Do I Really Need a Dance Instructor?
While you certainly don't have to learn a dance for your reception, the overall festivity of your day will be enhanced by the right "step plan." The right dance instructor will take your ideas, concerns, degree of formality and level of experience into consideration as you plan your dance. Keep in mind that your dance will be photographed and filmed by your wedding professionals, as well as watched by your friends, family and guests. Even a few simple steps can make your wedding experience and memories that much more special for all involved, and an instructor can make the process easier, educational and enjoyable.If you would rather your first dance include some of your friends or attendants, a dance instructor can also be helpful. Some studios offer brides a "group-private" dance lesson. This will instruct both you and your bridesmaids and groomsmen in a dance designed to celebrate family and togetherness. Your guests will be impressed by the planning, and choreographed dances of this kind look great in pictures and video.
New Jersey's State Dance
For rustic, backyard, or country weddings, New Jersey offers a special dance. In 1983, the State Legislature adopted the Square Dance as the American Folk Dance of New Jersey. Square dancing is a form of folk dance which requires four couples and a bit of cooperation. Bluegrass and country music are the preferred tunes, though a modern bride might turn to "newgrass," a contemporary, faster form of traditional bluegrass. This means you, your new spouse, and couples from your bridal party are in for a swinging, arm-in-arm dance that celebrates the spirit of family, friends and togetherness. It's a perfect set of steps to practice beforehand and break into during the middle of your reception. Your guests might start by scratching their heads, but will end up clapping their hands and enjoying the festive beat!In any case, one of your primary considerations will be choosing the right music for your dance, as well. The right piece will enhance the memorability and emotional intensity of your wedding experience.
Planning Your Wedding Dance
To ensure you're comfortable with your dance when the big day arrives, begin practicing a month or two in advance, depending upon how familiar you are with the steps. You might only need a single lesson for a simple dance you know well, but more complex dances will require more practice. Having a session with an instructor also allows you to become used to people watching you dance in case you are shy, as your friends and family will do during the reception.What Do You Want Your Dance to Be?
The first dance and accompanying music will help to set the mood for the reception, but remember not to be pressured into anything too far outside your comfort zone. You're the boss: make your dance what you want it to be! Will this be a formal gala event, or a night of rockin' tunes and swing dancing? Other fun ideas include:- "Dances By Decade" -- featuring popular dances from the 1950's through the present.
- "Beach Wedding Dances" -- featuring the hula and other traditional shore dances.
- Wedding theme dances -- if you have a princess theme, ballroom dancing will likely be a hit, while a country wedding might feature the two of you in a line dance or square dance with your wedding party.
Find Your NJ Dance Instructor
There is no substitute for word of mouth when it comes to finding the best vendors for any service, dance instruction included. To find a studio with an excellent track record, ask your family, friends, or wedding planner for their suggestions.Whatever the dance steps you opt for, you can find instructors with an online search for [(NJ city, town or zip code) Tango Dance Lessons]. If you're going with another dance style, just substitute that dance in place of 'Tango'.
The local yellow pages are also a great resource. Flip to "Dance Studios" to find local options, and make some calls to see whether they work with wedding couples. To refine your search and avoid errors in communication, set a budget and ask about the studio's rates over the phone. Some instructors are flexible when it comes to pricing, and be sure to ask about any group classes which you could attend at a lower rate while still learning the basic moves of your dance.