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"!

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!

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!

]]> http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/2011/01/05/2011-is-here/feed/ 0 http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/2010/10/01/wedding-party-dance/ http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/2010/10/01/wedding-party-dance/#comments Sat, 02 Oct 2010 04:23:40 +0000 admin http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/?p=493 Wedding party dances are hot, hot, hot right along with the weather.

You might ask, “What exactly is a wedding dance?”

Well you can go to YouTube and type in “wedding party dance” and see lots of them.

Usually it’s a somewhat choreographed dance done by the entire wedding party to really “kick-off” the reception and add that little extra special personal touch to your day to remember.

The wedding party dance can be done to just one song or to a couple or group of songs.

I’ve worked with waltzes, popular tunes and oldie but goodies.

(Just a couple of examples: One group decided they wanted “I’m Too Sexy” which was very whimsical to choreograph to and another group really liked “I Feel Good” which we did a lot of retro moves to and really stirred up the crowd!)

It’s all in fun and it is fun!

This summer I had a particularly exciting wedding party dance with bride and groom Ruth and Michael and their wonderful wedding party of eight.

They decided they absolutely loved the song “All The Right Moves” by OneRepublic.

Click here for the glam YouTube of this popular song.

And they decided that they and their wedding party would wear masks, as if at a masked ball, and perform a near facsimile of the waltz type dance you see dancers dancing on YouTube in front of the band.

We didn’t have a lot of rehearsal time since everyone was coming from all over and we had to literally rehearse at the last minute!

But we videotaped it for everyone to review it that night and rehearsed our feet off.

And I think it came out quite well!

(I’ll be including a videotape of the dance here soon!)

Masks on, ready to start the group wedding dance!

So if you’re thinking about a wedding party dance here’s a couple of things to consider:

1)  Is everyone in your wedding party ok with a group dance?

2) What song(s) do you like that you think will inspire them to really go crazy and be fun for everyone else to watch?

3)  Can everyone in your wedding party get together to rehearse?

4)  Do you want to use any props or special effects?

5)  When during your reception do you want to do the dance?

***

Let your imagination soar and consider the wedding party dance as yet another fun way to personalize your wedding reception.  Your guests will be talking about it for years to come and you can bet your wedding party won’t forget the dance they did together either!

You can contact me through email to discuss your ideas about a fun wedding party dance or call me at 949.400.7347.

Jillian

Happy Halloween

]]> http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/2010/10/01/wedding-party-dance/feed/ 0 http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/2010/09/15/a-blast-from-the-past/ http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/2010/09/15/a-blast-from-the-past/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:07:27 +0000 admin http://ourweddingdance.com/wp/?p=475 I got a surprise last week.     Opening my email there was a blast from the past…  One of my marvelous couples from earlier this year sent me pictures and a very kind note.  I’ve included them below for you to see and read.

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to hearing news about “the big day”.  I get so excited being included in all the wedding plans that when it comes time to say good bye and send my incredible couples on to wedding bliss I do feel a bit misty eyed. 

Hearing the stories and seeing their smiling and happy faces is just a perfect end to a great time spent teaching dance to my wonderful wedding couples.

***

Hi Jillian,

I know it has been a very long time since we last saw you, and even some time since our wedding, but I have been meaning to write you and send pictures. . .  and I am just now getting around to doing it!

Thank you so much for all your help, it was really so fun working with you and it was perfect to have a simple (yet choreographed) dance to do at our wedding despite our nerves!

Beautiful Cuddle

Actually, Chris did great and didn’t seem nervous at all, but I was – thank goodness he was leading!!

The dance went so well, although it did fly by!

I don’t think we missed a step.

The day was beautiful and our dance must have inspired all our guests because the DJ later told us that our guests did the most dancing he has ever seen at an afternoon (lunch) reception!

We all had a wonderful time and got some great pictures of the dancing.

Check out Mom of the Bride - so excited!

Thank you again for making it all so easy and just being a fun person to hang out with/learn from.

We wish you the best and will contact you if we ever need a brush up lesson!

Sincerely, Caitlin and Chris

(Photographs by Josh Aull.)

***

Remember call now or email Jillian for Fall and Winter weddings!

Reserve your favorite day and time today to look great on the day of your dreams…

Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

949.400.7347

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

Jillian & apples at Riley's Farm

We had a fantastic wedding and were so pleased with our dance lessons.  Todd and I were actually receiving applause each time we did a twirl…. good stuff!!  We practiced everyday after we last saw you and did pretty well, except for one slip on the dress.  But I don’t think anyone really noticed.

Our photographer surprised us and one of his assistants was taking video so he put together this little montage in a link below.  The second half of the video is pretty much of us dancing.  He didn’t get all of our smooth moves but they got a good essence of the dance.  And Todd and I decided to practice before the grand entrance so they got some great shots of the dance under the sun set.

So no photos yet of the dress but I think you will get a good idea of you watch the second half (it is only 3 minutes long).

St. Regis Dana Point Wedding from Jordan Hoffmann on Vimeo.

Thanks again for all of your help and we wish you the best of luck!

Warm Regards,
Alyssa

***

Happy end of Summer, Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

949.400.7347

Butterfly in my Garden!

Pictures* hot off the press from Lindsey and Scott’s romantic Summer wedding.

Lindsey & Scott Dance!

Oh my, oh my – I couldn’t wait to post these gorgeous pictures from Lindsey & Scott’s wedding reception July 24th at the Huntington Beach Hyatt.

They danced an adorable foxtrot to “So Beautiful” by Darin Hayes.

The bride was a tad on the shy side so we kept the moves intimate, fun and flirty and all angled toward the groom to keep the couple using the floor lots and showing off Lindsey’s amazing gown.

Lindsey sent me an email on July 26th just two days after the big day saying,

Hi, I just wanted to let you know everyone liked our dance.  We messed up a little but it was ok everyone thought it was cute and really enjoyed it!  So we wanted to thank you so much!!  Lindsey and Scott

And…

Their outstanding and charming wedding planner, Christine Baumgartner of The Perfect Day sent me an email as well!

Hi Jillian,

I wanted to let you know that Lindsey and Scott did a wonderful first dance at their reception.  They looked lovely and happy.  They both told me how much they enjoyed working with you.

Thanks again for helping them, Christine

In Love!

I just love to hear back from everyone about their big day and see all the pictures.

Call me with any questions about your special first dance.

I can’t wait to get started, Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

949.400.7347

Just Dreamy!

*Photography by Priscila Valentina Photography

Visit her web site at PriscilaValentina.com

This first one just in from a fantastic couple that worked sooo hard over several months to make their dance beautiful and meaningful to each other and their guests.  They even included a piece of their dance on video which you can see if you click on the link below!

Adam and Denise’s Dance Video

***

Hi Jillian!!!

WE’RE MARRIED!!!

Thank you so much for everything that you taught us, it made such a difference and we were so comfortable out there, even though we were a little disoriented and didn’t move around the dance floor as much.

It was still a huge hit, especially the patty cake move – you’ll hear the screams [on the video]. 

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!!

THANKS,

Mr. and Mrs. Leonhardt

Married May 16, 2010 at the Old Ranch in Seal Beach

Song: “At Last”

***

And this second one in from a wonderful couple who did two dances – one a fun and beautiful first dance but the second a great surprise.

The bride donned a red skirt with gold coins over her white dress and did a… you guessed it… a belly dance for her adoring groom whom we had seated in a chair for her sexy undulations!  At the end he got up and went down on one knee and took her in a swan-like dip!

***

Jillian -

Thank you so much for attempting to teach us to dance!  Both our dances were a hit – especially the belly dance!  We’ll send the video.

Thank you!

Keith & Janet

Married May 1st 2010 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club

Songs:  “My Life” by The Beatles and a beautiful Arabic song

Keith & Janet's Adorable Postcard!

Remember…

if your wedding is coming up  it’s time to begin thinking about your lovely first dance!

Call Jillian at: 949 400 7347

Or visit the website at:

OurWeddingDance.com

And all the little buds are getting ready to burst into bloom on the trees and flowers.

Kerchew! 

And it’s that time of year for those lovely high school debutantes to come out in their Presents!

What a beautiful tradition…

The debutantes in their gorgeous white long dresses  and their dads and escorts dressed to the nines in their pressed tails and white gloves.

The hotel ballroom busting with elegant flower centerpieces and a stage all set up for the girls to be presented for all to applaud.

These well planned and  elaborate evenings often include slide shows of the girl’s years from childhood all the way through high school spotlighting their accomplishments and adventures as well as an elaborate sit down dinner for family and friends and, you guessed it… lots of dancing!

An important part of the evening, and dear to my heart, is the father daughter group dance.

A spectacle that brings tears to everyone’s eyes as they watch the flurry of white satin and tulle and the looks on the dads faces as they waltz their lovely daughters around the floor.

This year I’ve been fortunate to teach dancing steps and choreography to two groups of debutantes and their dads.

What fun!

We’ve got some great songs and the dads are super positive about learning the steps and dancing their daughters confidently through their dance together.

I overheard one debutante say laughingly, “Dad, come on – remember the turn and make me look like I know what I’m doing!”

Her dad nodded obediently and they danced through the Ladies Under Arm Turn one more time with a flourish.  Of course just a few eyelash battings and daughters have their dads right where they want them!

Wikipedia Definition

The word debutante comes from the French word meaning “female beginner” and traditionally was a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who had reached the age of maturity.  As a new adult she was then allowed to be introduced to society in a formal manner known as her “debut”.

Originally this meant the young woman was now eligible to marry!  And part of the debut’s purpose was to “display” her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within her “class” circle.

***

Well, we’ve come a long way since those days but the quaint old custom is still a lovely one.

Of course these days debutantes also give back to their communities through extensive volunteerism and supporting philanthropies with hands on activities on a local level.

If you’d like to learn more about the Debutante Father Daughter dance visit my web page here:

http://ourweddingdance.com/debutantefatherdaughterdance.htm

Happy Spring!

Jillian

Smile and say "Debutante"!

From denim inspired wedding gowns in blues and dainty laces that lace up the back and cut up the leg to adorable table decorations with cowboy hats and boots doubling as flower containers… the big sky is the limit and the grass can be greener.

Blue and browns with touches of white and yellow seem to be the most common color schemes.  Bachelor buttons and daisies can keep the costs down and the whimsey up.  While you peruse cute cake toppers with horses and hitching posts and fun silver ring bearer horseshoes with white satin ribbons.

Accessories for a Western Wedding

Favor Ideas for a Cowboy Wedding

The bride can wear white in a western type period gown or go for something completely different with touches or whole parts of the gown in denim blue.  Why not add some fringed white cowboy boots or cream or off-white granny style boots with pretty lace inserts?  Top it off with a white or off white satin cowboy hat covered in lace, roses and tulle and you’re sure to feel romantic and country cool all at the same time!

Western Wedding Wear

Cultured Cowboy Wedding Dresses

Western Wedding Hat

White Cowboy Boots Granny Style Boots

(I love this denim halter for bridesmaids dresses in the Western themed wedding!)

Of course the variety for grooms is endless and who doesn’t enjoy duding up their best dude in the duds of a cool, clean cowboy?  There are period style vests and ties and natty jackets with and without fringe as well as boots in all sizes, shapes, colors and textures.  It’s a field day for the fellas and they’re sure to make a splash when they ride in off the range in today’s dashing designs.

Gentlemen’s Emporium

The Old Frontier Clothing Company

And last, but certainly not least, there are mother lodes of wonderful Country songs old and new from waltzes to 2-steps that will keep your first dance and your father daughter dance in the Western theme.  Below are a few of my favorites:

First Dance Country Songs:

I Love The Way You Love Me by Faith Hill

Could I Have This Dance by Anne Murray

From This Moment by Shania Twain

The Wedding Song (Girl Forever) by Marty Falle

Fishin’ In The Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

(Lyrics for Fishin’ In The Dark)

Father Daughter Dance Country Songs:

I Loved Her First by Heartland

My Little Girl by Steve Kirwan

Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wick

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

Daddy’s Little Girl by Kippi Brannon

Happy Trails to you Western wedding fans…

Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

949 400 7347

* Remember I put these links to other web sites up for your reference and don’t endorse any one in particular.  I’ll let you do the research and remember always get your orders in writing and you can use my handy guideline, “If it smells fishy, it usually is”.