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!

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:

1. 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;
2. 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!);
3. 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;
4. 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 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

***

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.

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!

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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!

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!

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"!

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”

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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

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

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.

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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

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Visit OurWeddingDance.com for more wonderful testimonials!

Call 949.400.7347 to start dancing today!