Wedding Dance Jitters?
Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings
Candice & Adrian
Photograph courtesy of Todd Rafalovich
Do we have time?
ONE SESSION – I guarantee it. Whether it’s six months or six hours before your celebration, with my tips & tricks and common sense approach, the bear hug will remain a memory from high school. A sense of elegance and style all your own will live on and the timeless photo opportunities will be captured for you to enjoy for years to come.
Can we afford this?
Some folks instinctively know it’s a necessity. A luxury you can afford – you’ll be dancing with the one you love. After your wedding celebration - the cake is eaten, flowers are wilted, photos are tucked away in albums, the wedding dress is packed away – but you will still be dancing. It’s an investment for your lifetime together.
Why is it important to learn to dance?
You will become aware of opportunities to dance to the music as you journey through life now that you have my simple road map. Muscle memory will easily recall the variations we explore and those that you create on the spot. You’ll be amazed how your perception of music changes and instead of sitting and listening, you will get up and dance - together.
How are you different from traditional dance studios?
As an independent dance coach/choreographer, it’s my pleasure and passion to share the gift of dance. My style is social dancing in a Closed Position and my goal for you and yours is to feel confident and have fun in lieu of memorizing steps and to to look like you had any formal training.
BUT. . . when they had their private lesson of 50 minutes, the studio also had other couples sharing the studio space.
Are you sure you can teach us to dance in just ONE SESSION?
How will we remember after only one lesson?
If you are new to social dancing, once you experience this common sense approach to leading and following, you'll wonder why you didn't step out sooner. Once you establish your muscle's memory with our simple tips and tricks, your subconscious will start blending the music with your body movements. Then a whole new vista is opened for you to enjoy the beauty and pleasure of following or leading your partner across the floor. It only takes 24 hours for the instruction to get from your brain to your feet and you’ll recall what you’ve learned.
After you’ve danced out the door, you will receive through email your personal Glinka Guide featuring a recap of our session and a series of digital photos to enhance the muscle’s memory. Your personalized Guide will help you recall the moves so you can refer to notes and recall what you experienced.
What is the value of our investment?
I’ll teach you simple moves, giving you the confidence and desire to get out of your chair, onto the dance floor and into the embrace of your partner. I don’t clock the hour, so once we get together, we will accomplish a beginning, middle and end of a dance. Usually 2 hours. You’ll be provided with a personalized Glinka Guide to recap your lesson and to help you retain the personal instruction AND you will receive digital photos taken during our session. I find it a helpful tool to kick start muscle your muscle memory to recall our time together. The before and after snaps provide an opportunity for your photographer to snap that perfect shot on your wedding day.
Will you teach us ballroom dancing?
Well, yes AND no! Ballroom dancing, as traditionally taught, follows a conventional, well-defined pattern of steps. It tends to be more rigid and choreographed. Proficiency and comfort takes time, money and dedication, and traditional studio lessons can be very discouraging. I teach simple variations of social interpretations of popular ballroom dances.
Is social partner dancing the same as ballroom dancing?
Competition or extensive training is not the goal. I offer a less formalized and choreographed approach to partner dancing than offered in most dance instruction environments. My method is designed for the beginner and focuses less on footwork and emphasizes proper upper body posture and elementary steps; the Closed Position hold; and simple variations that can be easily led and comfortably followed. Proficiency and comfort are quickly achieved.
Has “Dancing with the Stars” increased your business?
Yes and no. Popular television shows have brought couple dances back into today’s modern culture. What’s important is that you are the stars of your wedding day and you will certainly feel like one on the dance floor and for years to come!
Dancing will add spice, vitality and romance to your wedding day and your marriage. Specializing in reluctant partners.
Questions Cynthia will ask you when you call about scheduling your session
Are you planning on a DJ or band for your reception?
If your DJ spins your first dance tune, you’ll be familiar from beginning to end. Most bands are happy to accompany you, but do keep in mind that if you’ve been practicing to a Sinatra tune, it won’t sound like Sinatra! Either way, you’ll be able to dance to a slow, medium or fast tempo rhythm after our session.
First Dance Tunes Available
I’ve collected an eclectic list of tunes available upon request. I suggest an upbeat tempo for your first dance; you’ll have more fun on the dance floor as your guests cheer you on.
Dance Orchestra and Band Referrals Available (no charge for referrals)
I can guide you to the finest orchestras and dance bands the Bay Area has to offer. If you are looking for music in the style of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s or 50’s ideal for couples’ dancing - versus rock ‘n roll freestyling – we can put you in touch with the finest musicians around. I guarantee you’ll be able to dance to any tune and tempo - and you’ll enjoy spinning & dipping on the dance floor.