to do or not do dance lessons

creamyplaya

so FI and I are thinking about doing dance lessons.  I found a place close to us that has a 5 session package - which is lk $400 which is a little much.. or we can take single 45 min lessons for $84 each.. has anyone taken lessons.. how many do you need?  I am thinking maybe one or two at the most at this rate..TIA

bigwheelin'bunny

We did a package with Authur Murray that was comparable in price. I think we did 5 lessons in the two weeks before the wedding (yeah, we procrastinated and then jammed it in at the end). I'm really glad we did that many because we just felt more comfortable when we were in front of a crowd. Plus, we've used what we learned at other weddings since. That said, in a couple of lessons you could certainly learn enough to feel more comfortable and do much more than sway for your first dance. Your dance probably won't be too elaborate if you do less than 5 lessons, but you can definitely learn something. If you do take one or two lessons, definitely be sure you have your song picked out before your first lesson! HTH!

RiverFarmBride

All we needed with Penny Cupina was one lesson...although I think it was an hour and a half.  She had us doing a choreographed swing dance that we felt confident with by the end of the night.  She also sends you home with the steps written just in case you forget as you practice.    We practiced once a night (sometimes we skipped a night) and had a BLAST the night of the wedding. 

ncozza

My fiance and I took lessons with Penny as well and the one lesson was all we needed.  I'm also taking lessons with my Dad (he has two left feet) and we've taken about 5 lessons, with a different instructor, and he has it down.I've really enjoyed it and def think it's worth doing...I'd say 1 or 2 lessons should be good.

salyse530

Do you have contact info for Penny?  My e-mail is salyse530 at yahoo dot com

mccabes

I, too, am a very satisfied Penny bride. It's hard to believe she can work the magic she does in only one lesson. Well worth the time and money!!

creamyplaya

thanks for all your help.  Unfortunately I contacted Penny and she says shes not planning on doing lessons after September, and shes booked up for the rest of the month.Thanks!

AandB919

FI and I did 3 lessons for an hour each...only $70 an hour... and the couple was AWESOME.  Their names are Art and Bonnie Friedman and they have a dance floor in their home in falls church, va...right outside of Tysons Corner.  I'd highly recommend them... we have a whole choregraphed dance and could barely dance before going to them!  Here's more about them!http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/lss/1364171448.html

SafroniaB

As a former ballroom instructor, I feel that I need to remind everyone to NOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES say you are looking for wedding dance lessons, unless you are looking for someone specifically to choreograph a routine. It was SOP to charge double for "wedding lessons," even if the couple just wanted to feel more comfortable out there by themselves, at more than one studio for which I've worked. It is a truly unfair practice. There are plenty of ballroom studios and swing dance groups in the D.C. area that offer a regular rotation of lessons for perfectly reasonable prices. Start there. Check out http://www.chevychaseballroom.com/ and/or http://www.thejamcellar.com/ Don't tell professional dancers it's for your wedding or when you're getting married or anything until you get to know them a bit. Paying a little extra for a brush up or choreography the last couple months before the wedding is one thing, but don't pay double. If you really can't restrain yourself or you think someone is already screwing you over, I'll teach you the box step in my own living room for less than half of what they were going to charge you, I promise.