The first dance can be one of the most anticipated moments of a wedding reception—and one of the most nerve-racking for couples who aren't accustomed to dancing in front of an audience. In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich sits down with Nela Menéndez, owner of St. Paul-based Nela Dance, to discuss how professional dance lessons can help couples prepare for their moment on the floor, from learning a few comfortable steps to mastering an elaborate choreographed routine.

With a dance background stretching back to childhood, Menéndez brings years of movement and performance experience to her work with engaged couples. She begins with a 30-minute consultation to learn about their goals, comfort levels and previous experience. Lessons take place in her studio, generally in one-hour sessions once or twice a week, with choreography tailored to each couple's abilities.

So how many lessons does a couple actually need? According to Menéndez, four sessions can be enough to learn a few simple steps and feel more comfortable moving together. Couples hoping to incorporate dips or other flourishes may want approximately six lessons, while a more elaborate performance featuring lifts, poses and multiple tricks can require at least 12. For longer routines, she recommends allowing enough time to practice over several weeks or months.

Song selection is another important part of the process. Menéndez encourages couples to choose music they genuinely love, whether that means a traditional waltz, an upbeat salsa or bachata number, or a surprise transition into hip-hop. She can also incorporate a favorite song into a remix, giving couples room to experiment with different styles while keeping the performance personal.

For partners with different levels of dance experience, Menéndez adjusts the choreography so both people can participate confidently. She finds that the first lesson is often the most intimidating, with many beginners growing noticeably more comfortable by their third session. Her services extend to father-daughter dances, wedding-party performances and even choreographed dance battles between the newlyweds.

Ultimately, Menéndez encourages couples to enjoy the process of preparing for their first dance. Amid the appointments and decisions that fill the months before a wedding, rehearsals offer an opportunity to spend time together, learn something new and build confidence ahead of the celebration.

This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films, Nela Dance and Minnesota Bride.

The first dance can be one of the most anticipated moments of a wedding reception—and one of the most nerve-racking for couples who aren't accustomed to dancing in front of an audience. In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich sits down with Nela Menéndez, owner of St. Paul-based Nela Dance, to discuss how professional dance lessons can help couples prepare for their moment on the floor, from learning a few comfortable steps to mastering an elaborate choreographed routine.

With a dance background stretching back to childhood, Menéndez brings years of movement and performance experience to her work with engaged couples. She begins with a 30-minute consultation to learn about their goals, comfort levels and previous experience. Lessons take place in her studio, generally in one-hour sessions once or twice a week, with choreography tailored to each couple's abilities.

So how many lessons does a couple actually need? According to Menéndez, four sessions can be enough to learn a few simple steps and feel more comfortable moving together. Couples hoping to incorporate dips or other flourishes may want approximately six lessons, while a more elaborate performance featuring lifts, poses and multiple tricks can require at least 12. For longer routines, she recommends allowing enough time to practice over several weeks or months.

Song selection is another important part of the process. Menéndez encourages couples to choose music they genuinely love, whether that means a traditional waltz, an upbeat salsa or bachata number, or a surprise transition into hip-hop. She can also incorporate a favorite song into a remix, giving couples room to experiment with different styles while keeping the performance personal.

For partners with different levels of dance experience, Menéndez adjusts the choreography so both people can participate confidently. She finds that the first lesson is often the most intimidating, with many beginners growing noticeably more comfortable by their third session. Her services extend to father-daughter dances, wedding-party performances and even choreographed dance battles between the newlyweds.

Ultimately, Menéndez encourages couples to enjoy the process of preparing for their first dance. Amid the appointments and decisions that fill the months before a wedding, rehearsals offer an opportunity to spend time together, learn something new and build confidence ahead of the celebration.

This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films, Nela Dance and Minnesota Bride.