Should We Pay for Dance Lessons?
The type of first dance you and your new spouse choose will be based upon your wedding motif and degree of formality. A more formal wedding is best suited by ballroom dances such as tangos, sambas and waltzes. More casual events might see swing dancing, or even a fully choreographed "wedding dances through the decades" sketch. Along with your budget, these factors will determine whether a dance instructor is right for your wedding.The right instructor can typically work with your budget and can help you choose a dance which will wow your guests but still allow you to get lost in each others' eyes.
Finding a Dance Instructor in AK
Locating a dance instructor in Alaska is a difficult task! Begin with a search of your local yellow pages, or search online for '[town name] dance instructor'. You will find the greatest selection around Anchorage and Juneau, so be prepared to travel for your lessons and plan accordingly. Stars Dance Studio of Eagle River provides instruction in a variety of styles, from hip hop to Latin to ballroom and beyond. Rates are quite reasonable, starting at $50/mo. for ballroom dancing.The Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks is a great spot to learn your steps for a Northerly wedding. A non-profit, dedicated volunteer club, they offer lessons and a great motto: "It's more fun when you know how."
In and around Anchorage, The Dancing Bears provide a fun alternative to the more formal elegance of ballroom dancing. With an emphasis on tradition, community, and togetherness, they offer a lively atmosphere in which to learn contra, round, square, and other traditional forms of Alaskan folk dance.
Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia...at Ritmovida, these and other intriguing Latin dances are a possibility. They've been heating up the Juneau scene for nearly a decade and show no signs of slowing down.
Dance Instruction on a Budget
Another good bet is older friends and relatives who may have more experience with formal dances. Local colleges and universities can be a good place to find a dance teacher, as well.DVD-based dance instruction is a possibility, too. While you will not have the benefit of being able to ask questions of your instructor, a mail-order program may cost less and allow you to practice on your own schedule.
You can also look to the Internet for instructional videos and inspiration for just about any sort of dance. YouTube.com: Learn Wedding Dance is a great starting point, as are instructional sites such as ExpertVillage: Wedding Dance.
Remember that your first dance is ultimately about having fun. Leave yourself plenty of time to practice so you can spend the night counting on each other, rather than counting your steps.