Celebrity Interview with Dancing With the Stars Star Tony Dovolani

Do you LOVE Dancing with the Stars? We sure do! We are thrilled to announce that The Wedding Dance Specialists recently held an exclusive interview with DWTS celebrity dancer Tony Dovolani!
 

Tony is a professional ballroom dancer who began dancing at the age of three, and is acclaimed for his many performances and World Champion Titles in Latin style dance. Overall he has won an astonishing seven championship titles in world-renowned competitions, including an Emmy nomination for his incredible choreography of a Jive dance routine that was aired on Dancing with the Stars in 2006. Tony’s newest partner for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars is Melissa Rycroft who is best known for her appearances on The Bachelor.  Tony and Melissa were also partnered together on the show in 2008 and placed third in the competition. 

Now that the introductions are out of the way, (even though I’m sure you’ve already heard of him) let’s turn to the scoop on what we learned from Tony during our interview with him! Tony divulged some tips for us.  His favorite dance move is the over-sway on a dip. He likes the move's versatility as you can begin and end a dance with it. When asked about dance trends, Tony remarked that ballroom dancing has played second fiddle to solo dance styles like ballet for decades. However with the popularity of the hit show Dancing with the Stars it has been brought to the forefront again and no longer lingers as the step-child of the dance world. Another fantastic point Tony made was, “You have to love dancing to truly excel at it and love teaching it to be a good instructor.” Tony also said to become a great dancer one must believe that they are capable of dancing in the first place. 

But how can you dance like a pro if you don’t have the right attire? Tony gave us advice on that too! Tony is excited to be sponsored by Capezio dance shoes and encourages engaged couples to consider using proper ballroom shoes for their wedding dance instead of struggling with street shoes. 

He is also excited about the latest Zumba craze that incorporates Latin ballroom dance moves with aerobic exercise. While he is an esteemed ballroom dancer, he admits that his favorite dance style is Latin. At The Wedding Dance Specialists, we believe in always improving upon our dance knowledge base so that we can provide you with an even better dance experience. We hope that Tony’s tips have inspired you to become even better dancers. He’s sure inspired us! Thanks Tony!

Written by: Kimberly Irwin, Publicist for The Wedding Dance Specialists

Wedding Dance Workshop - Twirls

Every woman loves to be twirled and your guests can't get enough of seeing it either! Learn how to twirl, spin, drape, cuddle, unwrap to give your bride the "Cinderella Moment" she deserves in the spotlght and have your guests applauding, cheering, wildly photographing and eager to join you on the dance floor!

Let's cut to the chase. "H-O-T" is how grooms describe this workshop! "Sensual" is how to the brides describe it so it looks like everyone is in agreement! Spice up your First Dance plus see how you can use all many of your moves during the reception! Learn how to loosen up, shake your hips (and other important parts) & look confident! The temperature is bound to go up with this rendezvous and the two of you! This date night will make you blush, feel intoxicated and high on life as you gaze steamily into your lover's eyes! It's time to get down and dirty, hot and flirty as you prepare to rock the reception and heat up the honeymoon!

This dance style is sure to put a twinkle in your eye, butterflies in your stomach and a skip in your step. Feel like it's a first date all over again! Learn easy moves that look impressive! . Never have to dance by yourself again to fast music either as we will show you how you can demonstrate your versatility by dancing to Latin, world beat, techno mix, Top 40, and rap. No partner switching cuz it's time to get your flirt on with your honey! You will dance out positively glowing

Dance with your partner the whole time - no partner switching

Location: Alexandria, VA
Date: April 16, 2011
Time: 4:30 -7:30 pm
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.

Location:Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 5 - 6:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.

Location: Rockville, MD
Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Time: 4 - 5:30
Price: $30 per person.
Workshop attendees who are Facebook fans qualify for a discount on private lessons within the grace period when you register for two workshops.
RSVP: 703.626.7016 or email: info@theweddingdancespecialists.com

The Last Dance Lesson: The Groom's Perspective

Amazing. That is the only word that comes to mind about Deborah's dance lessons. We had our final lesson before the wedding and it was the first time we did the full dance. Deborah videotaped us doing the full dance and I am shocked at how much she was able to teach someone as novice as myself in just a few short lessons. My confidence is at an all time high that we will for sure WOW the audience on Saturday night. Although Amy and myself make mistakes or forget little things as we go along, Deborah has shown us the best ways to make those mistakes invisible to the audience and when we watched ourselves on tape, even we couldn't notice the missteps, even though we knew we had made them.

I cant put into words how happy and excited I am at the thought of being able to give Amy the "first dance" she has always dreamed of and without Deborah's masterful guidance, it would never have been possible. She is a great teacher and really knows what she is doing. She is truly an expert in her field and I would without a doubt recommend her to anyone who is getting married and wants to wow their crowd.

If you recall my earlier posts, I wasn't exactly confident that I would be able to do even half of what I feel I can do now on the dance floor. I've learned how to keep the beat of the music, how to twirl my angel around, and most importantly...how to dip her without severely injuring her or myself lol. Now that we've had a full set of lessons, I know I can pull all of these things off. For Deborah to be able to teach someone like me all of this, I would not hesitate for a moment to say that she can teach anyone to dance. Click on the link below to read the rest of this article.
http://www.relentlessbride.com/2010/03/wedding-dance-he-said-lesson-5.html

The Fourth Dance Lesson: The Groom's Perspective

Tonight's lesson was a short one because we hit some traffic on the way to the dance studio. It seems people don't know how to drive in the rain. We got there a few minutes late and we couldn't run very much past our allotted time because Deborah had another lesson following ours but still gave us an extra 10 minutes to try to make up for our tardiness. Anyway, Deborah continued to work with us on our first dance, starting from the grand entrance through the big dip at the end. Of course, I had forgotten what I was supposed to do at the entrance, but after a quick refresher from Deborah, Amy and I were back on the same page.

After getting that out of the way, Deborah started to teach us a few new things to add to the routine. The first was a way for Amy to spin from a position where our arms were extended and she rolls down my arm into my chest where i can hold her tight for a second. I really liked this part, as it gives us a chance to really feel together as one while on the dance floor. After Amy spins down my arm and into my chest, Deborah then had her do a little seductive dance around me....of course this i really liked lol. We worked on this for a little while and then came what i thought was the highlight of the night...the dip. Deborah had Amy watch, and showed me what to do. I dipped her a little to low so we had to work on that. The lower you dip, the harder it is to come out of the dip. Well, I guess it was even harder than normal, because as i dipped Deborah, she realizes and exclaims "oh no, i forgot to tell you how to bring your partner out of a dip" while I was still holding her just a few feet from the floor. Once I lifted her back up, she explained the correct way to do this, which definetly made it much easier than just trying to use brute strength from an awkward position lol. Click on the link below to read the rest of this article.
http://www.relentlessbride.com/2010/02/wedding-dance-he-said-lesson-4.html

Dance Tip: Posture

Being nervous and insecure tends to show in one's posture. When a couple is dancing in front of a crowd and clinging to each other with their heads down and shoulders rounded, onlookers are reminded of their high school prom. Wedding dresses and tuxedos always look their best when you stand up straight with your shoulders back, neck straight and chin held high. Therefore, whether you are walking down the aisle, exchanging vows during the ceremony, or dancing, maintain an erect posture and look each other in the eye. This not only looks better, but is one of the vital techniques for effective leading and following.

If you need help improving your posture while on the dance floor, let us help you! You'll see the difference even in one lesson! Contact us at (703) 626 - 7016.

The Honors Dance

You can assist your parent in selecting a song by providing him/her with our list of Honors Dance song suggestions. However, remember that your parent might already have a song in mind. Since it is their big moment at the wedding, you should let your parent have a say. He/She will move better to familiar music and be much less nervous about dancing in front of the crowd. Even one hour of preparation will make a huge impact on the way The Honors Dance looks and feels. These are special moments for Mom and Dad and they may be even more enjoyable with a little preparation.

If your parent lives out of town, a creative solution is to schedule a lesson for the week he/she is in town for the wedding. The hour spent together preparing for this dance will last a lifetime in your memory as a special moment shared between the two of you.The Honors Dance is traditionally reserved for the Mother/Son and Father/Daughter although other combinations and other relatives are also incorporated in some weddings and for certain circumstances where parents are deceased or not in attendance. Anyone who is honored by a spotlight dance will always feel more comfortable if they feel prepared.

Still haven't picked a special song for the Honors Dances? Here are some ideas!

Forever Tango

Date: Oct. 28, 2009 - Nov. 1, 2009

Time: 2pm, 7pm & 8pm

Location: Bethesda Theater

7719 Wisconsin Ave.

Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)657 - 7827

Created and directed by Louis Bravo, Forever Tango

features an all Argentine cast who trace, through music, dance, song and dramatic vignettes, the Tango's colorful history. The show contains 7 dance couples, who tango in their own unique styles, and an on-stage orchestra. Sensuous and sophisticated, the tango inhabits a world where everything can be said with the flick of a leg, the tug of a hand, the tap of a foot and the arch of an eyebrow. The show was nominated for 4 New York Drama Desk Awards in 1998 and continued on an international tour including engagements in Mexico, Korea, Japan and Germany.

Tickets are now available through the box office and Ticketmaster. To receive 10% off your ticket use promotion code BRAVO.

Upcoming Balls - dance and romance while supporting a charity!

The Northwest Center's 23rd Annual Indian Summer Ball (Fundraiser)
October 17, 2009
The Organization of American States Building 
17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC
9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Black Tie; Gourmet Buffet/Open Bar
The Jokers Wild Band (Swing, Latin, Ballroom)
Silent Auction
$90 or $165/couple 
Contact: Kristen Sullivan (301) 335-1206
northwestcenter@verison.net
See website for more info
http://www.northwestcenter.net/?page_id=32

CELEBRATING LIFE and INSPIRING HOPE since 1981, The Northwest Center seeks to promote the dignity of women and a respect for all human life by offering the loving support and comprehensive aid
necessary to enable all women to continue their pregnancies, deliver healthy babies, and adequately care for themselves and their children. Proceeds provide vital support for The Northwest Center. 
We have helped over 40,000 women and children in the Washington, DC area and are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity supported solely by the generous support of individuals, churches, foundations, and
volunteers!

Gala and Masquerade Ball

October 24, 2009
International Club of DC presents the 6th Anniversary Gala and Masquerade Ball
Grand Ballroom of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
1250 New York Avenue NW Washington DC 20005-3920
Black Tie Requested, Cocktail Attire Optional (Period formal attire from the 1800s, 1900s and the renaissance era welcome!)
Evening features dancing to 2 bands (classical and Latin), open bar, extravagant desserts, dinner (with gala and doner ticket) and dancing is the social event of the season for internationally minded professionals. 
This is also a great opportunity for a private viewing of the museum's permanent art collection, experience the elegant atmosphere of a formal Ball, as well as meet international professionals and members of the diplomatic community. 
$95 - $155
http://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/2009-Masquerade-Ball-Anniversary-Gala.aspx

Choosing An Instructor

What is the difference between a wedding dance specialist and a general ballroom dance teacher? Your goals. One of the problems with selecting a standard dance studio or instructor is that they view wedding couples as "lost leads." This is because the wedding couple has a short term goal - - the wedding, which does not usually lead them to take very many lessons. Keep these facts in mind when you call or go into a studio:

Experience of the instructor: Since wedding couples generally purchase small packages (less than 20) many studios have their most inexperienced instructors teach the wedding couples. Our instructors have been specially trained for the unique needs of wedding couples and are all competition or performance level dancers. Dance lessons are as important as any other service you might hire for your wedding. You have every right to ask how long your instructor has been teaching. Would you want to hire a chauffeur who just moved to the area, got his license last week and has never driven the limo before?

The Teacher: The personality, demeanor, image, teaching style are all important factors to consider when selecting a dance teacher. Just because they are good dancers does not guarantee that they will be good teachers. The teacher must genuinely enjoy working with beginners and ideally have compassion and understanding of the unique pressures that wedding planning involves.

Click here to see our staff bios.

Is a Dance "Crash Course" Worth it?

People often ask us:

Is it worthwhile to take a “crash course" of just a couple lessons if we've procrastinated?

Absolutely!

We are the only dance company that GUARANTEES a wedding dance in one lesson! Just be sure to let us know you only plan to take one in advance and limit the attendance to one couple and one dance style.

We do our best to accommodate last minute requests and believe that even ONE lesson is better than resorting to the “high school prom sway.” We will focus exclusively on your wedding dance, give you a lovely entrance, help you move as a team around the room and a lovely finale and exit off the floor. These are the three components that your guests will remember most.

All components of the dance are uniquely customized to your song and your personal style. We also provide an optional complimentary crinoline dress rehearsal and in-class videotaping for you to evaluate the final product.

Testimonial: "Our appointment with Jim went great...we just met with him once to get some ideas to incorporate into our song. He gave us many good tips and it was amazing how much he was able to fit into an hour!" Thanks, Debbie Vanetti and Mike Platz, July 2005

See more testimonials:  The Wedding Dance Specialists success stories.

Your Vision for Your Wedding Dance Debut

The first step in getting what you want from your dance lessons is knowing what you want. Imagine the mood you want to feel and project as you are dancing. Do you want your dance to look simple and elegant? Classic and traditional? Peppy and cheerful? Sensual and romantic? Elaborate and Showy? Make sure you share your vision with your instructor.

At The Wedding Dance Specialists, we've got some of the best dance instructors around.  With multiple locations throughout the metro-D.C. area, there's sure to be a location to fit your needs.  

We founded the company as an engaged couple and our vision of our first dance was an exotic and sensual expression of our love.  That's why we chose the Argentine Tango.  Click here to view a video of our first dance.