Give Dad a Chance on His Dance!

June 16th, 2011 by admin

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:

  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!

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Flames by Vast

May 26th, 2011 by admin

Ok, I’m running around like a chicken today but I had to share this awesome 1st dance song with you!

“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

**

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

**

Email Jillian at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

Jillian at the Wild Animal Park!

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DWTS

May 23rd, 2011 by admin

By now we all know what “DWTS” means… and that is Dancing With The Stars!

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.  :)

**

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

**

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!

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HOT & UNIQUE 1st Dance Songs

April 6th, 2011 by admin

Sure, there are the old favs that everyone likes and uses but what if you’re looking for something a little unique?

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”

**

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”

**

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.”

**

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

Our Wedding Dance for 1st Dance Help Fast!

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Are You A “Bridechilla”?

March 27th, 2011 by admin

Ok, we’ve all heard about the dreaded bridezilla but have you heard about the wonderful bridechilla?

According to UrbanDicitonary.com this is “a bride that remains, calm, cool and collected during her entire wedding experience”.

Wow, what a concept!

So how can a bride possibly hope to do this?

Well, a step in the right direction could be to take that first dance off your “stress list” and put it on your “chill list”!

If you can take a few lessons in first dance technique and figures you’re well on your way to feeling super chill during that could be stressful two and a half to three or so minutes of solo time on the dance floor.

A little planning beforehand and some practice with the love of your life could make the wedding dance one of your happiest moments remembered from your reception.

Just learning a few proper leading and following techniques could mean the difference between a bridechilla and well whatever… ;)

Even two or three steps nestled in both your heads can do a lot to eliminate that, “Wow, everyone’s watching and what are we doing here!” feeling that can creep into even the most romantic unpracticed first dances.

Call me today at 949.400.7347 or email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com to start moving toward a more relaxed and comfortable feeling on the dance floor.

As well as being a ballroom dance instructor and choreographer, I’ve taught acting and directed numerous plays and will make sure you have lots of fun with each other during your first dance no matter if your song is sentimental, romantic, flirty, sexy or just plain good times!

OurWeddingDance

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance

BallroomDanceWithJillian

Be A "Bridechilla"!

 

 

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Running

March 17th, 2011 by admin

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Well, I’m knee deep in corned beef and cabbage, homemade sweet potato biscuits and pistachio mini chocolate chip cupcakes but I just had to wish you a wonderful Wearin ‘o the Green day and also let you in on a great first dance song!

It’s called “Running” by No Doubt and here’s the video of it if you haven’t seen and heard it already.

YouTube Video

The lyrics go like this:

“Run
Running all the time
Running to the future
With you right by my side

Me
I’m the one you chose
Out of all the people
You wanted me the most
I’m so sorry that I’m falling
Help me up lets keep on running
Don’t let me fall out of love

Chorus:
Running, running
As fast as we can
I really hope you make it
(Do you think we’ll make it?)
We’re running
Keep holding my hand
It’s so we don’t get separated

Be
Be the one I need
Be the one I trust most
Don’t stop inspiring me
Sometimes it’s hard to keep on running
We work so much to keep it going
Don’t make me want to give up

Repeat chorus twice

(The future­)

Repeat chorus”

***

So if you’re stumped for a fun song check this one out.  :)

Its romantic lyrics and catchy beat make it a lively, now tune for the wedding of your dreams.

Toast to the Irish and to all the upcoming weddings in March and April.

Make Sure You Wear Green!

Find out what brides are saying about Our Wedding Dance…

Visit the Our Wedding Dance FaceBook page for some great testimonials.

Jillian O’Forbath

949.400.7347

OurWeddingDance.com

 

 

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Hearts & Flowers & Dancing Powers

February 14th, 2011 by admin

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

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Married 1/1/11!!!

February 7th, 2011 by admin

Jillian and Brian whirl on the dance floor

So in love!

Let's Dance!

Jillian and Brian were married 1/1/11!!!

Below is their lovely testimonial…

Wonderful photographs are by David Casas of Full Spectrum Photo Studio.

Please click here to visit his web site.

**

Jillian is a very sweet woman who really listened to us about what we wanted and how we wanted to express ourselves on our very special day.

We went for a total of five lessons and we were completely comfortable working with Jillian.

Everyone LOVED our first dance, thanks to Jillian our dance instructor. We were able to dance and feel like we actually knew what we were doing! We were a little nervous on the big day for our first dance, but it went off without a hitch! Now we are thinking of doing some salsa lessons with Jillian.

Thank you for everything, Jillian

**

Visit OurWeddingDance.com for more wonderful testimonials!

Call 949.400.7347 to start dancing today!

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Wow – YouTube Video

January 23rd, 2011 by admin

So much fun!

I just opened my email and what did I see?

I had a YouTube video of one of my couple’s awesome wedding dances from their wedding of July 1st 2007!

What a blast from the past!

And wow, what a dance they did!

Watching it again brought tears to my eyes and I remembered all over again what a great time we had putting together their totally amazing dance.  :-)

Here’s the video below and their incredibly sweet email:

Hi Jill!

We finally posted our wedding dance on YouTube.com and we wanted you to see it.

Thanks for making us look so great!

Wedding guests STILL tell us it’s the BEST wedding dance they’ve ever seen.

Just as an update, we have a 2 year old son named Elijah Samuel.  He’s talking and trying to control his environment (and US!)  He has a great sense of humor and keeps us BUSY.

Hope all is well with you.  We miss you and we will eventually find our way back to you.

Love, Lena and Jeff

**

Can’t believe they have a son!  My, my time flies…

BTW they danced to BJORK’s “It’s Oh So Quiet” and it was spectacular. We worked on the slow parts with waltz and Viennese waltz steps and the fast parts with some kicky swing and disco moves.

You can see in the video Lena worked super hard to keep her upper body looking gorgeous in her dress and really emphasized her beautiful arms and hands and Jeff lead everything with a great eye to keeping off of her dress and creating a fun and romantic dance!

Click here for the lyrics to this real crowd-pleaser of a first dance song.

And remember if you’re getting married in 2011 start thinking about your dream first dance now!

Happy almost February!

Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

Email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com soon to get started on your first dance for your 2011 wedding day!

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2011 Is Here!

January 5th, 2011 by admin

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!

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