Planning your Southern California wedding is a beautiful journey, and among the many cherished moments, your first dance holds a spotlight. If the thought of it fills you with a mix of excitement and perhaps a touch of nerves, I get you. Fortunately LA is home to an abundance of first dance choreographers who’ll hold your hand (literally!) through getting there. Here’s one of my favorites (and my studio of choice when I want a ballroom or swing dance brush up that comes with big bear hugs!) By Your Side Dance Studio in Marina Del Rey. (Just down the road from my painting studio in santa monica.)

The glistening airy ballroom of By Your Side’s Marina Del Rey Studio
When you want loving support to get you to your big day, By Your Side has you covered. Their studio radiates warmth, and their instructors are incredibly adept at guiding couples of all skill levels. You’ll choose your song, share your vision, and they’ll craft a personalized routine that beautifully reflects your unique connection. Each lesson becomes a delightful shared experience, filled with laughter and a growing confidence. By your wedding day, you’ll be ready to glide across the floor with grace and genuine joy! My partner and I went in as new students in group classes years ago, and have been made to feel like family on every visit and every interaction with their team.
And speaking of a great first dance, here are a few little tips to make it even more special: Choose a song that truly speaks to your hearts – one that tells your story. Be sure to practice in your actual wedding shoes (or something similar!) to get comfortable. Most importantly, remember to breathe, smile, and soak in every single second with your new spouse. It’s about the feeling, not perfection!
Okay, so now you’re seeing yourself shining on your reception dance floor. Let’s take it a step further: imagine preserving that exquisite first dance moment forever, not just in photographs, but as a living work of art. This is where colorful live Wedding painting takes it to the next level. As you take to the dance floor, I capture the scene in real-time, impressionistic brushstrokes.. catching not just what your guests see, but what you feel! The result is vibrant, romantic, and imbued with the very essence of your celebration.
And the guest experience? So fun. Your loved ones won’t move on after they’ve finished watching you dance; they’ll continue to be mesmerized by the artistry unfolding before their eyes. Out loud, you hear “woah, that’s this!” as they see the scene around them magically appear on canvas. It’s a unique blend of entertainment and art that adds an unforgettable layer to your reception. It’s a beautiful shared moment for everyone present.

When you bring home the completed painting, it will be more than art; it will be a vivid reminder of that pure, heartfelt connection.
Learn more about getting your own wedding first dance painting.
Learn more about first dance choreography with by your side.