The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens sits at the heart of the Medieval city of Wells
Steeped in history, The Bishop's Palace and Gardens sits at the heart...
I think it's important to point out straight away that I have never danced in my life. Well, I did ballet classes until the grand age of five, but other than that a shimmy on the dancefloor cocktail-in-hand is as close as it gets. I was excited to meet the lovely Steph Kelsall in person, so when she offered to give me a dance lesson I agreed without hesitation, but as the day drew close, the nerves set in. I was going to have to bust out some moves in front of a professional dancer – and she's not just any professional dancer. Steph worked in New York for three years for a company owned by the pros of Dancing With The Stars (America's Strictly Come Dancing). She was the most booked female dancer in the company where she choreographed shows, created first-dance routines and competed. She also appeared on ABC News as a specialist in a segment on wedding etiquette, where the news anchor was so impressed that Steph ended up choreographing her wedding dance. So as you can imagine, it was pretty intimidating!
I absolutely shouldn't have worried though. As soon as Cal (my husband, who I dragged along) and I walked through the door of the private dance studio, Steph's infectious smile and friendly personality made us totally at ease. Following a chat a few days previously, Steph had lined up two songs for us to dance to – You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry and Happy Together by The Turtles – two songs Cal and I had chosen for our own wedding. We started with a box step, or America rumba. Once we got the basic moves nailed Steph soon got us sashaying across the floor in the perfect hold – Craig Revel Horwood would be so proud! We even got to a stage in just over half an hour where we were adding in little spins, leans and turns, which would definitely get the crowd cheering if it were a first dance!
We soon moved on to the rock step. A bit more lively, with Steph's expert guidance it soon felt like something clicked and we were moving to the music, doing the dips and working the room – all at the same time! I could just imagine how incredible it would be performing it on your wedding day in front of family and friends. But best of all, it was so much fun, and I could see how having a weekly practice session with your other half would give you a chance to connect and spend time together away from the pressures of normal life and wed-min.
Cal and I certainly caught the bug. We even performed for the dog when we got home and sent a video to Steph to show our progress – like the good little students we are!
Find out more at www.kelsallchoreo.com
Image courtesy of www.kellyboitano.com