First dance...

[Sharonie]

So I am debating on teaching Paul some basic moves (probably waltz, easier) to prepare for our first dance, or go with him to take some dance lessons for couples. Does anyone have any suggestions? If we decide to do dance lessons, where should we go and how much would it cost?

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharonie So I am debating on teaching Paul some basic moves (probably waltz, easier) to prepare for our first dance, or go with him to take some dance lessons for couples. Does anyone have any suggestions? If we decide to do dance lessons, where should we go and how much would it cost?

We went to a fred astair studio. The intro package was $11. That was 3x20 minute lessons covering a bunch of dances. It is really just to get you in the door to sell you more. After that we bought 3x40 minute sessions & only worked on east coast swing. I think we paid $60 per lesson.

These were private lessons. We took group lessons before, but didn't like them. I think a couple private lessons to get you started really helps.

Do you already know how to waltz and you just want him to learn? It would probably help to have a female instructor so he can dance with her to learn. We both danced with the instructor & then we'd dance together. It was much better than the group lessons where we danced together & were not sure if we were doing it right. It can get pretty frustrating when you are first learning.

[Sharonie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgan Do you already know how to waltz and you just want him to learn? It would probably help to have a female instructor so he can dance with her to learn. We both danced with the instructor & then we'd dance together. It was much better than the group lessons where we danced together & were not sure if we were doing it right. It can get pretty frustrating when you are first learning.

I know how to waltz. If I am just following, I am pretty good at it. I can show him how to lead on the basic moves, beyond that it will have to take time for me to figure out. That's why I am thinking we can benefit from going to professional instructors but don't want to pay a fortune either. How many lessons do you think will be sufficient?

[rodent]

I think 2 private lessons & a decent amount of practice on your own would be enough. They often have wedding packages where they make a wedding dance for you & you learn it. I don't know how much the cost. There were couples doing that when we took our lessons.

 

 

I am assuming you are talking about ballroom waltzing. But, I see you are from Texas. Are you talking about a county waltz? That's much easier to learn. When I took dance lessons in texas the waltz was really different. I miss county dancing! Mike doesn't two-step or waltz & he hates country music, so I never get to dance like that anymore. That's why we started swing lessons. We just need to go out and dance more. We were pretty good for a while & then we completely stopped dancing. I hope we haven't forgotten!!!

[Sharonie]

When I first took the ballroom dancing class, it was in college in Ohio so it was the ballroom waltz. Since I moved down to Texas, I did Salsa, Merengue, and Chacha the most but I think it might be a little bit too hip and not romantic enough for the first dance. I actually really want to start w/ something like Waltz then break into a surprise dance but that will be a big challenge for Paul since he doesn't really dance.

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharonie When I first took the ballroom dancing class, it was in college in Ohio so it was the ballroom waltz. Since I moved down to Texas, I did Salsa, Merengue, and Chacha the most but I think it might be a little bit too hip and not romantic enough for the first dance. I actually really want to start w/ something like Waltz then break into a surprise dance but that will be a big challenge for Paul since he doesn't really dance.

I think waltz is a great choice. it's easier to learn, but looks great & is so romantic.

I agree, a surprise dance for a nondancer would be hard. He might be so nervous.

[coming together]

My FI's brother and his wife had private lessons, but they were in LA (and she used to be a dancer), so I am sure they were not cheap. Around here you can get 6 sessions for about $75 a couple, and I think it covers the basics. I don't know what we are going to do. We were going to get dance lessons, but I don't think they would do much for my FI, lol. Good luck on your findings.

[1elephant]

funny, my parents are paying for us to have dance lessons - it's out birthday presents...i was looking into a fred astair studio, as well as a studio right down the street. both have introductory lessons, but i have no clue how much they $$ per session. they also have wedding packages - any clue if they'll teach us to dance to OUR song if we bring it w/ us?

[Sharonie]

I think I'll teach him the moves I know then check out the lessons (at least get the free first one). Wedding package sounds interesting too...