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Monday, September 8, 2014

Clean and Simple Wedding Dance Choreography! Your Perfect Wedding Dance



Clean and Simple Wedding Dance Choreography

As a dance instructor, I have seen and put together thousands and thousands of dance routines. Sometimes with time on my side and other times, it was expected in 2 lessons prior to the big day! Setting the perfect wedding dance routine can be tricky when either the expectations are unrealistic or when everyone in the lesson (bride, groom and dance instructor) have strong opinions on what the choreography should consist of. 

Now there’s nothing wrong with a simple and elegant sway, dip and spin choreography when all you really have is that 1 lesson. It beats stepping on each other’s toes or trying to awkwardly dip each other at the end of the dance. So if you’re pressured for time, I really do suggest keeping the wedding dance routine as easy as you can get it, and simply enjoy moving together in harmony to your favorite tune.

With time on your hands however, we can definitely add that touch of excitement and the element of surprise to your first dance. Music plays an important factor as it sets the tone and theme for your first dance. Once selected and cut, we begin the process of learning your basics first. Trust me, without a solid knowledge of the basics, nothing fancy or fun will be executed smoothly. 

Over the last 16 years, I’ve been exposed to some incredible, top of the line choreographers and coaches. I’ve been lucky enough to train extensively with them and pick up on key points when setting a perfect dance routine. It is quite unfortunate when I witness first time wedding couples learning to dance and their dance has no meaning, no soul, personality or feeling to it. Spins, dips and turns are entertaining but they aren’t as effective when placed just anywhere in the routine at any given time. Think of your wedding dance as this: You are creating a story with your body and executing the story to your family and friends to music. There has to be a storyline, a reason to dip the girl at this moment, following this pivot, otherwise it becomes an awkward and unnecessary move. 

Create your storyline, your wedding dance instructor will put it in dance moves and voila! You’ve got yourself the perfect, one of a kind wedding dance especially tailored to you and your fiancĂ©!

For more great blogs and information, please visit our website! www.YourPerfectWeddingDance.com
 

Friday, July 4, 2014

Spicing Up the Wedding Dance Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Spicing Up the Wedding Dance
 

So you’ve already made a big effort by signing up for wedding dance lessons rather than resorting to the “bear sway” or “high school sway” dancing on your big day. A big thumbs up to you! Now what can be done to make your special wedding dance stand out and really be a hit at the party? Well first, talk to your wedding dance instructor about ideas or describe the image that you want to create within your wedding dance. Two heads are better than one and guaranteed your wedding dance instructor has some special thoughts as well.

Second, let’s take a look at the music. Are you using a traditional, romantic slow song, or a combination of slow and fast music? Maybe you’re going for a theme song from Greece or incorporating different dance styles that people haven’t seen you dance before?

There are thousands and thousands of amazing and inspiring ideas for incredible wedding dances. Just remember to provide yourself and your significant other enough time to master the routine.

Another fun idea is to change attire. You’re enjoying your wedding day in your stunning dress and slip out a few minutes before the first dance performance, slip into a costume and entertain the audience away! This is quite unexpected and will definitely, 100% keep the attention of your wedding party!

Perfection is never the objective in these situations. Remember to have fun and let yourself be the center of attention, it is your wedding day.

How about getting closer with the family by having them join in on a choreographed routine? A slow dance with your loved one, followed by a musical change that brings both parents onto the dance floor and ending the grand finale with a “united” bow? That would not only be a crowd pleaser but an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind show.

Already, you’ve made a big decision to enhance your wedding dance by taking wedding dance lessons; now let’s have some fun with it!

Call (949) 385-3857 or email us at yblinova@yourperfectweddingdance.com and let’s make an unforgettable

Monday, June 30, 2014

What the Audience Sees Vs. What You Feel Your Perfect Wedding Dance


As a Professional dancer, coach, judge and spectator, I feel I know what goes on inside the head of each character. Having 14+ years of experience behind me, I want to share some remarkable facts.

You know exactly how you performed, whether you and your fiancĂ© stepped all over each other or didn’t miss a beat. You’re well aware, after numerous wedding dance lessons and practice sessions, if you’ve hit every line and dipped on the dot; but remember, no one else knows. The audience has no clue if you’re off beat, or if you had 5 spins choreographed in your routine and you only executed 1. They have no clue if every time your fiancĂ© and partner in crime, took a step with the wrong foot, or if the dance was flawless. Don’t sweat it!

First, remember ladies, no one will see what’s going on with your feet if your dress is long enough to cover them. So it is not of major concern if you both can’t seem to get on the same foot together. As well, if your feet are absolutely killing you and you know that dancing will have to suffer, take off your high pumps and slip on some flip flops. You’ll be able to spin and dance just as well and feel a million times more comfortable doing so.

Second, for both partners, 99.9% of spectator’s (your family and friends), don’t bother looking at the feet. They will be looking at your faces, how you embrace each other and if you’re smiling and having the time of your life. Unless you’re a trained dancer, feet are of no importance when it comes to wedding dancing!

Your only job is to perform and entertain, as well as have fun yourselves! This is your wedding day, this is your wedding dance, enjoy it!

Your Perfect Wedding Dance in Orange County has more blogs and useful information so please feel free to visit us at our website, or drop us a note if you have any questions or concerns! We’ll be more than glad to assist you!

YourPerfectWeddingDance.com

yblinova@yourperfectweddingdance.com

Friday, May 30, 2014

Executing the Dip - Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

Executing the Dip

 

When it comes to embellishing a dance, the dip is one of the top choices by men and women. It helps create a romantic mood as the girl is now positioned in a “vulnerable” poise, being either fully or partially supported by her partner. As well, the dip is also used to symbolize the end of a dance performance, allowing the audience to take pictures and applaud for the dance. Whatever way or whenever you choose to execute the dip, let me help you with some advice.

I find that the utmost common problem for couples is not having any counterbalance. The guy decides to dip the girl, he leans forward with her while pushing her down at the same time, and then the girl is holding on for dear life. Please remember guys, as a dance partner, you lightly support your partner and guide her into moves without being forceful. Using timing and leading her early will make the transition process effortless.

Counterbalance means that as she is dipping down, your upper body is slightly pulling back to counter her weight. The depth of the dip really depends on your legs. How wide is your stance? How low are you flexing into your knees? It is absolutely fine to lower the upper body towards her, but not by jeopardizing your balance at your waist. Imagine if she loses her steadiness and pulls on you to stay up, however because you’re bent at the waist, you have absolutely no stability to now hold the weight of both of you.

Now girls it is also essential to remember that you are to hold your own weight as well. If the dip is not all the way down to the floor, you are responsible for maintaining 90-95% of your weight and balance on your own. Once the dip gets lower and lower, you are less and less responsible for holding yourself. If that is the case, remember to keep your hips up, not sinking down to the ground (thus doubling your weight). The looser your body is, the heavier you feel, so compress those abs and help your partner by stiffening up at the shoulder and back. Try and see for yourself!

As I mentioned earlier, timing really is key. As the leader, when you feel it is the perfect time to lead a dip, learn the signs to give to your partner so she can respond. Ask your wedding dance instructor for tips and tricks on leading. These “hidden” leading tricks are only felt by you and your partner, they are hardly ever seen by the audience. It is your communication between each other without the use of words. Think of it as a language only the two of you can understand!

For any questions, remember to ask your wedding dance instructor and try the dip tonight!

 

For more blogs and useful wedding dance information, please visit us at our website: YourPerfectWeddingDance.com

 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The Introduction - Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

The Introduction

 

Every dance lesson with Your Perfect Wedding Dance begins with learning how to lead and follow, deciding which dance fits best with your choice of music and the structure of the introduction.

The introduction is a very important aspect to your First dance as it is how you choose the mood and setting for yourselves. The way that you envisioned how others will see you, remember you and set you apart from all others.

Your first dance, your wedding dance, your hard work that is finally ready to be showcased for everyone to see and enjoy is a piece of the wedding that will be remembered always. A lot of planning goes into setting the theme of the wedding, the décor, fashion, food that will be served and of course the music.

During the introduction your wedding dance instructor will choreograph a simple yet unique beginning to how you make your entrance. Whether your groom carries you out onto the dance floor, or you both make an entrance from a stair case, the introduction to your wedding dance will be your own.

Once you capture the attention of your wedding party, you must be very clever in keeping it until the end of your song. However, it is difficult to do with so many people enjoying themselves. Thus, my advice? The bigger and grandiose the entrance, the more captivated your wedding party will be and they will continue to watch and wait for the next spectacular move.

The wedding dance introduction can be either for you and your partner, or for the father-daughter, mother-son dance. It can be as grand or as petite as you wish for it to be. Wedding dance couples remember that this entire day is for you, thus you make it as magical as you want. When dancing, you take on a new persona, a character that suits the current situation. Dancing is acting, it is a way to set a scene and act it out as the story needs it to be. There is always story telling in a dance. Your wedding dance instructor will help set and bring your story to life. That is really one of the major keys to keeping that captivating attention from your wedding party!

Wherever you are, Newport Beach, California or anywhere in South Orange County, your story can take place anywhere you’d wish. I once attended a gorgeous “Winter Wonderland” wedding where every table had a great big tree with fake snow and icicles hanging down. The entire ballroom was transformed!

As for the introduction of the bride and groom, they entered on a sled! It was absolutely brilliant and even today, I can’t imagine I’ll ever forget.

Take the time to invest into a beautifully choreographed wedding dance and tell your story to your friends and family through dance!

 

 

Friday, May 16, 2014

The Perfect Mother-Son Dance - Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

The Perfect Mother-Son Dance

 

You see the bride and groom’s First Dance, possibly afterwards the Father-Daughter dance, but quite often, everything else gets hazy from there on. Whether people start coming onto the floor to join in on the party or things don’t go exactly according to schedule, and suddenly it’s your best bud giving the speech of a lifetime about some memorable moments.

The Mother-Son dance is a very difficult music selection to make, there are not as many songs in regard to this event or the groom feels it’s enough that he has to already learn a new dance for the first dance thus most often, grooms choose to skip it altogether. But just remember, there are ways to overcome having to learn 2-3 different dances. You can always combine wedding dance lessons into packages where the bride and groom learn at the same time as their parents are learning as well. No one will be aware that you are executing the same dance steps and besides, the music will be different! There are many tricks to wedding dancing; as your wedding dance instructor for ways to help the learning process!

As far as music is concerned, you might have just had a tear-jerker for your Father-Daughter dance and having another touching song right afterwards might change the atmosphere of the festivities. I suggest a more traditional song but it does not necessarily have to mean that it is one that is over-played.

A great way to have an impressive and distinctive Mother-Son dance at your wedding is to combine your favorite songs into one. It is becoming more prominent with the wedding dance couples in Orange County. Start out with a simple sway to a beautiful tune, have everyone applaud and take photos, then spin her out and start dancing to Gangnam style or Elvis Presley! Whatever you desire! The beauty of this is that it will never get old, it will never cease to amaze literally everyone around you that your mom just “swept some dirt off her shoulder”.

You can find some great dance videos online with some fantastic wedding dance and parent-bride/groom dances that are quite exceptional and very entertaining. Now, convincing your mom to do more than sway and dip will be a different story. Convince her by choosing her favorites songs both from before and now, or let her make the choices! Same goes for the groom. A combination of music, maybe a support group or simply a pretty please will usually do the trick.

Enjoy this moment! Remember the journey is most treasured and memorable, so enjoy it and savor each and every step of your wedding planning and wedding dancing. So go ahead and dance your heart out all night long! It will be a treasure of a lifetime!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Choosing the Right Wedding Dance Instructor -Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

 

Choosing the Right Wedding Dance Instructor

 

Whatever your reason may be to start learning how to dance, choosing the right dance instructor can make a world of difference in your overall experience, dance growth and satisfaction of dance training. The environment in which you are comfortable in will allow your mind and body to work together in harmony and encourage you to reach your utmost dance potential.

Your already are aware that this is for a wedding dance lesson and you are searching for a wedding dance instructor. Now, define your dance goals. Do you want an easy, laid back, slightly choreographed dance, without putting too much time or effort into it, yet still having enough training that saves you from looking like you’re recreating your dance from prom? Or are you striving to dance like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire with flair and class that will wow your audience and have everyone talking for the next couple generations? Maybe something in between?

Your perfect wedding coach/instructor is a guide to all your wedding dance needs. Someone with experience will benefit you as they can tell you real stories from real weddings that you might want to consider. Money can pay for expensive lessons, but it can never buy experience. Look into how long your dance instructor has been in the business, are their reviews positive, and what are their qualifications?

Teacher biography’s commonly showcase proficiency in ranking on a professional level, choreography and years of teaching. Information about dance specialty and experience is a must in a dancer’s resume. Depending on what type of dance you are striving to achieve, that piece of information can make or break the deal.

Now evaluate your dance advancement. It is challenging to make an accurate assumption of your wedding dance instructor on your first lesson as the first couple of dance classes are about getting to know one another.  Once you are comfortable, determine if the dance style and teaching method meet your pace for your dance goals and needs. There is more than one great wedding dance instructor in your area, you always have options.

Last, but not least, look at the cost of dance instruction. Depending on the years of training, level of expertise, and quality of ranking in the professional field, you can decide if the lessons are worth the extra $10. Beware, a cheaper lesson does not always give you the best bargain for your dollar. Weigh your pros and cons with choosing that specific instructor. This is a once in a lifetime wedding, if you want it to be done right, and especially if you want to learn a life-long skill, don’t let a couple dollars difference hinder you from obtaining that goal. Happy Dancing!

 

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

What about wedding dance footwear? -Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

 

What about wedding dance footwear?

 

When planning a wedding, there are numerous things to focus on; the big details concerning the venue, the food and drinks, the dress, the first dance ….family.  So what about footwear? Both men and women end up with throbbing red, puffy feet at the end of the wedding, a price you pay for those first few hours to show off those beautiful, shiny shoes. Details are important, but on your actual wedding day, you will be so caught up in the reception, photographs, receiving hugs and kisses, more photographs, arriving at your venue, your first dance, speeches, etc… that towards the end, those beautiful shiny shoes usually get tossed to the side so you can dance comfortably the rest of the night.

Weddings are long, most brides don’t realize that they will be on their feet for anywhere between 8 to 12 hours, and in some cases even more. A comfortable pair of shoes that don’t compromise your style will be more appreciated than you might think. You want to be stylish and chic, not limping or having to sit out most of the dances to avoid any pressure on your feet.

It is proving to be a new trend, especially in Orange County, for brides to wear shoes ranging from Tom’s to cowboy boots! Hey, it will definitely make you stand out and best part of all, you can choose to either hide your comfy shoes or display them. The choices are endless! It’s your wedding day, make comfort a priority just like you did with everything else!

Another thing to consider is heel height. When standing in a flat or a low heel shoe, your weight distributes more towards the heels thus putting your weight mostly towards the back. Once you increase the heel height, you will notice that the upper body is predominantly more forward. This can offset your balance and posture. Take this into consideration when practicing your first dance at your wedding dance lessons. Ask your wedding dance instructor if you can bring in your shoes to practice in. You don’t have to wear your actual wedding shoes the entire dance lesson, but it’s a good idea to practice in your wedding shoes every couple dances within the lesson to be able to adjust to the weight distribution.

If you’re noticing that high heels make it impossible for you to execute any turns, quick changes of direction, consider changing into a lower heel shoe for your wedding dance. Make your first dance much more comfortable and flawless, as well more enjoyable for yourself, and focus on presentation rather than on keeping yourself from tripping over.

Wedding dance or not, the only thing that should be aching at the end of your perfect night are your cheeks from smiling so much.

 

 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Be Clever with Your Wedding Dance Song Choice -Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Be Clever with Your Wedding Dance Song Choice
 

It is only fit that your perfect wedding dance is danced to your perfect wedding song! It is essential to help put the pieces together between the music and movement. Your wedding song will dictate the elegance, mood and rhythm of your dance so it’s essential to share track ideas with your wedding dance instructor. If you’re stuck between a couple songs, or you can’t come up with one song that you are happy with, your wedding dance coach will walk you through those steps. How to choose a song, give you ideas and samples to listen to, guide you towards the song or songs that will best suit your personality and wedding theme. Your first dance does not have to be the traditional slow dance; it does not even have to be just one dance! There have been times when a couple combines 4-5 completely different tracks into one exciting customized track. Their dance is unique, trendy, expressive, engaging and just all-around fun! Your options are endless, and all you have to do is ask if you’re unsure. Remember, this is a profession that the wedding dance instructor selected to master, they are full of ideas that can blow your mind!
 

Another important aspect to remember is practicing to a recorded version of the song versus dancing to a live band version on your wedding day. Planning to have a band at your reception? Take into consideration that live versions of your first dance song will sound different to the recorded version you’ve been practicing to. Consider practicing to the actual recording that will be played on your wedding day.  Ask your band to send a recording of the live track to practice to; that shouldn’t be an issue but it will definitely put you more at ease knowing that there will be no extra surprises.

The more prepared you are, the smoother and more tranquil the journey leading up to your wedding day will be. Your wedding dance done your way!

 

Fearing the Wedding Dance Lesson -Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

Fearing the Wedding Dance Lesson
 

It is completely normal and expected for the groom to feel anxious, overwhelmed and fearful of dancing in general, let alone the most important dance of his life. Here are some tips and suggestions to help your significant other through this time!!

It is your wedding day, you’ve planned for it, obsessed over it, haven’t slept over it, and slightly over paid for it. However, it is going to be the most wonderful event that the two of you are a part of and as they say, Enjoy the Journey!

Try and see his side of the story. What fears or anxiety does the groom have, why is there so much push back about attending dance lessons and spending yet more money. Whether he can’t hear the beat, he feels he has 2 left feet, he’s replaying a Dancing with the Stars episode in his head, whatever it may be, it’s a logical and very real stress factor for the groom.

Wedding dance lessons are everything but the opposite of fear. It’s important to give praise to help boost confidence, encourage the smallest victories (stepping to the beat of the music or leading the lady into the proper dip).

 In all the years I’ve been teaching, 100% of the time, once the groom has attended the first wedding dance lesson, all fear and doubt has left his mind. Guys usually end up loving to dance! They realize that for those 45 minutes, they are in charge! At Your Perfect Wedding Dance, the goal is to actually teach you both how to dance, not simply put together a routine and hope that the groom won’t blank or freeze on the dance floor. A wedding dance instructor is a specialist at coming up with fun dance moves that you will be able to execute over and over again years after you’ve learned them.

Think of this as a long-term investment. A skill that is life-long, a bonding of two people, a unique talent that not many other people possess (ask around!). Wedding dancing is your time to shine, remember to help each other out, provide reassurance and inspire each other. Your Perfect Wedding Dance is your answer.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

The Importance of Your Perfect Wedding Dance


Your Perfect Wedding Dance

The Importance of the First Dance

 

Next to seeing you kiss at the altar, the first dance is one of your most romantic events.  Your big moment alone on the dance floor.

Typically, the bride and the groom are the only people on the dance floor as they take center stage. Some of the popular dance styles for the first dance are the waltz, foxtrot and rumba, but the couple can get creative with a non-traditional mix of dances or choose a romantic slow dance.

Everyone is watching as you move across the dance floor and as if you’ve been dancing together for years, execute flawlessly your dance routine.  As the music starts, there is a moment to cherish…you look into each other’s eyes and in unison move around the dance floor.  Your family and friends are amazed at the poise and flair of your first dance together. This is the highlight of the evening!

 Wedding dance is one of the most important dances of your life; done in front of family and friends, it shows how two people move together as one. A perfect symbol of how you will start out your lives together. It is also a fun, healthy and unique skill to have and share together.

Imagine going to an event with friends, and when a song comes on that you love, the two of you are doing more than simply swaying side to side. Instead you cover the floor with your moves; dipping, spinning, taking everyone by surprise, and most of all, having lots of fun!

Dance should be the experience of harmony, splendor and grace. To make it stress-free and fun, it requires learning and practicing your moves. Don’t let the word practice fool you though…time will fly by without you even noticing!

Your wedding dance specialist will take care of all the details. Whether you picked your music or not, wedding dance instructors have plenty of music to choose from, or can help you make a decision. Dance lessons for weddings are very popular, especially in the southern orange county-Newport beach area. Our wedding dance studios have the floor, music system, mirrors to help you learn. As well, our wedding dance lessons come with a videotaped portion of your lesson, and any accessories you may wish to use. Your Perfect Wedding Dance is dedicated to helping you create the wedding dance of your life that will pay back with years on end!