We make learning to dance fun for everyday couples by simplifying the steps so you and your partner can enjoy dancing together with ease and celebrate life’s special moments with confidence - from weddings and date nights, to anniversaries and beyond.
Thanks for taking an interest in our dance story!
Rich and I have experienced many moments along this journey that we consider to be highlights of our life. But we haven’t always known our way around the dance floor. Read our story below to learn how we went from timid with two left feet to happily dancing through marriage.
Some moments you might find relatable and some are unique to us, but we hope you find it reassuring that if we can learn to dance, you and your partner can learn to dance too!
We’ll Never Forget Our First Dance
Many couples begin their dance journey by preparing for their wedding day, and although ours didn’t exactly start this way it was heavily motivated by it.
Like most weddings, the most memorable event of the reception was our first dance, but not for reasons you may think.
We picked out the perfect song, lined up a photographer and videographer to capture the moment, and three hundred of our guests were there to witness us in the spotlight.
But after the DJ announced us onto the floor, we realized that we had a big problem, and that was that we didn’t actually know how to dance, or at least not in a way that we felt was presentable for such a special occasion.
Our hearts started racing with nerves, we were frozen in fear like a deer in headlights, and our vision of magical moments and Cinderella twirls quickly turned into weak knees and sweaty palms.
We forced a smile to cover up our disappointment, started rocking back and forth like we did at a middle school dance, and just waited for our song to be over.
We couldn’t believe we had missed this important opportunity, especially after putting so much thought and effort into picking out our special song.
After that day, it always bothered me that we didn’t have a happy memory to look back on of our first dance. All I knew is that I never wanted to feel that way on a dance floor again.
Now before you start thinking that this is going to be a sad story, I want to reassure you that it has a happy ending. And even though we didn’t start our dance journey off on the right foot, you’re about to find out how we made up for it in the long run.
NEED HELP PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE?
Our wedding dance guide has everything you need to feel confident in the spotlight and “WOW” YOUR GUESTS!
How We Went From Timid With Two Left Feet To Happily Dancing Through Marriage
Before someone becomes a dancer it always seems like there’s a pivotal moment that inspires them to go for it, and I still remember when that happened for us.
Rich and I were staying at the Grand Hotel on an island in our home state of Michigan. There are no cars allowed on this island so once you arrive by boat, the only way to get to your room is by walking, biking or taking the island’s version of Uber which is by horse and carriage.
The Grand is a fancy hotel with a very unique look that instantly takes you back in time. Actually, the movie Somewhere In Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed there.
Every evening guests are expected to dress in their best, which is one of our favorite parts. On a side note, we’re a pretty casual couple and typically not that fancy, but it’s fun to act like we are once in a while.
It seemed like everywhere you turned the hotel was filled with beautiful music, from a harpist in the main lobby and a jazz quartet in the dining room, to a big band orchestra in the ballroom.
After dinner, I remember walking by that ballroom and the upbeat tempo drawing us in like kids in a candy store. It was clearly where the party was at so we walked in, took a seat and were mesmerized by what we saw on the dance floor.
It was packed with couples dancing their hearts out and having the time of their lives.
I remember one couple in particular.
This couple moved gracefully and effortlessly like they were perfectly in sync and floating on a cloud. But it wasn't so much their moves that grabbed my attention, it was the interaction between the two of them, the genuine happiness on their faces, the connection they shared and how they were completely focused on each other. They were care free, in the moment, enjoying life, enjoying each other, and dancing like no one else was in the room.
It made me feel happy just watching them and I knew right then and there that dancing was something I wanted for Rich and I.
I was completely hooked, and I saw that Rich's interest was cautiously piqued, so I did what any loving wife would do. I gave him a little nudge by signing us up for an eight-week dance class. I knew that if the class was already paid for, he would give it a shot. And from then on, dancing swept us off our feet.
Dance lessons turned into at-home date nights, where we would turn on music and dance in the kitchen.
Dancing in the kitchen led to attending dance parties and meeting other dance couples.
Dance parties led to joining a traveling dance team where we had the time of our lives performing in front of an audience.
Performing led to competing as a couple in national competitions which ultimately pushed us way out of our comfort zone, face our fears and become more confident dancers and people.
And that was just the beginning of experiences, memories and lifelong friends that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Dancing enriched our lives in more ways than we could’ve ever imagined and we’ve never looked back.
Dancing Makes For A Fun And Healthy Relationship
In the midst of our busy lives of work, errands, families and friends, it's hard to carve out time for each other.
We are obviously biased, but we believe that dancing is the quickest way to each other's hearts and one of the most fulfilling activities you can do together as a couple.
We’ve found that even just a ten minute dance in the kitchen while dinner's in the oven can help you let loose, reconnect, and share quality time together.
Dancing also does wonders for your overall health.
It's a clever way to stay active without feeling like you’re exercising, and it has also been proven to uplift your mood and keep your mind sharp.
And it’s also a ready-to-go date night. Whether you're attending a wedding, going on a cruise or just looking for something fun to do at home on a Friday night, it’s right there waiting for you anytime the mood strikes.
WANT TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY FROM HOME?
Our dancing date night guide for couples will get you and your partner having fun moving to the music tonight!
Dancing Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving
We all know that finding something you enjoy in life is the key to happiness, but when you get to share that joy with others it takes it to a whole new level.
One of the greatest joys we’ve experienced on this journey is teaching other couples how to have fun on the dance floor to music they love.
There’s something about watching them walk into your class feeling nervous, and dance out feeling confident. You can’t help but feel proud when they accomplish something they didn’t know was possible and discover a new hobby they enjoy doing together.
And when they share their stories, it makes our hearts dance! Here are just a few ways that dancing has impacted our student’s lives for the better.
Their First Dance Became The Highlight Of Their Wedding…
"I don't remember really seeing anyone while we were dancing, just Erik.
But there was a point about halfway through that our guests started to clap and cheer. I feel like they were truly engagement in the moment with me and my new husband." - Alexs & Erik
Photo Credit: Green Holly Weddings
Dancing Made Their Special Occasion Unforgettable…
"We loved, loved, loved our first dance. It made us feel even more special! Having all of our friends and family genuinely invested in watching our first dance meant the world to us” - Dave & Stephanie
Dancing At Home Gave Them Something To Look Forward To...
Ultimately, we feel that dancing is the best way to enjoy life and marriage to the fullest. You can dance to celebrate the highs, you can dance to get through the lows and you can spread happiness to others every time you hit the dance floor.
Dancing makes the world a happier place and we couldn’t recommend it enough.
If you’ve experienced a dance moment that’s special to you, feel free to share it with us in the contact form below. We would love to hear about it!
Or if you’ve never danced before and have always wanted to, there’s no better time than now to go for it.
Remember…
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” - Vivian Greene
Last but not least, one thing we’ve learned is this…
“Life is filled with a million little moments, some we remember and some we forget, but when we dance, those are the highlights in life that will never be forgotten.” - Leigh Coburn
READY TO DANCE? LET’S DO IT!
If you’re a brand new dancer, these free resources will get you started on the right foot!
Need help preparing for your wedding dance? Check out our Wedding Dance Guide for beginners.
Want to dance just for fun? Check out our Dancing Date Night Guide for beginners.
If you want to continue having fun improving your skills, we’ve got you covered!
Looking for practice music or need help finding the beat? Check out our Move To The Music Podcast.
Want to improve your rhythm and timing? Check out our Move To The Music Dance Lessons.
Have a question Or Something To Share?
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