Wedding Dance Lessons

The number of lessons you'll need depends on a variety of factors, such as whether you’re dancing to one song, a medley of two songs or a mashup of multiple songs, how simple or fancy you want your dance to be, if you have previous dance experience, your learning speed, how much you’re able to practice at home between lessons, etc.

If I know your details, I can give you an estimate of how many lessons you’ll likely need before your first lesson. At the end of your first lesson, after we’ve both had a chance to see how things go, I will be able to confirm or adjust the number of lessons I recommended.

In general, couples with little to no dance experience who want a fun but relatively simple dance (a few twirls and a dip) to a single song, need 5 lessons (Basic Package) to feel happy with and prepared for their first dance.

How soon you start largely depends on how ambitious your dance is. In general, I recommend starting:

• 1-2 months before for a very basic dance (a couple easy twirls & a dip) –Basic Package, 3 lessons
• 2-3 months before for a fun yet relatively simple dance (more variety of moves) – Standard Package, 5 lessons
• 3-4 months ahead for a more elaborate dance (more complex, wow moves) – between 5-10 lessons
• 4-5+ months before for a fully choreographed or multiple song dance (step-by-step routine and/or mash-up) – Deluxe Package, 10 lessons

Allowing enough time allows you to be relaxed, learn better and have more fun! Plus you'll have more time to practice at home so you'll look great and feel confident on your big day!

Taking dance lessons once a week is ideal, especially in the beginning. This is the best way to retain information and get maximum value from your lessons.

However, once you’ve learned most of your dance, we may choose to do lessons less frequently (every 2-3 weeks). This gives you time to practice at home and to make sure your last lesson is as close to your wedding as possible.

I teach ~20 partner dances, including Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, Salsa, Rumba, Disco, Blues and Country. Unless you have a particular dance in mind, I’ll suggest what best fits your song and vision. 

Often, this means drawing inspiration from a variety of styles to create a customized dance. I’ll always give you a variety of move options from which to choose!

Whether you want something elegant and formal or fun and funky, I’ve got you covered!

Yes, I teach dips—both dips perfect for ending your dance, as well as ones to do in the middle of your dance.

I also teach a couple beginner lifts that are easy to execute with a wedding dress on! I do not teach advanced lifts.

Yes! We can do a step-by-step routine (full choreography) or just a few sequences timed to the highlight moments of your song (partial choreography).

Many couples want their dance to be totally natural (so they don’t look like they took lessons). No problem! 

I’ll show you how to move together smoothly and keep rhythm with the music and each other. I’ll teach you natural-looking twirls and spins, and how to lead and follow them, so you can communicate clearly and be relaxed during your first dance.

Absolutely! I love helping couples put together a dance that starts with one song then breaks into another—or is a mash up of several songs. Tell me what you’re thinking and we’ll make it happen.

For your first lesson, feel free to just wear comfortable shoes. If possible, choose comfortable shoes with smooth rather than grippy soles.

On lessons closer to your wedding, I recommend you both bring your wedding shoes for a trial dance run. Of course, you're welcome to wear your wedding shoes sooner if you'd like more practice in them.

I teach private lesson Monday thru Thursday nights (last lesson start time is 9pm) and Sundays 10am-2pm.

During wedding season (approx April-September), I often am booked 4-weeks out. So it's best to contact me at least 1 month before you want to start your lessons!

50-minutes.

A private studio near Oakland's Diamond District (appox map). The studio is convenient for those coming from Oakland, Emeryville, Alameda and San Leandro, as well as Berkeley and Albany.

Single lesson: $100

5-lesson package: $399 (save $101)

10-lesson package: $740 (save $260)

Note: Total package amount is due on first lesson unless a payment plan has been arranged.

No, you don’t need to commit to a package of lessons ahead of time. You are welcome to come take an initial lesson.

At the end of the initial lesson, after we’ve both had a chance to see how things go, I’ll make a recommendation on how many lessons you’ll likely need. You can then decide which package to buy (you may include this initial lesson as the first in the package), or alternatively, to do single lessons, paying as you go.

I require 24-hours notice for all cancellations. Lessons cancelled with less that 24-hours notice will be charged in full. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

You may freely cancel or reschedule lessons with more than 24-hours notice. If possible, if you need to reschedule, please give me as many days’ notice as you can. This courtesy allows me to offer the lesson time to another couple—and means you’ll have the greatest choice of times when scheduling your own lessons.

No, purchased dance lessons are non-refundable. If you are unable to take all your lessons before your wedding, you may take them after. Lessons must be used within 1 year of purchase date.