Question 1

How many wedding dance lessons do we need?

Accepted Answer

Ten lessons is a solid goal to reach some level of mastery for ballroom, Latin, or rhythm dance and is what's needed to nail full-song choreography. For many couples, the first stages of comfort and confidence dancing together arrive around the 5–7 lesson mark. Some couples prefer to flow freely and romantically, while others enjoy learning a special routine — Peter generally recommends a combination of both.

Question 2

How much do wedding dance lessons in NYC cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing at Ballroom Wedding Dance NYC: First Lesson Special (purchased in advance) — $59. Single lessons — $115. First Steps 3-lesson package — $340. Crash Course (2 double sessions) — $435. 4 Lesson Essentials package — $440. Spotlight 5-lesson package — $540. Intermediate/Advanced 8-lesson package — $840. Showstopper 10-lesson package — $990. Transformation 15-lesson package — $1,400. In-home lessons — $150. The rate is per lesson, whether for a couple or an individual. Visit ballroomweddingdance.com/rates-policies for current specials.

Question 3

Is the lesson price per person or per couple?

Accepted Answer

The rate is for the lesson, whether it is for a couple or an individual. There is no additional per-person charge.

Question 4

How long should a first dance song be?

Accepted Answer

2.5 to 3 minutes is an ideal length. Under 2 minutes is too short — you don't get the opportunity to show what you've learned. If your song is 4 or more minutes, you may want to edit it. The DJ or band will be responsive to what you do.

Question 5

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

36 hours notice is required to reschedule or cancel a lesson without charge. There are no cash refunds. In most situations, a dance lesson certificate equal to the value of unused lessons cancelled with more than 36 hours notice can be issued as a gift certificate. Contact Peter at 917-375-3027.

Question 6

Can I purchase wedding dance lesson gift certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gift certificates are emailed within 24 hours of receipt of funds. One option is for friends or family to contribute a portion of a wedding package. Contact the studio to organize it.

Question 7

How long are the lessons?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are 45 minutes long.

Question 8

Are lessons taught in a private room?

Accepted Answer

A private lesson guarantees optimal individual attention from the instructor; however, you are not guaranteed a private room. Studios are typically shared with other couples doing their own lessons. Distractions are actually useful in the learning process — they simulate the real-world environment where you will ultimately dance.

Question 9

When should we start wedding dance lessons?

Accepted Answer

Because of a couple's hectic pre-wedding schedule, lessons should preferably start 3–4 months before the wedding day. Starting 5–6 months out allows time to become truly comfortable dancing together. Try to allow at least three months for flexible scheduling and ample time to nail your dance.

Question 10

What happens at the first lesson?

Accepted Answer

The first lesson is a full-length introductory session where Peter gets to know you, gives you a sense of what lessons are like, and helps you decide if you'd like to continue. It is 45 minutes and costs $59 (discounted from the regular single lesson rate). If you want to continue, you can choose a package or do single lessons. Payment in advance is requested to hold the reserved time.

Question 11

Do you offer in-home dance lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In-home lessons taught at a student's apartment or home are available in Manhattan, Hoboken, and Jersey City. Other boroughs are occasionally possible. The rate is $150 per 45-minute lesson and may be taught by a staff instructor.

Question 12

When are lessons available?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are scheduled on a first-request basis. Weekday availability is generally evenings from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM and early afternoon/lunchtime from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as well as weekend days.

Question 13

Where are the dance lessons held?

Accepted Answer

Peter teaches at multiple studio locations in Midtown Manhattan: 320 W 37th Street, and 520 8th Avenue. Zoom lessons and in-home NYC lessons are also options. Contact the studio for details.

Question 14

Will my wedding dress affect our dance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ideally, the dress hem will be 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the floor all around so you don't step on it when dancing backwards. If the bodice is tightly fitted or strapless, raising your arms for a twirl may be limited — choreography can be modified accordingly.

Question 15

What should we wear to dance lessons?

Accepted Answer

Wear something comfortable. Ladies should avoid open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip flops while learning, as these make dancing more difficult and leave toes unprotected. Do not wear your actual wedding shoes to the first lesson, though similar heels are fine.

Question 16

What is Peter Jones's dance instruction background?

Accepted Answer

Peter Jones is a certified dance instructor with more than twenty years of experience in ballroom, Latin, ballet, and jazz. He is a Broadway Theater Institute Faculty Fellow, an instructor and Board of Directors member of Manhattan Dance/Theater, and an Advisory Board member of Musical Mondays Theater Lab. He has taught at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, with Pierre Dulaine, at West Side Dance Project, HB Studio, Cornell and Columbia Universities, Trinity College Dublin, and at Lincoln Center. He trained under Pierre Dulaine, Cailin Heffernan, and Lyle Bradshaw. All staff instructors are certified and trained specifically for wedding dance instruction.

FAQ: FIRST DANCE FOR YOUR WEDDING

LESSONS CLASSES AND CHOREOGRAPHY IN NYC

FIRST DANCE/ WEDDING DANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for engaged couples!

Wedding dance Lessons FAQ

HOW MANY LESSONS DOES IT TAKE?

HOW MUCH ARE WEDDING DANCE LESSONS NYC?

IS THE PRICE PER PERSON OR PER COUPLE?

CAN I PURCHASE DANCE LESSON GIFT CERTIFICATES?

HOW LONG ARE LESSONS

IS IT A PRIVATE ROOM

WHEN SHOULD I START? HOW LONG TO LEARN FIRST DANCE

TELL ME ABOUT THE FIRST LESSON!

DO WE OFFER IN-HOME LESSONS

WHEN ARE THE LESSONS TAUGHT?

WHERE ARE THE CLASSES?

WILL MY DRESS AFFECT OUR DANCE?

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

WHAT IS THE INSTRUCTOR'S BACKGROUND, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE?

ANIMATED STEP PATTERNS

Click here for animated step patterns for foxtrot, waltz, swing, salsa, tango, cha cha

SOME FIRST DANCE SONG SUGGESTIONS