FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do we need lots of space?

No, we make the most of what you have! Moving some furniture around is usually enough to make an appropriate space for teaching in your home. If you feel your home isn’t an appropriate dance space we can easily hire a studio space for you. This can be a studio in your local area that works better with your availability. Please note this is subject to availability holds an additional cost.

What do I need to prepare for the lesson/s?

Before your first lesson we will send out an online consultation form to gather final details such as your address, song choice and what your vision is for your First Dance. Your instructor will then have all the information they need to make the most of their time with you. Please wear your wedding shoes (or similar) for you class and dress comfortably in active wear. Showing a photo of your wedding dress to your instructor can help make sure we are teaching the right moves to suit the length and style of your dress. Your instructor will bring your music and a speaker. Clear a suitable space in your room of choice, and ensure that any pets who may wish to join in are kept separate.

We are total beginners when it comes to dancing, will only a lesson or two really help?

Most of the couples we meet have never danced before. We teach at your pace, ensuring you feel comfortable with the moves. You may be surprised how many skills you will learn and how much your dancing confidence can grow quite quickly. With just one lesson you will learn how to hold your partner, basic leading and following, some simple footwork, a spin or two and maybe even a dip!

Do you teach lessons for Same-Sex couples?

Absolutely! Our lessons are not prescribed for any one type of couple at all. Our instructors are experienced in helping same-sex couples find their way around the dance floor. Here at The Next Step Co. we are proud Allies to the LGBTQ+ community and support equal civil rights and gender equality.

What styles of dance do you teach?

Our instructors are trained in many styles of dance to help you create your perfect wedding dance. We often start with the complete basics of ballroom dancing to provide you with the fundamentals of partner work. We will listen to your song choice and give a range of ideas to suit. If you song is more upbeat or has more of a Latin vibe, or swing feel, we will suggest some steps to compliment. You can expect to learn following and leading skills, a variety of turns and spins, a few types of footwork, and if you’re up for the challenge some lifts and dips!

What is included in the package? Are there any extra fees?

Your Wedding Dance package cost covers your teacher’s time and knowledge, any practice materials, music editing, choreography notes (on request) and ongoing support until the big day! We try to match you with the perfect teacher, but if for some reason your instructor lives over an hour away from you then a small travel fee will be required, usually between £5-£40 depending on the distance. If you would like your lessons in a Dance Studio, the hire fee for the studio rental will be added on top of your First Dance package. Dance studios can range from £25-£50 per hour.

Do we choose our song? Can we choose multiple songs?

We are here to help you create a Wedding Dance that feels right for you so choosing the perfect song that reflects you is SO important. Our suggestion is to try and find a song that is meaningful to you both or a song that captures how you feel about each other. You don’t need to worry about the length of the song because we will simply edit it to make it the perfect length for you. We can provide advice on song choices too, so do ask us.

Multiple songs or mash up’s are popular. Some couples like to start slow and end with something up-tempo! We can help achieve this by editing the music alongside you to make sure it sounds perfect. (Tracks that include more than 3 songs may incur a small music editing fee) Multiple songs will usually require a greater number of lessons.

What times can we book? When are the lessons?

We fit into your busy schedule, weekday nights and weekends are most popular but we will be able to find an instructor if you prefer a weekday lesson. Evenings and weekends get booked up quickly, so contact us well in advance if you have time restrictions for your lessons. On weeknights you can expect either a 6pm or 8pm lesson, or weekend lessons are anytime between 10am and 6pm. Contact us to find out our availability.

When should we start our lessons?

The earlier you start, the more time you have to refine and finesse your moves. We recommend having your final lesson no less than two weeks from the big day when learning new steps. If you have months to prepare then you can decide if you would like your lessons spread out over a few months, giving you lots of time to practice in between each lesson, or if you would rather start closer to the wedding and have the lessons weekly or fortnightly, so you have time to consolidate between lessons.

If your wedding is close, we can still help out with some last-minute lessons that will definitely help you feel more prepared and confident. For anything under 2/3 weeks away please call 0203 051 3111 to check availability right away.

What do we wear for the lessons?

Feel free to dress comfortably. Our instructors wear activewear as we like to keep this casual, and is easy to demonstrate in. We recommend you wear your wedding shoes (or similar) in the lessons. If you are having multiple lessons and would like to learn the new steps in something more comfortable like socks or trainers, that is completely fine, as long as you have enough time practising in the shoes you will be wearing on the day. This is also for men as much as ladies, it is important to break in your new shoes before the wedding day so there’s no risk of blisters on the day.

Is full prepayment required to secure my booking? Do I need to pay a deposit?

If your lessons are under a month away then we will need the full amount to secure your booking. If you have booked months in advance then you are only required to pay a deposit to secure your lesson dates. The remainder of the amount is due before your first lesson. Please speak to us if you need other payment options.

What areas do you cover?

We are lucky to have wonderful teachers all over! In Central London, Greater London, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and East Riding, Oxfordshire and Kent.

Have any other questions? Feel free to contact us below…