Wedding Dance Lesson FAQ
+ How Many Lessons will I need?
This depends on several things:
How much do you want to include in your dance? Do you want a few basic steps and a simple ending or do you want Dancing with the Stars? Or, to learn choreography from an NSYNC or Michael Jackson video? (Yes, we've done that - and we LOVED it.) There is no wrong answer here. We love sweet, simple and the chance to do what we do best. We also love an excuse to watch Justin Timberlake videos or the final scene of Dirty Dancing on repeat to memorize choreography. (Yes, we’ve done that too!)
Some learn faster than others. Some already have basic movement, music knowledge. Movement experience of all kinds will help with dance movement. You’ll be surprised how often we compare Waltz to golf, Swing to basketball, and Merengue to marching band.
Practicing at home will help your lessons move along quickly when you’re in the studio. The less time we need to spend reviewing, the more time we have to move on with new material. Use your dance practices as a wonderful way to wind down a long day of work and wedding planning. Put down the planner, have a glass of wine, clear your living room furniture so you can spend some time in each other’s arms.
+ What Song(s) is the best?
We always suggest picking music that best describes you as a couple! Don’t feel that you must choose a traditional slow song. Sometimes a rock song can describes your love best and there is no reason to shy away from your legitimate music tastes.
Bring some music options with you to your first lesson. If you have several ideas, your instructor will help you decide which is best to dance to. If you are drawing a blank, check our big list of favorites.
Also, don’t feel that you have to stick with one song. We’d be glad to help you choose 2 or even 3 songs to describe your relationship through dance. Start with a sweet Waltz, transform that to a flirty Swing and end with a show stopping Salsa.
If one song tells the story you’d like to tell, but the 7 minute version you love is just too much: no worries! We can help by editing the song to a more comfortable length for you. We suggest around 2.5 - 3.5 minutes for most dances.
+ When Should We Start Taking Lessons?
We always suggest getting a good four to five month head start. Save one or two lessons after your dance is finished for the week or two before your wedding. You’ll need a reminder if you’ve had some time away!
+ What should we bring to our lessons?
Something comfortable to move in. Make sure your shoes stay attached to your foot (no flip flops), and your clothing isn’t too form fitting (no skin tight jeans). You'll eventually want to bring shoes similar to those you'll wear in the wedding especially if large heels are involved. Dancing in heels does take practice! A shoe with a leather or suede bottom is best for sliding on the floor. We have a practice skirt available to experience the feeling of a large, heavy, wedding dress.
+ After our intro lesson, how do I purchase more lessons?
At Sway Dance, it's our mission to provide quality instruction in a comfortable learning environment. We pride ourselves in being great instructors, not pushy salespeople. It is against our policy to require up-front, long-term "contract" payments.
Private lessons are 45 minutes long and can be purchased individually, or in convenient and economical packages.
Contact us for more information.
+ What about father/daughter, mother/son dances?
We'd love to help! When you purchase a package of lessons at Sway, they can be used however you'd like. Save a lesson or two for parent dances to make sure everyone feels comfortable dancing in front of your guests.
Want to get the wedding party involved? We're in! Bring us your ideas, we'll fit everything we can in to your lesson package.