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

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!

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

My Cockatiel - Tweet!

If your wedding is coming up in October, November or December now is the time to consider your first dance!

Will it be slow and romantic or upbeat and swingy?  Will your dance have  lots of movement  to show off a big dance floor or are you working with a small square or runway floor and need something compact?

Don’t have a song yet?

Well, let me tell you what some of my couples are using right now so you can get those creative juices flowing!

Click on the (Lyrics) link to see the wonderful words to these great first dance songs and see if they don’t just describe your relationship perfectly!

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First Dance Songs!

“Wrapped Up In You” by Garth Brooks (Lyrics)

“Someone Like You” by Van Morrison (Lyrics)

“Yellow” by Coldplay (Lyrics)

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson (Lyrics)

“When The Stars Go Blue” by Tim McGraw (Lyrics)

“I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You” by Savage Garden (Lyrics)

“These Are The Days” by Van Morrison (Lyrics)

“L-O-V-E” by Frank Sinatra (Lyrics)

“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Michael Buble (Lyrics)

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Whatever song you choose you’ll want to get started soon on learning how to lead (gentlemen) and how to follow (ladies).

I write everything down at the end of each lesson so you have something to practice with at home and you’re always welcome to bring your phone or camera and we can video some steps too!

Remember the further away from the big day you start the more the dancing steps and technique have a chance to get into your muscle memory.

After all don’t you want to be gazing into each others eyes rather than trying to remember what comes next in your dance

For more song suggestions visit my Music page at:

http://www.OurWeddingDance.com/wedding-music.htm

And… you can always text me at 949.400.7347 and ask me what type of dance would go well with the song or songs you’re thinking of using!

Happy September,

Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

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EMAIL:  Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

“I’m so excited… and I just can’t hide it”!

OurWeddingDance.com

Well, it took some time but all good things do – don’t they?

There are lots of links to some great first dance and father daughter dance song selections as well as some even more wonderful (if that could be possible!) testimonials from my  students.

There is so much to see and experience on the site and I absolutely love the new top page full of beauty and color.

After all isn’t that what it’s all about?

Beauty in your dance for all to see your love for each other…

Beauty in your dancing with each other so you can feel fun and romantic…

And beauty in your marriage for the rest of your wonderful lives together…

With 69 pages on the site I think there is literally something for everyone here!

So browse a bit and let me know what you think…

And don’t forget to email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com with all your questions about first dances and first dance songs.  I can’t wait to help you dance your reception away to your special first dance song and all your music!

Happy Labor Day,

Jillian (Click here, here and here for some sample first dances!)

Phuong & Richard

Visit the Our Wedding Dance page on Music at:

http://ourweddingdance.com/wedding-music.htm

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Visit the Our Wedding Dance page on Testimonials at:

http://ourweddingdance.com/jillians-testimonials.htm

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Visit the Our Wedding Dance page on my Couples at:

http://ourweddingdance.com/couples.htm

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Dance Lessons taught at Avant Garde Ballroom  at 4220 Scott Place Newport Beach, CA  92660.  Contact Jillian by phone or text 24/7 at 949.400.7347.

And your wedding is coming up in the middle of it all…

So what can you do to make you and your guests more comfortable?

Water, Water, Everywhere

By now everyone knows to have plenty of liquids (and read that water!) on hand for you and your guests.

“De-bug”

Bug off is a good idea too if you think you’ll be in an area where you’ve got critters that may want to help you celebrate.

Favors

And of course the weather is a good excuse to offer your guests some nice favors that can help them beat the heat.

Fans for your fans!

Summer wedding dance?

Well, summer time might not be the optimal time for that energetic Viennese waltz you were thinking about.

Or that faster than lightning Salsa dance that caught your attention on YouTube!

And it all depends on your song…

Summer first dances are fun to do to beachy, reggae tunes or slow, sexy rumbas that ooze across the floor or lazy foxtrots and waltzes.

After all who wants to break a three towel sweat (“glow” for us ladies) that makes makeup run like a marathoner and tests even the best deodorants???

Here are two cool tunes for Summer sashays on the wedding dance floor that you haven’t heard a hundred times:

“Slow Dance Slow” by This Blue Heaven (click for YouTube)

Maybe it all ends
Right here tonight
And all that’s left will be
Me and the starlight
Maybe I’ll float away from here
Without you dear
Hold me anyway

Slow, dance slow with me
Heart to heartbeat
Slow, dance slow
One more time

Sing me a lullaby
In my ear now
The moon is black tonight
And my head is full
Make it all fade away
Like only you can do
Say it’ll be okay

Slow, dance slow with me
Heart to heartbeat
Slow, dance slow
One more time

My hand in yours
Your cheek on mine
Time’s restless sand can fall
Around us tonight

Slow, dance slow with me
Heart to heartbeat
Slow, dance slow
One more time
Slow, dance slow with me
Heart to heartbeat
Slow, dance slow
One more time

I dreamed that we were in a ballroom
Dressed up tie and gown
Tethered and winding, spinning and shining
Like angels floating down

We danced the night away
We danced the night away
We danced the night away
We danced the night away

We danced all time away
We danced all time away
We danced all time away
We danced all time away

Slow, dance slow
One more time
Slow, dance slow with me
Heart to heartbeat

I Wanna Love You Forever by Jessica Simpson (click for YouTube)

You set my soul at ease
Chased darkness out of view
Left your desperate spell on me
Say you feel it too
I know you do
I’ve got so much more to give
This can’t die, I yearn to live
Pour yourself all over me
And I’ll cherish every drop here on my knees

[CHORUS]
I wanna love you forever
And this is all I’m asking of you
10,000 lifetimes together
Is that so much for you to do?
Cause from the moment that I saw your face
And felt the fire in your sweet embrace
I swear I knew.
I’m gonna love you forever

My mind fails to understand
What my heart tells me to do
And I’d give up all I have just to be with you
and that would do
I’ve always been taught to win
And I never thought I’d fall
Be at the mercy of a man
I’ve never been
Now I only want to be right where you are.

[CHORUS]

In my life I’ve learned that heaven never waits no
Lets take this now before it’s gone like yesterday
Cause when I’m with you there’s nowhere else
That I would ever wanna be no
I’m breathing for the next second I can feel you
Loving me … I’m gonna love

[CHORUS]

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And what to play to get those guests out there dancing and having fun?

Well, turn on the misters and how about this summer sensation mix…

Best Dance Songs – Music 2011 (Summer 2011) Top 5 Hits Mix by George Deejay

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You can check out some interesting articles on beating the heat at Summer weddings here and here.

And call me at 949.400.7347 or email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com to talk about your wedding dance ideas!

Stay cool…

xxoo Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

Love Is In The Air

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?

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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?

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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!

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Have fun listening to these Father Daughter Dance song ideas:

1. All My Days, Alexi Murdoch
2. Father & Daughter, Paul Simon
3. Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
4. Unforgettable, Natalie Cole
5. The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
6. My Girl, The Temptations
7. Daughter, Loudon Wainwright III
8. Through The Years, Kenny Rogers
9. You Got A Friend, James Taylor
10. You Are So Beautiful, Joe Cocker
11. Gracie, Ben Folds
12. Kind & Generous, Natalie Merchant
13. When You Come Back Down, Nickel Creek
14. All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
15. God Only Knows, The Beach Boys
16. Take Good Care Of My Baby, Bobby Vee
17. You Got It, Ray Orbison
18. I Loved Her First, Heartland
19. My Little Girl, Tim McGraw
20. That’s How Strong My Love Is, Otis Redding

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!

“Flames” by Vast

Click here for the YouTube.

And lyrics are below:

Close your eyes
Let me touch you now
Let me give you something that is real
Close the door
Leave your fears behind
Let me give you what you’re giving me
You are the only thing
That makes me want to live at all
When I am with you
There’s no reason to pretend that
When I am with you
I feel flames again
Just put me inside you
I would never ever leave
Just put me inside you
I would never ever leave you

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Ok, so who says there aren’t some new and now 1st dance songs out there to choose from??

Happy searching for your perfect song and call me when you’re ready to dance!

Remember even one lesson is better than none at all. 

Happy almost June!

Jillian

949 400 7347

OurWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

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Email Jillian at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

Jillian at the Wild Animal Park!

And I can tell you, as a ballroom dance instructor, I’ve gotten my share of emails full of  DWTS YouTubes and their fantastic choreography and wow moves.

My couples have been wanting to dance like DWTS for years now and every time I listen to them and watch what they like, I “make it happen” for them in just the best and most doable way.

After all if it’s your wedding day you get exactly what you want, right?

However, nothing prepared me for how exciting it would be to see DWTS in person.

And, I had no idea I’d ever even see one…  Suffice it to say it took a pretty special occasion to get me there.

My mom turned 75 this year, and I don’t know about you – but I think that’s pretty darn special.

About four months before the big day my sis and I decided to put our heads together and come up with something fabulous to do to celebrate the big day.

Right away we both thought and said… Dancing With The Stars live taping!

My mom had watched every single episode of all 12 DWTS seasons with so much excitement and dedication we just knew that was the very thing she’d love to do on her 75th!

But… how to get her there (she’s still walking but with assistance) and most importantly how to get her in!

A wonderful dancer friend of mine, quite connected in Hollywood, came through with friends of friends that thought we might just have a chance to get my mom her dream of a lifetime.

I didn’t dare tell her until it was a “sure thing” but I was bursting at the seams to let her know about my big surprise!

And then two days before the May 9th Monday night taping, word came through.

“My mom was ‘In’ and we were going!!!”

I called her and told her, first saying, “Mom are you sitting down?”.

She couldn’t believe it and said immediately, “What am are going to wear?”

Ha, ha – some girly things never change, do they?

We jetted up there in my sis’s big, comfy truck and had lunch at Johnny Rockets right round the corner from the studios and then were able to park right in the studio lot (another wonderful help from my friend) and drop my mom off at the entrance for a minimum of walking time.

My mom quickly made friends with everyone waiting and regaled them all with her favorites and the dancers of her choice to win!

Then we escorted her carefully ahead of the big group for the floor seats and as we rounded the corner she saw a gold chair with a red cushion and a full-sized piece of white paper with her name neatly typed in large letters on it.

What a thrill!  I saw an even bigger smile spread across her face!

The rest is a whir of color, costumes, music, fantastic dancing, celebrities and judges but the whole evening will not be soon forgotten by any of us.

And best of all my mom said afterwards, holding her Dancing With The Stars mug close to her heart, that this was the best birthday gift ever!

Now that’s just perfect in my book. 

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Now’s the time to make all your dancing dreams come true with first dance lessons for that big day coming up this Summer and Fall.

Call Jillian at 949 400 7347 and start learning your special dance today.

Or email me with your dream dance thoughts at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

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Ok, I couldn’t resist – here I am in front of the studios in my 5″ platform shoes bought to sparkle at DWTS!

DWTS Fun!

Read on for some new ideas:

1)  “Reasons to Love You” by Meiko

Super romantic and a great sound!

Click on the URL below to hear Meiko’s haunting and romantic voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0mc1rQG7Uc

Lyrics:

“Give me a reason to fall in love
Take my hand and let’s dance
Give me a reason to make me smile
Cause I think I forgot how

I wanna fall asleep with you tonight
I wanna know that I am safe when you hold me tight
I wanna feel like I wanna feel forever
Girls need attention, and boys need us
So let’s make everybody glad
That they have each other in each others arms
Oh let’s make everybody glad

I want you

I wanna dream away with you tonight
We can go anywhere you would like
I wanna feel how I wanna feel forever

(Instrumental)

I want you”

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2) “All About Lovin’ You” by Bon Jovi

One word – “love”!

Click on the URL below for a great song and video with a wonderful ending!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb1oFIqBVzA

Lyrics:

“Looking at the pages of my life
Faded memories of me and you
Mistakes you know I’ve made a few
I took some shots and fell from time to time
Baby, you were there to pull me through
We’ve been around the block a time or two
I’m gonna lay it on the line
Ask me how we’ve come this far
The answer’s written in my eyes

Chorus:
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don’t wanna sleep tonight, dreamin’s just a waste of time
When I look at what my life’s been comin’ to
I’m all about lovin’ you

I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’ve lost, I’ve paid some dues, baby
We’ve been to hell and back again
Through it all you’re always my best friend
For all the words I didn’t say and all the things I didn’t do
Tonight I’m gonna find a way

Chorus:
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don’t wanna sleep tonight, dreamin’s just a waste of time
When I look at what my life’s been comin’ to
I’m all about lovin’ you

You can take this world away
You’re everything I am
Just read the lines upon my face
I’m all about lovin’ you

Guitar Solo

Chorus:
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new
That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more
I don’t wanna sleep tonight, dreamin’s just a waste of time
When I look at what my life’s been comin’ to
I’m all about lovin’ you

All about lovin’ you”

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3)  “Radio Love” by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina

A real change of pace!

Click on the URL below for the YouTube video  – beautiful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Z3YrHJ1sU

Lyrics:

“When you gonna stop breaking my heart
I don’t wanna be another one
Paying for the things I never done
Don’t let go, don’t let go to my love

I hate to see you cry, your smile is a beautiful lie.
I hate to see you cry, my love is dying inside.
I can fix all those lies, oh, baby, baby, I run, but I’m running to you
You won’t see me cry, I’m hiding inside
My heart is in pain, but I’m smiling for you.

Can I get to your soul ? Can you get to my thoughts ?
Can you promise we won’t let go ?
All the things that I need, all the things that you need
You can make it feel so real.
‘Cause you can’t deny, you’ve blown my mind
When I touch your body, I feel I’m losing control
‘Cause you can’t deny, you’ve blown my mind
When I see you baby, I just don’t wanna let go

When you gonna stop breaking my heart
I don’t wanna be another one …

I hate to see you cry, your smile is a beautiful lie.
I hate to see you cry, my love is dying inside.
I can fix all those lies, oh, baby, baby, I run, but I’m running to you
You won’t see me cry, I’m hiding inside
My heart is in pain, but I’m smiling for you.
Oh, baby, I’ll try to make the things right
I need you more than air, when I’m not with you
Please, don’t ask me why, just kiss me this time
My only dream is about you and I.”

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Make an appointment today to come in and start dancing to your dream song!

Happy Spring, Jillian

Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

949 400 7347 – message and text

http://www.OurWeddingDance.com

http://www.BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

http://www.ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

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