Posts Tagged ‘wedding dance’

Last night, my husband and I had dinner with my parents and handful of other local ballroom dancers.  My mother was telling the story of how she grew-up ballroom dancing and taught my sister and myself how to ballroom dance in the kitchen and living room while we were growing up.  I piped up that I had written a blog about learning to dance from Mom.  Others at the table chimed in that they enjoyed reading my blogs.  Then my dad looked at me and asked, “Have you blogged about me yet?”  Okay Dad, this one is about you.

Dads and Dancing - Do they mix?

Growing up, I only saw my father exhibit two styles of dancing, slow dancing and the Twist.  Both were usually done in the kitchen, while cooking with music on.  Mom was always there for the slow dance, but the Twist could happen at any time with anyone.  Up until 2007, that was the only dancing I ever saw come out of him. 

In 2007 some big changes happened.  My parents, my husband and I all moved to Asheville, NC.  For the first time since I moved away for college, I was living within a handful of miles from my parents.  Jason and I were also planning our wedding back in Minnesota.  A wedding full of dancing, thrown by swing and ballroom dancers and attended by lots and lots of swing and ballroom dancing friends and family.  Did I mention that there was going to be Swing and Ballroom dancing at the wedding?

The entire wedding reception was focused on dancing.  We rented Cinema Ballroom in Saint Paul to host the big reception swing dance party.  We served finger foods and mini desserts rather than a sit down dinner because we wanted more time for dancing.  But there was one little detail about the reception that was making me nervous… The Father/Daughter Dance.

As a rule, my dad did not dance outside of that kitchen.  I was even told by my mom that they almost didn’t go to Prom because my father disliked dancing that much.  What was I going to do?  I started pleading with my dad, “Just learn 3 little Waltz patterns.  That’s all I ask.  I just want to dance a simple Waltz with you at the wedding.”

Dance Lessons with Dad

Dad ordered an instructional ballroom dance DVD off the Internet and started working through it with Mom.  Mom was happy to be dancing again.  But the big test was learning how to dance with me.  After a few private dance lessons, I was very impressed with Dad and his new found dancing ability.  And the funny thing was, he was starting to enjoy dancing.  He enjoyed it so much, he learned more than just the 3 little Waltz patterns that I wanted him to learn.  That night, at the wedding reception dance, he and I waltzed all the way around the big floor.  It was just as I had dreamed.  He smiled his proud smile at me.  He turned me every time the song lyrics said “turn around”.  My mom cried a little.  It was perfect.  He was dancing with me and we were loving it.

Dancing for life

After the wedding, my parents started taking beginner group ballroom dance lessons.  And Dad loved it.  He took my mom out dancing.  They went to weekend ballroom dances.  Dad was officially wearing Mom out on the dance floor. 

“You have created a monster,” my mother told me one day.  “And the monster’s favorite dance is Cha Cha!”

Though things have slowed down for them, I think they are still dancing and enjoying each other.  Most of their dancing is in the kitchen and living room now… but it has evolved to higher level than the Twist.  By learning to dance, Dad made two women, who love him, very happy.  And he did not know he was going to like dancing so much!!!

Can your dad learn to dance?

You bet he can!!!  He can learn to dance with you, at home by dancing along with an instructional dance DVD.  ZeDiamond Dance Method Learn the East Coast Swing can be your first dance lesson with Dad, right in the comfort of your own home. 

Do you live in the Asheville, NC area?  You, Dad and the entire wedding party can take dance lessons together at our Wedding Inspired Dance Lessons.  Come join us and other brides and grooms as we prepare you to dance beautifully on your wedding night, your honeymoon and the rest of your lives.

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

The Wedding Dance  – the next big question.

After popping “THE” question, you get a simple answer. “YES!”  Once wedding planning starts, there are lots of questions.  Many of them answered by the bride and her tribe of helpful workers.  But the big question I see come between couples is the question of the First Wedding Dance.

What song?  What dance? I don’t like that one. Pick another one. Really? Try again.

Truth be told, my husband and I were still working out what song and dance were going to be “our dance” at the wedding reception.  Our DJ told us we had a few minutes to figure it out, or he was going to pick the song we would dance to.   Trust me, you don’t want the DJ to pick “your song” for you.  We settled on (I talked Jason into it),  “I Wanna Be With You” by Mandy Moore and danced a lovely lead and follow Nightclub Two-Step.

Women dream about the wedding dance…
Men dream about getting out of the wedding dance and heading to the bar…

 Okay men.  I know that many of you are intimidated by the thought of dancing with your new bride with everyone watching you.  But the best defense is a good offense.  So let’s get out there and get prepared so this 3 minute dance doesn’t scare the pants off you and drive you to drink.  Believe me, she does not want her wedding dance memory to be of her holding your drunk body upright for the entire song.

What dance do we do to “Our Song”?

Once you have picked your song – narrowing down the dance becomes easy.  Most music only gives you a few choices of dances that match it.  Here is quick guide to help you.

Nightclub Merengue/4 Count Hustle

This covers a wide range of pop and rock songs.  In a pinch, it can stand in for contemporary Cha cha.  With it’s easy footwork and timing, it is quick to learn and very handy when dancing places other than the wedding reception.  Examples of popular songs are:
“Love is in the Air” – H. Vanda & G. Young
“First Kiss” – International Five
“I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby” – Barry White

East Coast Swing/Single Time Swing

This also covers a wide range of pop and rock songs not to mention more traditional swing and blues music.  Swing dancing is very popular and you may find yourself enjoying these dances late into the night and for the rest of your lives together.  Examples of popular songs are:
“The Way You Make Me Feel” – Michael Jackson
“Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows
“Your Body is a Wonderland” – John Mayer

Foxtrot

This old standard will have you floating across the dance floor.  Young and old enjoy a good Foxtrot.  This style of music is making a comeback  and has become very popular again.  Examples of great old and new Foxtrots are:
“The Best is Yet to Come” – Michael Buble’
“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
“It Had to be You” – Harry Connick, Jr.

Nightclub Two-Step

This dance was developed by Buddy and Linda Schwimmer (yes, they are Benji’s and Lacey’s parents) to go with all those great ballads and love songs you hear on the radio.  As a beginner, you will dance this as a stationary dance – think of it as fancy version of Prom Dancing.  With a little time and practice, you can make this dance move around the room, gliding the entire time.  Nightclub Two-Steps you may know:
“From This Moment” – Shania Twain
“By Your Side” – Sade
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Still lost?

You can learn to dance with us in the Asheville NC, area.  A new class is starting soon!!!  The focus of this class it to help people prepare for dancing at spring and summer weddings.  Come join us and learn the 4 dances mentioned above.

Wedding Dance Lessons – at The Farm

Or you can learn to swing dance in the comfort of your own home.  Try our Learn the East Coast Swing DVD and you will be ready to hit the dance floor in a short period of time!

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

Your Wedding Dance – Your First Dance as Husband and Wife

Many brides have been dreaming about their weddings since they were little girls.  In that dream, their wedding dance was the culmination of elegance and grace.  Their grooms sweep them off their feet as they romantically twirl across the dance floor.  Family and friends watch with excitement as the loving couple floats around the room.  This dream is why so many brides are eager to take dance lessons to prepare for the wedding dance. 

However, many grooms have not been dreaming about weddings since childhood.  Plus, learning how to dance can be intimidating for some men.  Most grooms acknowledge the need to dance at a wedding, but are reluctant to take dance lessons. 

Wedding Dance Lessons for you and your bridal party

The Farm – A Gathering Place, in Candler NC, is offering dance lessons just for brides, grooms, the bridal parties and special guests. 

We know the importance of the bride and groom’s first “signature” dance.  Your wedding dance shows your unique style and partnership to family and friends.  Your first dance as husband and wife is your first chance to showcase your love and the union of your marriage with all eyes on you.

Wedding Dance Lessons are available for all brides and grooms, members of the bridal party, family members and special guests who want to make a good impression and be able to dance all evening in the great celebration of the wedding.  Not, only will all the participants be planning their weddings, so lots to share with each other, but this is no ordinary dance class!

Each dance lesson is two hours long which includes a practice session.  Each night, the dance lesson will feature a new dance – Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, East Coast Swing or Foxtrot.

Your First Wedding Dance Instructors

Your Wedding Dance Instructors have created a revolutionary new way to learn dance called ZeDiamond Dance Method.  It is great for those of you who think you can’t dance, have no rhythm, are just plain scared, and those who love to dance! 

Deborah-Marie Diamond and Amy Barnes will be your instructors.  They will teach you the dances you need to know for your wedding night, reception, honeymoon and the rest of your life.  After completing the 4 dance lessons, you will  be able to dance to great old love songs and ballads, up tempo pop and rock music, and R& B with style!  

You can check Deborah-Marie Diamond and Amy Barnes out at ZeDiamond Dance Method’s Website

Brides, please forward this to everyone in your wedding party.  They will want to join you in the fun!

Each dance lesson is two hours long which includes a practice session.  Each night, the dance lesson will feature a new dance – Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, East Coast Swing or Foxtrot. Dance lessons are Monday evenings 6:30 – 8:30 April 5, 12, 19, and 26.  Admittance is $20.00 per person per two hour class.   A life time investment!  Call Bev Gottfried at 828-667-0666 to register now!

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

Have you always wanted to learn how to ballroom or swing dance?

• When was the last time it was just you, your dance partner and the music… and everything else just melted away?
• Have you dreamed about floating across the dance floor?
• Imagine the thrill of being asked to dance and knowing that you can!

ZeDiamond Dance Method is the beginning of your life with dance.

Start dancing now with ZeDiamond Dance Method Learn the East Coast Swing 2 DVD set.  Watch the video clip below and see how easy it is to learn to dance at home.

You can learn to swing dance in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Learning to dance can be very scary for some people.  The fear of the unknown, failure or looking silly keeps many would be dancers off the dance floor and firmly seated on the couch.  But what if there was a way to learn to swing or ballroom dance in the comfort and privacy of your own living room or kitchen?

Deborah-Marie Diamond and Zeki Maviyildiz will guide you, step by step, in learning how to East Coast Swing.  They use the ZeDiamond Dance Method to help you quickly and easily learn how to swing dance. 

After dancing along with your ZeDiamond Dance Method DVD’s, you will have learned how to Single Swing and East Coast Swing Dance, plus you will have a number of swing dance moves, to keep you and your partner dancing all night long. 

Want to learn to ballroom and swing dance in a special wedding dance class?

Starting in April, Deborah-Marie Diamond and Amy Barnes will be teaching Beginner Ballroom Dance Classes in Asheville, NC area.  Classes will be taught using ZeDiamond Dance Method.

The focus of the April dance workshop series is to teach 4 beginner ballroom dances that are appropriate for wedding receptions and parties. 

This dance workshop series is perfect for eager brides, reluctant grooms, excited bridal party members and family members who want to dance the night way at the wedding reception. 

Wedding Dance Workshop Series

Classes are held at The Farm Party Barn
215 Justice Ridge Rd
Candler, NC 28715
828-667-0666
Bev at 828-667-0666 for more information and to register for dance lessons.

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method