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| | | Couples can take wedding dance classes to prepare for their first dance at a wedding. Other members of the wedding party or family members might also participate for an additional fee. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Private lessons, which allow one-on-one time with the instructor and individualized choreography, are more costly than group lessons. At a dance studio, private lessons range from $55 to $125 per lesson (per couple). Costs vary depending on the location (lessons cost more in major metropolitan areas). A wedding package that assumes no background in dance may include 3-7 lessons. Costs for additional wedding party members vary depending on the dance studio.
- Group classes, which are usually focused more on learning basic dance steps than individualized wedding dance choreography, average from $10 to $30 per class (per couple) at a dance studio. Most studios offer a discount class card that lets you purchase several classes at once at a slightly lower cost. Group classes sometimes focus on one dance style (such as the waltz, cha cha, swing), or on a variety (such as general ballroom).
- Group classes at a local community center (often organized by the city's parks and recreation center) average from $10 to $20 per lesson (per couple).
- Most dance lessons range from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Some dance studios offer wedding dance "crash courses" that can last from 1-4 hours. These workshops average from $80 to $140 per couple.
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| What should be included: | - Basic dance steps are taught in both private and group classes. In a group class, the instructor may also teach a dance choreography. In a private class, the instructor will choreograph a dance to the song you choose.
- The instructor conducting the private lessons should move at a pace that works best for you.
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| Additional costs: | - If desired, ballroom dance shoes can make it easier to dance in than street shoes. Ballroom dance shoes can cost from $60 to more than $100 a pair. For information on buying ballroom dance shoes, visit Gotta Dance. If you do not have ballroom dance shoes, studios can recommend the best type of street shoes to use for their dance floor. It is recommended to practice in the shoes you plan to wear for your first dance.
- Additional practice time costs can vary depending on the studio. Dance studio space can be rented for about $15 to $50 an hour, depending on the size and location. Dance studios often throw weekly dance parties that you can attend for free or for a small fee of up to $12.
- Instructional DVDs can supplement or substitute for dance lessons, and range from $10 to $25 per DVD.
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| Discounts: | - Some studios offer a free first lesson or a discount on a wedding dance lesson package.
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| Shopping for wedding dance classes: | - To find a dance studio in your area, search online at Ballroomdancers.com or Access Dance.
- If shopping for a private lesson, find out if the lesson offered will be held in a private room. Some studios conduct private lessons in a room shared with other dancers or classes.
- Be prepared to choose a song for your first dance or ask the instructor help with picking a song. The instructor should be able to help choose the right song and dance style and should choreograph a routine to it.
- Check the dance instructor's bio, and make sure the instructor specializes in the dance style you are interested in (such as foxtrot, swing, tango, rumba, etc.)
- Let your instructor know what your wedding dress style is -- it may affect the choreography of the dance (for example, if you have a long train or a strapless gown).
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Article updated March 2007 |
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