First Step Ballroom

Trained at Fred Astaire Studios. Styles: Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Western Swing, Samba, Country Two Step, Night Club Two Step and Line Dance.

I specialize in weddings, parties (bachelorette, office, friends, barbeque events etc.) and also very much enjoy teaching individuals, couples and groups.

I teach ages 5 to 95, Beginner to Intermediate/Advanced with lifts. I have taught those with Developmental Differences, Wheelchair bound and history of stroke. I have never had a student I couldn’t teach to at least dance the basics. I firmly believe that if you are not getting a step it is simply that I haven’t found the way to teach it to you that works for you.

I have had varying ages and skill levels in the same group. My groups are designed to be small and intimate. Although I don’t require couples to switch partners I encourage those that want to test their lead and follow to do so whenever they desire. I start with the basic steps then add style and lead and follow. Once a base of knowledge is attained I add more difficult and longer patterns.

I often use my psychology degree and experience to help me understand how each student learns and interacts with others. Especially for a first dance for the wedding couple I find myself encouraging practice of the skills they will need to have a rich relationship for years to come. Relationships (really of all kinds) must have a foundation of TRUST, CLEAR COMMUNICATION, KINDNESS and especially in couples dance each person’s “JOB” or role are EQUAL but not necessarily THE SAME. In dance one person LEADS and the other FOLLOWS. There can not be one without the other and both are equally important.

I focus more on lead and follow, style of steps/music and being confident in the steps than on learning a routine or trying to teach 4 styles of dance in 8 weeks or many many steps in a short time. My goals for my students include; the ability to remember steps and to be able to dance with any partner and most of all to have a lot of fun!

Dance is great exercise and learning a new skill like dance slows memory loss, encourages new connections in the brain and KEEPS US YOUNG

With wedding dances: I have a wide variety of services for the wedding couple, Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance and wedding party. I can teach a few basic steps that the groom or Father can put together himself as he dances all the way to a memorized pattern with lifts If desired. If I choreograph/set a pattern I never duplicate it for another couple’s dance. I always try to put something unique and special into each dance just for the couple I’m working with. I encourage couples to call or faceTime/Zoom with questions or problems between lessons if they are having problems. And if necessary I’ll go to them to do corrections or adjustments so they can continue to practice.

With my theater background I don’t want any surprises with “costume malfunctions” so I encourage the bride and groom to dance at least once in the shoes or similar shoes to those they will be wearing. Also, if the bride has a very narrow or very poofy dress I ask them to dance in a similar shaped skirt if possible to get used to that. Since learning can be state dependent I always have at least one lesson at the wedding venue if possible so the new surroundings won’t throw the couple’s concentration off. Lastly, I offer to have a last “run through” of the dance at the reception in private during a time the guests are occupied so the couple can dance in their wedding clothes and if jitters or adrenaline causes mistakes we can get them out of the way before they do their dance for their guests.

I help you communicate with your photographer, videographer and DJ to have the dance go smoothly and have the best memento of your dance. I also prepare you for slip ups and guest responses to your amazing dance. You will be completely prepared.