It doesn't matter how simple or fancy you choose to be, your first dance will create one of the top 4 strongest, lifelong memories of your special day. We call them "memory milestones". Our decades of experience and thousands of wedding couples taught, has proven it, and WeddingWire just backed us up in a recent post.

...rather than trying to just get THROUGH/Survive the moment." One of our recent grooms said this, and it couldn't be more true. And, it lets you form that special memory that should be there.

It doesn't seem fair, but MOST couples who hug and rock never remember their dance, or their song in the years to come. Don't let this happen to you.

4. You have dressed up everything else about your day, why not your dancing to match?
5. Learning to dance is likely the smallest investment in time and money for your wedding day
6. When the day is done, you will still have each other, your rings, AND your dancing. All else is temporary!
7. Social Media means EVERYTHING you do on the floor, shows up on the web FOREVER!
8. NO ONE has EVER said to us, "We wish we had just hugged and rocked, and saved the money!"

1) Your song

2) Budget

3) Time to your wedding/ available time commitment

4) Your Goals

5) Whether you choose private lessons, group classes, or both

with that in mind...

will save you from "Hugging and Rocking" in as little as 6 private lessons. You can expect an entrance, a basic step, a few simpler moves, and a dip, with a lot of focus on learning to move naturally together. It won't work with every song, so it's a really good idea to check first before choosing this one.

Note: Great for songs that work with basic Rumba, Foxtrot, Merengue, Night Club Two Step and Foxy.

Offers you a more confident, better-prepared first dance, in as little as 10 private lessons. And, you may get to re-use your moves throughout the reception.

Please Note: This is NOT "more fancy". It's the difference between learning a subject and studying for a test, and cramming for the test.

It is also the package you will need to start with, if your your song is a Waltz, Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha, Tango or other more difficult dance.

is necessary when considering a “Surprise Dance” a "Mash Up" or “Dancing with the Stars”-level dance.

You can also take advantage of this package for the deepest discount in ongoing lessons.

This is just a starting point for time and pricing. Actual pricing estimates will be based upon student goals and will vary based upon progress.

Group classes are a great way to start dancing for very little up front cost, especially if you have several months, to a year or more before your wedding, or have NO event deadline. But, be sure to plan for 4 times as many group lessons as private. For instance, a 6 private lesson package = 24 weeks of group classes.

It's VERY common for couples to say, "We just need "the basics". For planning purposes, a basic working knowledge of practical social ballroom dancing (i.e., the 4 most commonly used dances) takes about 6 months to 1 year of regular, weekly dance instruction. This can be achieved in group classes, private lessons or a combination of the two.

A: In a Perfect World... Everyone would do what WE did for OUR wedding… Start a year out, and take weekly lessons right up to the big day.

Like most of our students, WE ALSO had 40+ hour work weeks, AND hours of other activities and commitments. We just made it work because it was important to us.

That said... Whatever commitment you can make, you should plan on 1 hour per week right up to your wedding day. (for example: 10 lessons should start 10 weeks out from your wedding.

However...

1) It will not be "the basics" (see above for more info)

2) We will only be able to get you working on a basic step/foundation step (i.e., box)

3) When we go down this path we are often asked, "but can't we have an entrance, and moves, and a twirl and a dip"? Regrettably, no. That's a 6 hour minimum commitment.

And, anyone reading this with 8 or more weeks before their wedding shouldn't even ask this question.

Are you picking your song first, or your dance first?

Every song has a rhythm that dictates the dance you have to learn. So, if you pick a song you love, and the rhythm is a Tango, you must learn Tango. But, if you pick a dance you really want to learn, then we can always help you find a song you will love, to go with it.

410-231-3262 or email us at dance@beginningballroom.com