxMDAyMQ==&e=MTMx

n DJ Bounce http://www.scratchweddings.com/dj-biomix.php?r=REoxMDAyMw==&e=MTMx

n DJ Premonition http://www.scratchweddings.com/dj-biomix.php?r=REoxMDAzOA==&e=MTMx

Video Series: How to Prepare for Your First Dance at Your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:15:00 +0000

In this series of our free online instructional videos we will introduce techniques for developing your individual composure as a dancer before teaming up with your partner. Then we will cover the grand entrance, several Fox-trot pattern such as the Forward Basic, Quarter Turn and Under Arm Turn. Then we will cover the grand finale and the exit. It is a lot more comprehensive than the tradition "free trial" lesson because you can observe our teaching style and even get a head start on your private lessons without the sales pitch or the commute! :)

The supplies you are going to need today are your wedding song, your wedding dance shoes, a pair of socks, a long skirt or crinoline and finally you will need a video camera and a tripod. Some safety precautions we recommend are, practicing in your socks first before trying to dance in dance shoes, also keep in mind it's the leader's responsibility to protect the follower on the dance floor from bumping into walls or other people dancing, and finally to avoid getting your toes stepped on carefully observe the techniques we will be presenting in the video.

We founded at the Wedding Dance Specialist while we were preparing for our own wedding and the company has since grown be the largest and most popular of its kind in the nation. We absolutely love getting couples started off on the right foot, and now it's time for some dancing and romancing.

As the national experts for wedding dance instruction MonkeySee.com honored us with an invitation to be their exclusive representatives of the wedding dance industry. See the complimentary instructional videos here...

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/13847-how-to-prepare-for-your-first-dance-at-your-wedding

Wedding Dance Blooper

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:18:00 +0000

Wedding Dance Blooper of the Week: The High School Prom Sway

This is the infamous high school prom sway that everyone (including the guests) dread. For those who want to skip dance lessons and get by with this, try videotaping yourselves and see how long you can stand watching then divide that in half (your audience's attention span). The couple just hangs on each other and sways like zombies for 4 long minutes with all eyes and cameras spotlighting them...

Do you have a picture or video of the "prom sway" to share? Post it here or on our Facebook Fan Page

Wedding Dance Workshop - Twirls

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:18:00 +0000

Every woman loves to be twirled and your guests can't get enough of seeing it either! Learn how to twirl, spin, drape, cuddle, unwrap to give your bride the "Cinderella Moment" she deserves in the spotlght and have your guests applauding, cheering, wildly photographing and eager to join you on the dance floor!

Let's cut to the chase. "H-O-T" is how grooms describe this workshop! "Sensual" is how to the brides describe it so it looks like everyone is in agreement! Spice up your First Dance plus see how you can use all many of your moves during the reception! Learn how to loosen up, shake your hips (and other important parts) & look confident! The temperature is bound to go up with this rendezvous and the two of you! This date night will make you blush, feel intoxicated and high on life as you gaze steamily into your lover's eyes! It's time to get down and dirty, hot and flirty as you prepare to rock the reception and heat up the honeymoon!

This dance style is sure to put a twinkle in your eye, butterflies in your stomach and a skip in your step. Feel like it's a first date all over again! Learn easy moves that look impressive! . Never have to dance by yourself again to fast music either as we will show you how you can demonstrate your versatility by dancing to Latin, world beat, techno mix, Top 40, and rap. No partner switching cuz it's time to get your flirt on with your honey! You will dance out positively glowing

Dance with your partner the whole time - no partner switching

Location: Alexandria, VA
Date: April 16, 2011
Time: 4:30 -7:30 pm
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.

Location:Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 5 - 6:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.

Location: Rockville, MD
Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Time: 4 - 5:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.
RSVP: 703.626.7016 or email: info@theweddingdancespecialists.com

Wedding Dance Workshop (Foot Steps)

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:39:00 +0000

Sample a variety of slow dances perfect for love songs to see which style you prefer.
Develop your individual composure as a dancer by learning foundation techniques.
Learn the fundamentals and secrets of partner dancing.
Techniques for travelling around the floor.
Brief overview of choregraphy concepts
Invite your parents and bridal party so they can prepare for the Honors Dances.
Get a head start on your private lessons or polish and reinforce what you've already learned.
If your wedding isn't for a while and you haven't chosen a special song yet, this is the perfect way to get your feet wet and get comfortable dancing around others!
Meet other engaged couples in the area!
Maximize your investment in private lessons by getting a head start with this comprehensive workshop.
Dance with your partner the whole time - no partner switching
Invite the parents and bridal party so they will feel comfortable in the spotlight too for the Honors Dances! Gift certificates available.

An elegant First Dance requires footwork and arm work so we strongly recommend the Wedding Dance Workshop (Twirls) as a vital compliment to learn easy but dynamic armwork, sexy twirls, head drapes, cuddles and spins to loosen up and spice up your First Dance plus have cool moves you can use all night long during the reception! The First Workshop builds confidence but the second workshop adds the sparkle!

RSVP: info@theweddingdancespecialists.com or call 703.626.7016

Location: Alexandria, VA
Date: April 16, 2011
Time: 4:30 -7:30 pm
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.

Location: Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 5 - 6:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.

2010 Yuletide Ball Championship & Gala

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Date: Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 2, 2011

Where: JW Marriott Hotel in DC

Contact: www.yuletideball.com, 301-972-2416

Bring in the New Year at the 2010 Yuletide Ball Championships and Gala! You can see dancing at its finest by watching the competition or join in on the fun by attending the formal ball! Just don't forget your dancing shoes! Want to keep the party going? Make it a romantic weekend and reserve a room at the hotel! Give us a call to brush up on your floorplay before the gala! 703.626.7016

Your Chance to Dance & Romance!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:04:00 +0000

Annual Viennese Christmas Ball

Date: Friday December 3, 2010

Time: 7:00 PM Champagne & Reception

8:00 PM Grand March & Opening ceremony

Where: Washington Golf & Country Club (“the Club of the Presidents”)

Tickets: $95, inclusive

Attire: Black Tie (white tie optional)

You are invited to the annual Viennese Christmas Ball, presented under the gracious patronage of His Excellency, The Ambassador of Austria, Christian Prosl. Join Wharton Club members and other guests for this elegant event filled with Viennese waltz, quadrilles and ballroom music from around the world!

The evening will begin with champagne and an Austrian desserts buffet, and continue the celebration dancing to our favorite waltzes by Lehar, Waldteufel, Tchaikovsky and Strauss in addition to ballroom music performed by Washington ’s preferred salon orchestra, Con Brio! Join in the famed Radetzky Grand March and dance the Fledermaus Quadrille No. 6 as done at midnight at the grand balls in Vienna.

Opening Ceremonies presented by Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy performing all six Fledermaus Quadrilles. Champagne Reception, sumptuous Austrian desserts buffet and selected wines. Complimentary valet parking. For invitations: Mrs. Robert Bocek, 540-882-4808 or mbocek@verizon.net. Reservations have come in quickly this year, so please do respond as soon as possible. Attendance is limited.

Wedding Dance Workshops for November!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:20:00 +0000

Wedding Dance Workshop
Location: Falls Church, VA
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Time: 1:00 - 2:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount when you pre-register for two workshops or private lessons.

Location: Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Time: 5:00 - 6:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount when you pre-register for two workshops or private lessons.

Sample a variety of slow dances perfect for love songs to see which style you prefer.
Develop your individual composure as a dancer by learning foundation techniques.
Learn the fundamentals and secrets of partner dancing.
Techniques for travelling around the floor.
Brief overview of choregraphy concepts
Invite your parents and bridal party so they can prepare for the Honors Dances.
Get a head start on your private lessons or polish and reinforce what you've already learned.
If your wedding isn't for a while and you haven't chosen a special song yet, this is the perfect way to get your feet wet and get comfortable dancing around others!
Meet other engaged couples in the area!

Maximize your investment in private lessons by getting a head start with this comprehensive workshop.
Dance with your partner the whole time - no partner switching

An elegant First Dance requires footwork and armwork so we strongly recommend the Rock the Reception Workshop to compliment to learn easy but dynamic armwork, sexy twirls, head drapes, cuddles and spins to spice up your First Dance plus have cool moves you can use all night long during the reception!

Rock the Reception Workshop
Location: Falls Church, VA
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Time: 2:30 - 4:00

Location: Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, November 6 , 2010
Time: 6:30 - 8:00

Easy moves that look impressive. Lots of twirls to show her off. Never have to dance by yourself again to fast music! You can slow these moves down and incorporate them into your First Dance too! Learn how to twirl, spin, drape, cuddle, unwrap to give your bride the "Cinderella Moment" she deserves in the spotlght and have your guests applauding, cheering, wildly photographing and sharing their own "Facebook moment!"

Price: $30 per person. (Discounted when you pre-register for two workshops)
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans may qualify for a discount on private lessons!
RSVP: 703.626.7016 or email: info@theweddingdancespecialists.com

Determining How Many Dance Lessons You Need

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:44:00 +0000

Determine what your dancing goals are first. This will affect when you start and how many lessons you choose. Don't worry too much about time constraints when considering quantity because we can offer double sessions. Once you have determined your goals, we can better advise you as to how many lessons we recommend for your individual needs. Consider the following:

Do you want to learn enough just to "survive" the wedding dance?

Do you want to have an interesting variety of moves for the wedding dance?

Are you participating in additional Honors Dances?

Do you plan on fast dancing during the general reception?

Do you want to learn to dance in general at future social events?

Do you want to enjoy a dinner/dancing date night with your fiance(e) during the wedding planning process?

Do you want to share dancing as a hobby even after the wedding?

How to Select a Dance Studio/Instructor

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:34:00 +0000

We have couples who call us from across the country asking on selecting an instructor for the most memorable dance of their lives. This series highlights Here are the top 8 best ways to pick a wedding dance teacher:

1. Know the difference between a generalist and a specialist. In an unregulated industry such as dancing and wedding planning, just because someone calls oneself an expert or specialist doesn't mean they actually are and just because someone is a champion competitor doesn't mean they can teach effectively. There is a huge difference between a a generic studio who slaps up a pink website with stock images of brides and grooms and then advertises on wedding sites that they are wedding dance experts versus a company whose bread and butter is engaged couples, is primarily focused on that clientele and is keenly focused on addressing their needs. It's the difference between a general physician and a cardiac surgeon. One is a generalist the other is a specialist. One way to evaluate a service provider is to see if they are addressing your specific goals. One of the problems with a standard dance studio or instructor is that they view wedding couples as "lost leads." This is because the wedding couple has a short term goal - - the wedding, which does not usually lead them to take very many lessons. Keep these facts in mind when you call or go into a studio and especially if they try to upsell you. Unfortunately your wedding insurance won't cover dance malpractice...So choose carefully!

1) "FREE" lessons: You get what you pay for! Most "free lessons" at dance studios are a means to get you through the door. Much of the lesson is spent convincing you of the benefits of dance as a lifetime hobby and reviewing lengthy and expensive packages for after your wedding. The free lesson’s emphasis is not actually on learning to dance but rather on selling you more lessons and since the first one was "FREE" the rest of the lessons will have to be more expensive or shorter in duration than other studios to cover the initial loss. Plus, you should factor in how much your and your fiance's time is worth. There is nothing that can't be answered over the phone or online that requires a trial visit. Especially if you are looking for a short crash course. It costs a dance studio thousands of dollars to create a dance instructor, promote their business and cover expenses. Therefore, studios do not give away QUALITY private lessons for free. Certainly DO NOT expect to receive a complete routine in one FREE trial lesson. In fact, it is rare to find any studio that will guarantee a complete wedding dance routine in one lesson. We were the first!

2) One dance style versus a variety: The Wedding Dance Specialists leaves the decision of how many dances to learn up to you-the client! Most wedding couples are on a tight schedule and limited budget, they want to focus their attention on feeling comfortable for their first dance in front of their guests. In contrast, general dance studios may discourage students from studying only one dance for various reasons (primarily the bottom line). Complicating a small program (3-5 lessons) with additional dances may result in needing to purchase more lessons and cause a sense of confusion and discomfort on your big day. Feeling comfortable with new dance material generally requires about 5 hours. Depending on your skill and comfort level,it’s O.K. to reevaluate your progress and comfort level after the third or fourth lesson to consider learning the very basics of a second dance but be wary of teachers too insistent on focusing on more than one dance from the onset.

3) Experience of the instructor: Since wedding couples generally purchase small packages (less than 25) many studios have their most inexperienced instructors teach the wedding couples. Our instructors have been specially trained for the unique needs of wedding couples and are all competition or performance level dancers. Dance lessons are as important as any other service you might hire for your wedding. You have every right to ask how long your instructor has been teaching. Would you want to hire a chauffeur who just moved to the area, got his license last week and has never driven the limo before?

4) Flexibility in package options: Be wary of studios who insist you cannot benefit from just one lesson or worse do not allow you to purchase only one lesson! Even one lesson with the right instructor can show remarkable results. Some students time or budget do not allow for more than one lesson. We understand this and are flexible. We GUARANTEE that you can look and feel more elegant on the dance-floor with ONE lesson compared to just trying to “wing it.”. The Wedding Dance Specialists cater to the unique needs of wedding couples. We created this niche in the metro/DC area years ago because we saw a need was not being met. A couple years after our inception, we have been flattered by those attempting to imitate us. Your wedding dance preparation can be the most relaxing and romantic aspect of your wedding planning process IF you have the right instructor! We encourage you to do your research and compare!

5) The Teacher: The personality, demeanor, image, teaching style are all important factors to consider when selecting a dance teacher. Just because they are good dancers does not guarantee that they will be good teachers. The teacher must genuinely enjoy working with beginners and ideally have compassion and understanding of the unique pressures that wedding planning involves. Our staff also stay abreast of the wedding industry by reading our two complimentary online newsletters called "Wedding Dance 411" and "Marriage 411" which provide professional planning advice, resources and we have negotiated exclusive vendor discounts on your behalf! We hope you'll read it and benefit too!

6) Price: The rate an amateur dancer can expect to pay for a professional private lesson can range anywhere between $65 - $140 per lesson depending on where you live, what type of facility is hosting the lessons, the length of the lessons, the quality of the instruction and specific services provided.

7) The Duration of the lesson: Lessons that are lower in price but also shorter in duration often end up costing the exact same or even more than lessons that are higher per lesson but longer in duration. The actual cost per minute of instruction may come out even in the wash and the longer lessons will save you a lot of extra commuting time and avoid you having to reserve extra studio visits in your busy wedding planning calendar. If you calculate in all your wasted time, the shorter and "cheaper" lessons may actually cost you more in the long run.

8.) The studio's/instructor focus: Does the entire studio or independent instructor exclusively focus on engaged couples 99% of the time or 10% of the time? If it is not at least 70% of the time chances are high you business is just "filler income" to them. That means they just throw up an ad during the busy season for weddings and siphon off the business from clients who didn't fully research their options. Also generic studios tend to give their most inexperienced teachers (now dubbed wedding dance specialists) their wedding couples since they consider them "lost leads" anyway. It takes a certain type of teacher who truly has a passion for weddings and for teaching beginners to be a wedding dance specialist. Even prestigious high ranking national champion dance competitors have tried and failed.

Unique Wedding Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:31:00 +0000

I came across a bride's post online asking for unique ideas for her wedding. I suggested a creative First Dance instead of the usual high school prom sway. My husband and I wanted to demonstrate our unity and teamwork and passion for each other by dazzling everyone with our First Dance. We feel the First Dance is the most sentimental and indispensible moment of the reception. With a little preparation it can also be the most memorable moment! So we changed into Tango costumes and performed a sultry Argentine Tango routine with a live guitarist and Julio Iglesias sountrack to "A Media Luz" in Spanish. (the lyrics - about a mysterious and sensual mood) were translated on the back page our ceremony program). The Argentine Tango was my husband's idea and reminiscent of the surprise date he took me on to see amazing Tango show on Broadway in NYC. It made for amazing pictures and really set the tone for the rest of the evening which was "Dancing and Romancing" all night for all of our guests! Looking back, we had lots of other unique touches but THE FIRST DANCE takes the cake!

National Dance Day in Washington DC!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:52:00 +0000

The National Mall
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Nigel Lythgoe, celebrity judge and producer of "So You Think You Can Dance" TV show. As our nation struggles to combat obesity, we invite you to come celebrate popular forms and to promote physical fitness across the United States

For more info:

http://www.examiner.com/x-4819-Cable-TV--Celebrity-Examiner~y2010m7d25-National-Dance-Day-promotes-dancing-for-healthy-exercise

Are Thank You Notes to Vendors Necessary?

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:49:00 +0000

I came across this online discussion topic and as an etiquette consultant, wedding vendor and former bride, it peaked my interest. From my perspective, a vendor's fees and gratuities cover costs but word of mouth keeps vendors in business. Hence, the widespread popularity of social media and review sites like Wedding Wire, Yelp, Project Wedding, etc... That's why referrals and testimonials are the highest compliment. The feedback and endorsement is ultimately more valuable than the one time sale because it represents one's reputation which is priceless. Vendors build up a portfolio and credibility based on a solid history of success and customer service. What's more, most of the vendors that make our weddings magical are small family businesses and they need our support more than ever during the most serious economic downturn since the Great Depression!

Virginia State Ballroom Championships

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:33:00 +0000

July 15-18

Virginia State Ballroom Championships

Hyatt Regency - Reston VA Town Center

Organizers - Rosendo Fumero and Ahmed Hussien

VirginiaState@aol.com http://www.dancesportchampionships.com

Tentative Schedule: http://dcdancenet.com/vastatechampionships/

Saturday Evening Gala Features Professional Championships

For spectator tickets & table reservations only, please contact:

http://dcdancenet.com/vastatechampionships/

OR contact:

Beverly A Donahue, 220 Kentland's Blvd #1, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

(301) 926-9591 bevdonahue@msn.com

Nick Short, Suite 615, 4242 East West Hwy Chevy Chase, MD 20815

(301) 657-9095 short.nick@gmail.com

Checks payable to: Virginia State Dancesport Championships

Ballroom/Latin Dance Camp in July!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:48:00 +0000

July 3-7. 2010

Independence Day Ball and Ballroom/Latin Dance Camp
The Hilton, Rockville, MD Executive Center

Features:

* Over 150 Latin and Standard workshops!

* Dance Instructors are Blackpool, US and World Champions and Finalists (e.g. Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Erin Andrews)

* Private lessons available with ALL of the instructors

* Four workshop CHOICES every hour

* Separate Advanced track for Open and Professional level dancers

* Over 10,000 sq ft of dance floor

* Independence Day Ball social dance party

* Performance class taught by Danny Quilliam with special show

* Practice space open all night long

* Immersion program in Argentine Tango

* ISTD Standard Symposium

Visit www.ChampionshipDanceCamps.com/idb for more information.

The Wedding Dance Specialists teaches all the styles of dance and can prepare you for any occasion so contact us!

International Salsa Congress in DC this weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:36:00 +0000

June 18-21, 2010
6th Annual International Salsa Congress in DC!
Crystal City Hilton
Arlington, VA.

Brings some of the worlds finest Salsa dancers, performers, and instructors into the DC area!
Salsa workshop classes
Salsa Performances!
Salsa Vendors (shows, attire, music)
Salsa parties 11pm to 3AM every night!

42 Workshops + 10 hours of bootcamps + daytime social dancing+ party till 3am+afterparty

Contact us to learn how to thrive or just survive on the dance floor!

Award Winning Engaging Affairs Event Planning Endorses TWDS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:59:00 +0000

Award Winning Event Planners at Engaging Affairs surprised us with this lovely review on their blog. We are so flattered that one of their consultant Sara chose TWDS to prepare her and her husband for the most sacred dance of their lives! Here is their blog review:

There is a lot of debate among my couples about whether or not to take dance lessons for their wedding. I'd say most intend to and more than half actually do it. I think dance lessons are a great idea and can be a fun prewedding activity. That being said, if one person is dead-set against it, then dragging them through the lessons will not be fun. Better to stand and sway than to have one person gritting their teeth through the dance.

But if you are both willing to try, then go for it! Guests love when couples have a fun first dance complete with spins and dips. And I love seeing the excitement on couples' faces when they finish their dance and get wild applause.

We love the folks at The Wedding Dance Specialists because, well, they specialize in teaching couples to do a first dance. Even in one lesson, they will have you dancing more smoothly! Our own Sara and her now husband took lessons through The Wedding Dance Specialists and danced like pros. Sara says that they are living proof that anyone can be taught!

I also love that The Wedding Dance Specialists work with you on selecting a first dance song and have a list of appropriate songs on their website with clips so you can listen to a bit of the song. As the folks on American Idol will tell you, song selection is important. There is nothing more awkward than realizing halfway through a first dance that the lyrics are totally inappropriate.

So check out The Wedding Dance Specialists and get dancing!

Here is a link to the Engaging Affairs Bridal Bubbly Blog which is full of creative ideas and great advice on event planning!

Independence Day Ball Dance Camp

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:57:00 +0000

July 3-7, 2010
Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center
1750 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, MD
301-468-1100

Learn from Blackpool, UK, US and World Champions and Finalists.
Evening fun social activities including 4th of July Fireworks near the White House!
Already confirmed instructors include:
. Maksim Chmerkovskiy
. Glenn Weiss
. Victor Fung & Anastasia Muravyeva
. Rufus Dustin
. Bill Sparks
. Danny Quilliam & Ieva Pauksena

Independence Day Ball dance camp will feature over 150 workshops from World-Class instructors.
Four concurrent workshops will be taught every hour - 2 Latin (Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble) and 2 Standard (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz).
These workshops will focus mainly on technique.
There will also be a performance class focusing on figures and presentation.
Will continue to expand separate Advanced track for Open and Professional level dancers.

Nightly social events: trip to downtown Washington to see Fireworks on the National Mall near the White House, Capitol and Washington Monument.
Friday Night Social Dance.
"Pizza with the Pros" - a Q&A session with our panel of instructors that always ends in laughter and one-of-a-kind demonstrations.

Testimonial: Where else can you have so many group lessons from instructors who are World Champions? In every room, there's a different world champion teaching something. That's pretty exciting.
- Daniel (West Lafayette, Indiana)

Visit www.ChampionshipDanceCamps.com/idb for information.

Feedback from our students Julie and Jason!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wedding Dance Specialists) — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:06:00 +0000

Julie and Jason are a lovely couple and so easy to work with! Julie was so supportive and encouraging of Jason and Jason had such a mellow and sunny disposition. Both had the perfect attitude going into the challenge of learning something new under time pressure constraints. I guess Jason is not flustered by pressure easily as he risks his life on a daily basis as a police officer! Thank you for choosing our services!