OUR WEDDING DANCE BLOG » Father Daughter Dance

Valentine’s Day Love!

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:31:08 +0000

Valentine's Day Gift Certificates For First Dance Lessons!

Well, it’s almost that time of year again!

Guys may dread it… Gals may love it…

But never-the-less… Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

If you’ve tried all the goodies to eat and cuddle with and wear and feel like maybe taking the plunge to try something new – how about dancing lessons?

Either a gift certificate for some fun times to look forward to or maybe even a lesson the weekend before to get everyone in a happy mood.

If you’re getting married this year Valentine’s Day dancing lessons might be just the ticket for a smoother, more relaxed feeling on the dance floor when that first dance big moment rolls around.

I can help you learn some wonderful lead and follow techniques, some kicky steps and of course you’re welcome to bring in your most romantic songs that say “you two” all over them.

So bring some love into your life with a little dancing this Valentine’s Day and I bet it will last you all year long.

Hugs and hearts to all you soon to be brides and grooms out there,

Jillian

Dance Lessons For Your Wedding Dance!

Visit my Facebook.

Click here for some fun song ideas.

Text me about availability and gift certificates at 949.400.7347

2012!

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:05:59 +0000

Now doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?

Sooo what are your New Year’s resolutions?

… Maybe get married?

… Maybe get some dance lessons?

… Maybe have a fun and romantic first dance?

Thought so

Happy 2012!

Trends for 2012 include keeping that guest list small, going “green” and having the wedding that says “you” all over it…

What better way to say “you” than having a first dance that showcases you and your new spouse dancing to the song that is totally “you”?

Well, if you’ve got that resolution then the time to start is NOW!

A couple of dance lessons getting you both into the lead and follow of it will go a long way toward helping you to feel “oh-so-comfortable” on the dance floor in front of all your nearest and dearest.

Remember first dances can be anything you like them to be… from a friendly twirl and sway combo to a romantic dip and cuddle medley with a sweet kiss here and there.

You can make the dancing go to the song or make the song go to your dancing!

You can showcase the extrovert of the two of you or you can “just dance” and let everyone watch how you smile and have fun with each other.

Whatever you like is whatever we can do.

“Just dance!”

Contact me today to find out more about dance lessons and what you can learn to your special song. I’ve got lots of song suggestions on my website and in my iPod so don’t hesitate to tell me what you’re imagining and we’ll make it happen.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2012!

Fondly, Jillian

Visit my FaceBook for some fun 2012 trends… “nude” shoes and bouquets are in and of course vintage weddings and “good night stations”…

Happy New Year from Jillian!

Dance Gift Certificates Make Fun Stocking Stuffers!

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:07:40 +0000

Our Wedding Dance Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!

Shopping on-line for that special gift?

Look no further…

How about a gift certificate for the 2012 bride and groom on your list? Or 2012 Mom and Dad of the bride or groom on your list!

I bet they’d find a gift certificate for 1, 2, 3 or more dance lessons to make their first dance or dances sparkle a welcome surprise in their stocking on Christmas morning.

Every year I hear the same thing – it’s getting harder and harder to find something fun and practical to give friends and family members at the holidays.

And do they really need another sweater or blender or pair of candlesticks???

Dance lessons are something that couples can do together and get a real kick out of the process.

And I promise to make it fun and entertaining for all involved!

I bet everyone will thank you loads when the big day rolls around and they look comfortable and happy on the dance floor – no high school prom swaying involved.

Click here to visit my gift certificates page or give me a call or text at 949.400.7347 or email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

I can email you a personalized gift certificate ready to print out on your printer today.

And I take cc’s over the phone to make it as easy as possible for you to get those last minute gifts taken care of for 2011.

Happy Holidays to all you 2012 brides and grooms,

Jillian xxoo

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Beyond the Veil

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:06:38 +0000

Bridal Veil Lengths

The wedding veil and… the first dance!

Will you be dancing your first dance with your veil on?

If you answered yes, how long or short is it?

Does it reach to the floor?

Just a “finger tip”?

A “blusher”?

Whatever the veil is let me know about it when I’m learning about your special clothing and shoe issues you have for your first dance.

A long veil has the hidden “opportunity” of getting wound-up around the groom’s arms as he leads the bride in a twirl or cuddle… and we don’t want him to end up trapped in a web of white netting!

Shorter veils don’t get in the way as much however, there is still the chance that the groom may take his lovely bride into the dance frame and trap the veil underneath his right hand on her back.

This would not be optimal since he certainly doesn’t want to pull anything (read that hair and veil attachment combs or pins) that might endanger the bride’s carefully coiffured wedding day hair-do!

Here are a few dos and don’ts for first dances with veils:

Do consider bringing a “practice veil” of the proper length to one of your dance lessons if you think your veil could be an important accessory for your groom to remember;
Do consider removing your veil if your first dance is going to be a frisky swing or salsa (you can always put it right back on afterwards!);
Don’t worry if you are really in love with your veil or it goes super perfectly with your amazing gown – we can always work out the logistics with your groom and you and the veil will be safe from embarrassing windups or hair disasters;
Don’t forget to let me know how you’ll be dressed either before your first lesson, so your groom won’t hear about THE dress, or we can send your groom to get a drink of water and you can show me a picture on your phone and give me all the details.

Want to know more about all the different types of wedding veils?

Visit this informative web page at http://www.wedding-veil.com/how-to-choose-a-veil-old.html on “How To Choose A Perfect Veil”.

Happy almost Halloween & hope you get lots of treats!

xxoo Jillian

Visit my couple’s testimonials page at http://ourweddingdance.com/couples.htm to read wonderful notes from so many of my fantastic brides and grooms. You can always email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com or text or call me at 949.400.7347 about your wedding veil!

If The Wedding Shoe Fits… Should U Wear It?

admin — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:03:40 +0000

Wedding Shoes!

Wedding Shoes

Whew, just the mere mention can send brides into a whir of activity stalking the perfect shoes on the web, in stores and through catalogs.

And I might add wedding shoes have been the source of more than a few interesting moments for the first dance!

What type of shoe is best for your wedding?

Well, only you can answer that one…

Since you know how “tall” you want to be in your dress, standing next to your groom and of course comfort-wise on the big day.

As far as what type of shoe is best for your wedding dance… well I can offer some ideas in that area!

First off, shoes that have a “back” are usually best for the dance.

If your shoe is open-backed you’ll find there is a slight noise of a “clunk” as you step each time which might be heard at least by you and your adoring groom as you dance, especially if your song is a soft one. This extra “note” could throw off your groom who is trying very hard to stay with your music and feel awkward to you as well.

Second, shoes that are of moderate height for your size are usually best.

With shoes 3 1/2 inches or higher, you’re going to be basically “dancing on your toes” and you’ll need to balance all that height that thrusts your body forward with your head weight, keeping your head well-arranged “back” on your spine.

Third, shoes that don’t cramp your feet or produce mind-boggling blisters and bruises.

If you put the shoes on and they are the “shoes of your wedding dreams” and they are killing you, what can you do? Check out shoe inserts to “stick” inside your shoes available at drugstores, PayLess, Nordstroms, beauty supply stores and on line at Foot Petals. You can “decorate” the inside of your shoe straps, the base of the shoe, the rounded space in the toe areas and anywhere in between. “Walk” the shoes around lots on carpet and “dance” them about as well.

Don’t forget there’s always the option to have a couple of pair of wedding shoes!

I’ve had brides choose the perfect shoes for the ceremony (yes they’re high ones!) and then change into the perfect shoes for the reception (lower heels and good for dancing!).

Of course I can teach you how to dance the dance figures and technique in just about any shoes you bring in and yes, I’ve seen some interesting wedding shoes!

One of my brides sold reallllly high heels that could be used by pole dancers! We kept the movement doable in her clear “glass” slippers and she looked fantastic in her “high rises on heels”.

Whatever dream wedding shoes you have you may want to wear them the very last dance lesson to get a feel for their height and movement in your dance.

Especially if you’re doing a swing or an energetic Latin or Country dance, the type of shoes you wear will make a difference in how you grip the floor and execute the figures and technique.

You can always email me a picture of your shoes and I can let you know what my experience has been working with them! After all I’ve taught over six hundred ladies’ feet a year for over ten years and that’s a lot of wedding shoes!

Happy hunting for the perfect shoes – Cinderellas!

xxoo Jillian

Contact me by phone at 949.400.7347 or Email at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

Visit my web sites at:

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

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Wedding Shoes!

Give Dad a Chance on His Dance!

admin — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 03:54:44 +0000

Since Father’s Day is right around the corner, I thought I would talk with you about those wonderfully great, incredibly fun and just down right doable Father Daughter Dances.

Sure – you’ve got to concentrate on your first dance…

But while you’re at it why not throw in a little time with your dad to get him up and going?

Some dads aren’t so sure about that Father Daughter dance in the first place so why not be the first to mention the topic and suggest some real one-on-one time to get him good and ready?

***

Is he a romantic and will shed more than a tear or two on your big day as he gives you away?

Is your dad a real ham – a performer with a capital “P”, ready to do it up big?

Or is he scared to death and would prefer to hire a Hollywood look-alike to dance his part?

***

Whatever your dad is like there is a song and a dance out there that’s just right for your relationship.

I’ve had dads use popular songs, country songs, old favorites from their youth and one dad even used a song his daughter had recorded that she sang for him. (Now that’s just adorable!)

I can keep it simple with some lead and follow techniques and just a few twirls and moves around the dance floor.

Or we can go for it and do a whole routine where dad shines at his best moves; with or without that famous chicken footwork he’s known for!

Whatever your dad wants, and you agree he can have (ha, ha), we’ll do and have a good time in the process.

Don’t be afraid to get out there with your dad…

Give dad a chance on his dance and you may just think that part of your reception video was one of the best!

***

Have fun listening to these Father Daughter Dance song ideas:

Call Jillian at 949.400.7347 or Email today to get a start on that Father Daughter Dance and Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there!!!

Father Daughter Dance!

Hearts & Flowers & Dancing Powers

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:43:51 +0000

They say a picture is worth a thousand words…

And I just couldn’t resist this adorable picture I saw today on Yahoo News of President Obama and First Lady Michelle DANCING!

Michelle’s Valentine’s Day advice, btw, is “Laugh with your partner”. And she attributes much of the success of her 19 year marriage to “a lot of laughing” together.

In this Jan. 20, 2009, file photo President Barack Obama dances with first lady Michelle Obama at the Midwestern Ball on the night of his inauguration in Washington. Here's the first lady's advice for couples this Valentine's Day, Monday Feb. 14: laugh with your partner. She says it's what she and the president do, and it seems to be working. It also helps that her husband is "very romantic". (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

So on this wonderful Valentine’s Day why not take a leaf out of their book and laugh together while getting ready for that first dance?

I offer foxtrot, waltz, swing and tango just to name a few of the fabulous dances you can learn for your wedding!

Why not get Dad out to polish up some of his moves for the Father/Daughter dance or maybe Mom for the Mother/Son dance?

It can’t hurt and I bet it leaves everyone feeling just that much more prepared for the big day!!

Besides, I promise we’ll do some laughing to help ease the stress during the hectic wedding preparatory months.

Give me a call at 949.400.7347 or email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

You can visit my FaceBook page here too and see lots of fun videos of my couples dancing and testimonials and pictures from their awesome day of days!

To read the Yahoo News article I’ve referenced, just click here.

And Happy VDay to all.

xxoo Jillian

2011 Is Here!

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:04:15 +0000

Wow, where did the holidays go?

It seems like it was just yesterday and I was thinking about presents and cookies and getting my December wedding couples happily on their way to wedded bliss and dreamy dances!

2011 is here!

The start of a new decade and we’re experiencing some cold, cold weather.

So, what better time then now to get that blood flowing and get out on the dance floor and do some dancing to get ready for your 2011 wedding.

I’ve got a couple right now getting married January 22nd and they’re well on their way to a fabulous wedding dance of rumba and tango complete with an awesome dress and long stemmed rose!

Another father/daughter dynamic duo just graduated with a beautiful waltz that will have all the ladies in their crowd reaching for their hankies and the gentlemen green with envy .

One of my December couples decided to even pantomime some of their awesome song with romantic gestures to each other as well as some hot swing and foxtrot moves. (Their song was “Lucky” by Jason Mraz.)

Lots of brides… and grooms… are getting into the spirit and contacting me about their Spring and Summer weddings right now.

Don’t leave that first dance until the last minute.

Go ahead and take the plunge and email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com and ask me about your song choice or choices and tell me a little bit about what you’re imagining for your beautiful first dance.

Time flies when you’re planning a wedding and before you know it the big day is just around the corner.

With over ten years of experience in the wedding dance choreography business and over, shall I admit to this??? , thirty years as a dancer – you can bet I’ve got a lot of ideas.

Happy Wedding Planning and can’t wait to email with you and start brainstorming about your first dance!

Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

PS: Ok, I can’t resist – here are some of the goodies I baked over the holiday!

Homemade Gingerbread Houses!

Holiday Gift Giving Solved

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:08:18 +0000

Wow, the holidays really snuck up on me this year!

What with Thanksgiving and baking a sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue for the first time and all this crazy weather… I can scarcely believe tomorrow is December 1st.

Around this time of year my thoughts always turn to holiday gift giving and what to get those friends and relatives who literally have everything they think they need or want.

Well, almost…

What I like to do is give people something they might not give themselves.

Something that can give them joy and fun for more than just a day or so.

Yes, you guessed it – how about some ballroom dancing lessons!

Lots of friends and family members just love to watch Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance but might not ever even dream about actually going into a dance studio and taking some lessons in steps and choreography and lead and follow.

I’ve seen grown adults sashay around in front of me saying,

“And then he took her like this and they dipped and they held this pose, oh dear, I’m not doing it justice, but it was sort of like this and I just loved it and thought it was so pretty and so romantic”.

So bring some of that sparkle this season to someone you know who watches the shows and ohhs and ahhs over the gorgeous costumes and breath-taking choreography!

Give a ballroom dancing gift certificate to your favorite dance enthusiast.

Give a wedding dance gift certificate to your friends who are getting married.

Give dance lessons this year to that couple looking for something fun to do for “date night”!

I offer gift certificates for hour long dance lessons in any denomination you’d like and I take credit cards over the phone and can even arrange everything through email.

You can have an emailed printable gift certificate in minutes to put in someone’s lucky stocking, or give as a hostess gift or even wrap up in a little box with cookies or chocolates.

Your friends and family members can learn lots of new dance moves, polish up old skills and lead and follow with ease and flair.

Call me today at 949.400.7347 or email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com for more information.

Click here for my Ballroom Dancing Gift Certificates page and more information.

Happy almost December, Jillian

Happy Holidays!

“The Best Thing To Hold Onto In Life Is Each Other” – Audrey Hepburn

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:31:14 +0000

Well, I got my daughter graduated from UCLA – go Bruins! and I thought I’d share with you a little shop talk about the frame of the dancing couple since I get a lot of questions about that during my lessons.

When your guests watch your first dance do you think they’re looking at your feet?

Probably not.

The bride’s feet are most likely hidden by her dress and the groom’s feet may possibly be as well.

Your guests’ gazes are on your radiant faces and your dancing frame, that is your arms connected to each other hand to hand on one side and the groom’s right hand upon the back of the bride on the other.

The frame can make or break a dancing couple.

A “noodle” frame can make the dancing couple look soft and squishy and make the lead and follow very difficult to give and take.

A “rigid” frame can make the bride and groom look stiff and awkward and may even actually hurt the bride to take the lead, especially if her dashing groom is a strong armed one!

So what’s the best frame for dancing?

The leader should always frame up or down to the height of the follower.

I like to start my couples off by having the bride put her arms out to her sides, horizontally from her waist so the groom can see what looks good with her shoulders.

Especially if the groom is six feet three and bride is four feet five I want to make sure that their dancing frame is angled to her height not his. After all she would look rather silly dancing her arms way up to him for their first dance!

Having established her correct frame height, then we move on to the bride’s three connection points and I focus on impressing upon them the necessity for an “energy transference” toward each other at all times. No one person should pull away or just plain “not be available” to the other in the frame.

Once we have the frame we move side to side and forward and back in it.

We walk in it.

We sway in it.

We get used to it.

People don’t really dance like this anymore so it can take a little getting used to the frame once you’re in it.

My grooms sometimes say it is hard to keep holding up their arms. This might mean the bride is being “heavy” and using her groom’s arms as an arm “easy chair”.

My brides sometimes say that they feel like they’re “in the harness” of the frame and can’t move easily within it. This might mean that the groom is holding her too stiffly and not letting the lead be communicated easily through his arms and his connection points.

During our first lesson we work hard to alleviate any stress in the dancing couple’s frame and make it a positive part of the dancing. Since the frame connection is the pretty part and, I think, the romantic part it is vitally important that it work for us in the first dance.

Be it a foxtrot frame, a rumba frame or a swing frame – the couple’s dancing frame is an integral part of the mechanics and beauty of their wedding dance.

And as Audrey said, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” – we may as well do it right for the dance!

***

It’s wedding season so email to Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com or call Jillian at 949.400.7347 today and reserve your favorite day and time for lessons now!

Happy almost Summer!

Dance With Jillian