Ten Tips to Overcome Dance Floor Dread In part one of this article, I discussed the common problem I encounter with my students (mainly grooms) but sometimes brides expressing serious reservations about dancing, learning to dance and dancing in the spotlight. I explain that dancing has historically been a primal expression of joy and a way for a community to come together in celebration. Although most people end up having fun after they feel empowered I cannot guarantee a good time because 1. I can’t control anyone’s emotions and 2. it’s above my pay grade. However, it IS my job to make you lo ..read more

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 1000 engaged couples annually, cred ..read more

WEDDING DAY / DANCE TIMELINE This is just one suggested version of many possible outlines. You might compare a few versions to come up with your preferred timeline. This version has new and modern twists and intentionally strays from the very traditional type of timeline to maximize the energy of the event rather than creating lulls. Wedding Day Timeline Set up – 1 hour Wedding Party Arrival – 1 or 2 hours prior Guest Arrival – up to 30 min prior Ceremony – 10min – 1 hour Guest recessional – 15 minutes Formal pictures – 1 hour Cocktail Hour overlaps with Pictures – 1 hour *Optional Warm up f ..read more

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 ..read more

Would you like to learn some new dance steps for your wedding?  The Wedding Dance Specialists can help you learn the most popular ballroom dance styles. We offer wedding dance lessons that are fast-paced and a lot of fun.   Samba The Samba originates from Brazil. It was and is danced during the street festivals and celebrations such as Carnival in Rio.. The music has a joyful contagious rhythm which makes even non dancers want to get up and dance. It was first introduced in the U.S. in a Broadway play called “Street Carnival” in the late twenties. The festive style and mood of the da ..read more

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 ge ..read more

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 stimulation and development Creativity Personal Growth Stress Reduct ..read more

Whether you are a spiritual, religious and conservative or a secular hippy bride and groom or somewhere in between – you all share one thing in common – your joy for dance. The only difference is when and how you do it. You’ve made a big investment in many aspects of the wedding day that will only last one day but will live on in your memories and album– with one exception – your dance lessons. The cake will be eaten, the flowers will die, the gown will be preserved or sold but learning to dance is a small investment in your actual relationship which lives on and evolves. “Partner” dancin ..read more

A sad thing happened. It has only happened once before in my 23 year career as a wedding dance instructor. I had a groom slip through the cracks. He came in for one visit and then his fiance contacted me to say he was too nervous about the idea of dancing to go forward with the lessons. I was proud of him for being open enough to come to the studio because stepping through the door is often the hardest part for men. But his self doubt overpowered his trust in me as a professional. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Unfortunately, I don’t think he realizes that the awkward high school prom s ..read more

I really enjoyed working with Deborah from The Wedding Dance Specialists … and I thought it would be fun to do an interview with her to show you why I think she’s just so talented and so much fun to hang out with… It’s such a blessing when you find a vendor during your planning that you really enjoy, so you gotta flaunt it when you do! ? Relentless Bride: How did you get into the wedding industry? Deborah: My husband and I started The Wedding Dance Specialists when we got engaged. While preparing for our First Dance, we sampled many teachers and studios and realized with our dance, business an ..read more