How much are wedding dance lessons
2022 Wedding Dance Lessons Cost (with Local Prices) // Lessons.com
Average cost for Wedding Dance Lessons ranges from
$30 - $50 per lesson
The average cost for wedding dance lessons is $30 per hour. Hiring a dance teacher to teach you how to dance, you will likely spend between $30 and $50 on each lesson. The price of wedding dance lessons can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). View our local dance teachers or get free estimates from teachers near you.
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Author: Jen K.
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The champagne has been popped and the celebrations are in full swing. Now, it's time to dance. All eyes are on the bride and groom for their first dance -- it's the most memorable moment of any wedding.
More couples are investing in wedding dance lessons before their big day. Just a few lessons will give them the confidence and skills they need when they take to the dance floor. But how much do wedding dance lessons cost? And how can couples save money?
The average cost for wedding dance lessons is $30 per hour.
Private Lessons vs. Group Lessons
The cost of wedding dance lessons depends on various factors. Typically, group lessons tend to be cheaper than private lessons. Here, couples will learn dance skills with a group of other people, which will bring down costs. These people might be other couples or the bride and groom's friends and family. Private lessons, on the other hand, involve just three people -- the bride, the groom and the dance instructor.
Couples can learn different types of dance when they sign up for dance lessons. Some of the most popular dance styles for weddings include the waltz, slow dance, swing, hip-hop and Latin. These dances always go down well with party guests and get everybody talking.
Why Are Wedding Dance Lessons So Popular?
First wedding dances have become more extravagant in recent years. With the rise of smartphones and digital cameras, many highly choreographed routines have gone viral on websites like YouTube and Facebook, where some videos have generated millions of views.
Many couples want to create unique wedding dances that will impress their guests. These might include surprise flash mob routines, where several guests get involved in a group dance.
Factors That Influence the Cost
Instructors usually charge couples by the hour for dance lessons. However, couples can book a "block" of lessons over several weeks or even months in order to save money. This can provide the bride and groom with a significant saving.
Other factors that influence the price of dance lessons include location -- big cities with lots of dance instructors tend to be cheaper than smaller cities with less competition -- and the instructor's level of experience.
Highly specialized dance instructors are often in demand and charge considerably more.
Weekend dance lessons can also be more expensive than weekday lessons.
Things to consider
It can be difficult to know which dance instructor to choose. However, some teachers provide new customers with a free introductory lesson. This lets couples try out a new style of dance before they sign up for a service.
Couples can also use Lessons.com to find the best dance instructors in their area. They just need to answer a few questions -- their preferred dance style, for example -- and enter their zip code. This will save them a considerable amount of time, and they will be able to find the best dance lesson deals online.
Although the cost of wedding dance lessons depends on various factors, couples can bring down costs by booking group lessons or taking a free introductory lesson. They can also save money by booking ahead instead of leaving dance lessons to the last minute.
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Everything You Need to Know About Booking Pre-Wedding Dance Lessons
Whether you simply want to feel more confident in your coordination as a couple or you want to bust out some serious moves on the dance floor, it’s a good idea to consider dance lessons before your wedding day so you don’t end up with four left feet in your debut as a duo.
Plus, not only are you practicing this special moment for your wedding by taking lessons, but this dance adventure is something you can enjoy throughout your lives together. You’ll always have a little something to show off as a couple at future events, says choreographer and dance instructor Catherine Edwards.
Meet the Expert
Catherine Edwards, choreographer and instructor for Wedding Dance Houston, specializes in Latin and Swing dance. She also has national certification for all ballroom styles.
To make sure you’ve got all the right steps (the first dance is your premiere moment as a married couple, after all!), Edwards shares everything you need to know about booking wedding dance lessons.
Average Cost
You can expect that a professional dance lesson will cost between $50 and $150 an hour and many studios will offer packages that may provide some savings. But, Edwards says to remember that less is sometimes more. If you have a specific budget or timeline you need to adhere to, make sure you communicate that from the start.
“The instructor’s job is to teach you the best they can in the allotted time frame you have given them,” Edwards shares. “You should feel some sort of progression forward after each lesson. If you want your dance completed in five lessons, you should have most of it done in four lessons.”
Dance lessons should be factored into your wedding budget and you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive package. You can always add additional lessons if needed, but you likely can’t get your money back for unused time.
You may also consider a few lessons for the father-daughter and mother-son dances. Some packages will allow you to split up your lessons between all the people who will be participating in the dance segment of your wedding.
When and How to Begin
Keep in mind that depending on your level of experience, you will likely need anywhere between three to nine lessons to feel confident learning the rhythm, timing of the music, the dance steps, how to lead or follow, and more complex moves like spins, dips, and potentially a lift (if you’re feeling daring!).
If your wedding is in three months and you have picked a song that requires an elegant dance such as a waltz, you will want to allow for at least five to seven lessons. Ideally, you would plan for one lesson per week or every other week, so it’s best to start three to five months prior to your wedding date and then give yourselves some buffer time.
Consider factors that can interrupt lessons such as family emergencies, sickness, work trips, and other social engagements.
Cutting it too close to the main event could make lessons stressful instead of being an enjoyable part of the wedding day countdown to look forward to each week.
Choose a Dance Style
While some couples prefer to keep it simple, others may want a medley that moves into fun choreography that highlights their humorous sides. Is your relationship a little more romantic? Are you a couple full of jokes? Consider your personalities and be sure to bring them to the dance floor through your style selection.
If you have a specific song and style you want to be choreographed, you’ll want to look into private lessons, and Edwards says it’s important to confirm that you can have a private space and time when others are not taking lessons so you won’t have distractions.
If you’re simply looking to feel a bit more confident moving in unison on the dance floor, you could consider group lessons with others sharing the same floor space and music.
Pick an Instructor
As with any other wedding vendor, Edwards says you should choose a dance instructor who can share your wedding vision.
Yes, they are the dance professional, but it’s still your wedding!
When seeking out a studio, Edwards urges the importance of reading reviews about the instructor or dance company, and advises talking to friends who took lessons to find out who they used.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, get on the phone with the instructors. Get a feel for how you connect when they are answering questions about your song choice and what dance style you should pick. Questions to ask include:
- What styles of dance are you experienced in?
- Do you teach on the weekends?
- Will you meet us at our venue to practice prior to the wedding?
- Will lessons be private or will we be sharing space with other dancers?
- Are you well-versed in knowing what dance steps to teach to protect areas of past injury?
What to Wear
When getting ready for lessons, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. Formal attire or skirts are not necessary for lessons, however, if your wedding dress is very full you might consider buying a tulle skirt to practice in so you can get used to moving with a lot of volume.
For shoes, opt for flats or running shoes to start. If you’re wearing high heels on your wedding day, you don’t need to wear them at every lesson, but you certainly will want to practice in your day-of shoes once you’ve got the choreography down.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Music
Dance Lesson Tips
Have a Dress Rehearsal
Always get with your dance instructor ahead of lessons about the expectations of your wedding day outfit—even better if you have a photo to show them so they can visualize what type of choreography will work best.
Edwards says most dance steps require you to move your feet in distances of about 12 inches, so a mermaid-style dress could constrict a lot of traveling steps. If your outfit is strapless, lifts and some turns could lead to wardrobe malfunctions. And some fitted sleeves can impact the ability to spin.
You can also mention the style of dance you’re practicing at your dress fittings and perhaps try to practice spinning or swaying in the outfit so the tailor doesn’t let the skirt hang too low or make the ensemble too snug.
Practice Makes Perfect
The dancing shouldn’t stop after you leave the studio. Edwards advises that to get the most out of every lesson you should schedule time with your significant other to practice at least three times in between lessons for 15 to 30 minutes each session.
Edwards wants couples to remember that the partnership between you and your significant other on the dance floor is built more from the practice you commit to each other in between the lessons than the number of lessons you take.
“Pop open some Champagne or have a beer... and make it a fun date night to practice together,” Edwards suggests. “Try your routine to other songs, too, when you're at home and no one is watching!”
Cost of staging wedding dances
Master
Ksenia Kapustina
August 11, 2022 . Lenina, Kropotkinskaya, Smolenskaya, Arbatskaya, Alexander Garden, Rumyantsevo
Slow dance.
1500 ₽
Review 5+
My boyfriend and I chose Xenia to prepare our wedding dance after reading very good reviews about her work, and we made the right choice! For 5 hour meetings, Ksenia prepared for us the coolest dance for almost 3 minutes! I think this is a feat, since we are people who hardly dance, so .
..more
everyone was taught practically from scratch. At the wedding they danced perfectly, the guests rejoiced and applauded for us, in general, everything was at the highest level! I would like to highlight a few moments that I especially remember during rehearsals with Ksenia: 1. Firstly, this is a very human approach and comfortable communication: Ksenia is on the same wavelength with you from the first minute, so you will not feel any discomfort. 2. Secondly, Ksenia has her own collection of wedding dance compositions, which she will be happy to share with you. Thus, you do not have to puzzle over what kind of music you still dance to. 3. Thirdly, the pace of rehearsals is dynamic, and the approach is from demonstration to practice: a couple of words of explanation - a demonstration with one of the partners - and now you are already dancing! 4. Finally, fourthly, Ksenia is ready to go with you to the dress rehearsal right at the place of celebration, so that you dance the day before in your loft / hall / restaurant and feel confident on your wedding day.
In summary: we want to express our deep gratitude to Xenia for her work and help! It was only thanks to her that we were able to prepare a creative number for the wedding in such a short time and make our family and friends happy with it, we recommend it in every possible way!
—
Veronika
Master
Mikhail Andriyanov
August 29, 2022, Zelenograd, Komsomolskaya, Tekstilshchiki, Turgenevskaya, Krasnye Vorota
We already have the music we want to dance to, it remains to invent and learn it.
2000 ₽
Review 5
What could be better in working with Michael? Everything was on top, so I can only wish him the development of his professional activities. I definitely recommend him as a choreographer. We invited Misha to be our wedding dance tutor. It took a little over a month to complete. By ...more
did not regret the choice of a specialist at all.
Finding an individual approach, a convenient time for everyone, coming up with a well-thought-out algorithm for staging a dance, as well as staging it - these are all the competencies of a true professional, which Misha is. In my opinion, the idea of the dance was complicated by my husband and I's lack of choreography skills from the word "absolutely". However, working with Misha, we were able to make a splash on all the guests at our wedding. Returning to the thesis, I confidently recommend Mikhail to everyone who has long dreamed of making their dream dance a reality! Well, we, I think, will still turn to him for regular classes))
—
Lilya
Master
Ruslan Korotkov
July 14, 2022
1000 ₽
Review 5+
Good evening, Ruslan, we are writing belatedly, but with a great desire to thank you for your skill as a teacher.
We are very pleased with the result of our work, and it seems to us that an indicator of achievement is that despite the tight deadlines, the eventful saturation of the wedding day, excitement and ...more
unusual environment we were able to do this dance. The most important thing that we heard from our close spectators is that we were sudden and changed not only externally, but also temperamentally, that there was passion and unity in our dance. This, of course, is your merit, since it was in the practical lessons that you made us understand the essence, meaning and nature of the movements, so it was so interesting for us to master all the movements one by one. You are a sensitive teacher, very open and endearing person. It was a pleasure for us to work with you. The dance became the emotional and organizational stimulus of our wedding and our personal statement - an act of determination. Thank you for being able to support and strengthen our will to win.
—
Elizaveta
Master
Natalya Zakuskina
September 4, 2022, Anniversary
Classical choreography.
, For yourself, keep in shape.
Review 5+
I am an average amateur, my soul and body asked for ballet, because after 30 my back hurts and I lack joy. We do online. I am happy that I found my teacher in classical dance technique! Natalya Sergeevna is the most benevolent choreography teacher, while she ...more
demanding! I like the atmosphere in the classroom, which allows you to concentrate and wisely distribute efforts without overstraining. I also note punctuality, a well-thought-out lesson plan and the ability to correct with a word so that the student hears and feels. After the ballet, I feel lightness, elongation (as if someone from both sides stretched me like an accordion) and satisfaction from the effectively invested resources. Thank you very much, Natalya Sergeevna! I look forward to further long-term cooperation!
-
Alexander
How to put a wedding dance
- +7 812 565-45-32
- St.
Petersburg - Lakes
- Vladimir
- Vladimir
- Parololovo
This article will be useful both for those who already know how to dance a little, and for those who are very enthusiastic and want to try their hand and come up with the dance of their dreams on their own. Your first wedding dance is in your hands!
So, what should be assessed and considered before proceeding with the production?
Size of the dance floor and ceiling height
If your dance floor is small, then when staging the dance, you should avoid moving around the ballroom, choosing more compact dance figures for your composition.
At the same time, if your venue is large, then it is advisable to include several figures in your dance, in which you will actively move around the hall, thus filling the space visually.
Let's take a simple example: a wedding dance set to the tempo of a fast (Viennese) waltz. For the case if you have a small dance floor, you should stop at the “figured waltz” option, performing the figures without advancing, and performing the waltz itself “in a square”.
If you have a large area, I suggest including a big circle waltz.
Ceiling height is important for high supports, the simplest of which is lifting the bride in her arms. Before performing such support, you need to make sure that the height of the ceilings allows it. For example, in some restaurants and on steamboats, it is problematic to perform high lifts.
Viewer's side
All your movements, and especially postures, should be laid out in directions and oriented to the "spectator" side. To begin with, determine the configuration of your dance hall, the place where you will go to dance, the place where the main part of the audience will be concentrated, where the photographer and videographer will stand.
All your poses must be performed facing the audience. To do this, you need to decompose your dance into directions, so that for the performance of certain figures you find yourself facing your audience.
If you have 2 or more spectator sides, then you need to decompose your dance so that you alternately dance to one or the other spectator side. Preference should be given to the side where the photographer and videographer will stand.
Music
You can put the dance to any music you like. It should be borne in mind that it consists of musical phrases, which in turn are divided into measures. The main rules that I recommend to follow in order to achieve the musicality of your performance:
a) As soon as a new musical phrase begins, you must change the movement type. The simplest example: while the singer is singing one phrase, you make one movement, when he starts singing another phrase, you start making another movement. Most often in musical compositions there are verses, choruses and losses.
They usually consist of several musical phrases.
b) Play with musical accents and puffs. Accents (beats in music) are perfectly played with rapid hand movements, a sudden stop in movement, or a sharp change in direction. Puffs are best suited for “smeared” smooth poses.
c) Within each musical phrase there are several measures (most often the time signature for modern compositions is 4/4, for a waltz 3/4). Try to hear them, isolate and decompose your movements into strokes, achieving clarity of execution.
Before decomposing your movements into music, I recommend doing a musical dictation: decomposing your music into phrases, measures, highlighting accents and puffs. And then to impose on them movements.
Duration
Suggested duration of the dance: about 3 minutes including entering the platform and bowing. If your musical composition is longer, then it is worth trimming it using software tools. A longer dance rarely looks good: the audience gets tired and the effect of the first impression is lost.
If you fundamentally do not want to shorten your melody, then I recommend inserting some pantomime scenes into it for contrast (scenes of a meeting, farewell, quarrel, reconciliation). This will advantageously set off the dance part and help make your performance more intense and interesting for the audience.
Physiology of the bride and groom
The appearance of the couple is very important for creating a harmonious dance.
Couples in which both the bride and groom have an ideal athletic physique and an ideal difference in height (10-15 cm) are few. All dance figures will suit these lucky ones.
But if your pair has features, then they must be taken into account and beaten, using 100%!
For example, for couples in which the groom is much taller than the bride (the difference in height is 20 cm or more), elements in which the groom goes down (visually becomes lower) and the bride remains standing will look very good. Also, for such a couple, support with rotation on the hands will look great, in which the bride is taken in her arms facing the groom (see photo above).
If there is a small difference in height between partners in a couple or the bride is taller than the groom, then supports are perfect for you, in which the bride deviates, and the groom remains standing straight. Elements in which the girl sits down on bent knees facing the groom will also look good. Rotation on the hands for such a pair is best done in a position when the girl is picked up sideways.
In couples where the bride has a more dense physique than the groom, we recommend avoiding elements with the bride lifting up on her hands, in this case it is better to focus on the plasticity of the partner’s movements and courageous lines in the partner’s positions.
Video work
If you are staging your own wedding dance, you will most likely be using video footage. It would be a big mistake to simply copy the movements from someone else's dance.
When watching a video, be sure to select those movements that you understand how beautiful and correct to perform and avoid complex and incomprehensible elements.
You should also be aware that what looks easy and beautiful in a professional performance, for beginners, it may not look advantageous at all.
Think about whether the movements you like are right for your couple, whether you perform them well. Take a video of yourself and compare the resulting picture with the original. Leave only those movements that you are good at.
Advice for girls
Girls, think about the features of your wedding dress when staging a dance. If the dress is tight, then you should wear a tight skirt at the rehearsal in order to immediately avoid movements that you basically cannot do in this dress.
If you have a crinoline dress, then wear a crinoline at rehearsal so that you and your fiancé get used to its size. Remember that the crinoline creates some distance between you in the dance, as well as inertia in the rotations.
If you have a train - then you need to either stab it or support it with your hand. Accordingly, during rehearsals, always keep something in the hand that will be occupied by the train.
Often the choice of movements for a wedding dance is largely dictated by the bride's wedding dress!
Time
When working on the wedding dance on your own, you need to start staging about 2 months before the wedding. Chances are you won't have much time right before the wedding, and a good staging is time-consuming (especially if you don't have any dance experience), so it's best to start working on the dance early. With the rehearsal mode 1-2 times a week for one hour, you will have time to put on and learn the dance, film yourself on video and work on your mistakes.
It's a good idea to start with any pair dance (in a regular dance group), this will allow you to master the principles of pair movement and teach you simple movements that you can use in your production.
Staging a wedding dance by yourself is an interesting, creative, but not an easy task. I recommend that after the end of the production, if possible, come to professional teachers for at least one lesson and show them your dance.
