How to Pull Off an Epic Surprise Dance - Chris & Nicolle's First Dance at Red Barn Villa

When Chris & Nicolle came to me asking me to choreograph their first dance, they knew they wanted two things: a slow dance to the song Chris proposed to Nicolle with ("Heart Attack" by Wild Rivers ) and then a surprise hip hop routine to turn things up. They asked for recommendations on the hip hop song but I urged them to think on it a bit more first to see if they were drawn to any song in particular. They eventually landed on "Hot in Herre" by Nelly . I had my music editor create a mix for them, shortening both songs and stitching them together, and then we jumped into learning.

I immediately noticed something different about Chris & Nicolle. Their chemistry was off the charts. Not only their connection romantically but the way they clicked as they moved and danced together. As I watched them learn, process and work through difficult moments in their dance I felt like they were the ultimate partnership - truly soulmates. In addition to that, Nicolle had killer technique from previous dance experience and while Chris had no formal dance training it was clear from day one that he loved dancing and had natural talent too. And they were both ready to put in the time to make their routine a special one. The perfect combination and a dream for me to work with.

So as we finished up learning their waltz to the first song in their mix and moved to their hip hop number I started chewing on the possibility of throwing something crazy at them. Something super difficult. I wanted them to try doing a partner back flip together - a trick I'd never ever even suggested to another couple. Based on their skills and commitment I really felt confident that they could conquer it. But would they want to? I came into that practice fully prepared for them to say "no thanks". And instead, when I first mentioned it Nicolle exclaimed "YES!" super enthusiastically...which really caught me off guard because almost always when I suggest a daring move to my couples it's the guy who's super into it and the girl who's hesitant. As soon as I heard her response I knew they could tackle it...even as Chris glanced in my direction, somewhat skeptically.

 These two not only mastered the partner back flip in their routine but everything I threw at them (you can watch a reel of their final practice on Instagram HERE ). And although neither of them had formal hip hop training, they managed to make their hip hop routine look like they'd be studying for years. Chris did something that perplexed me at first and was fairly unusual during our hip hop sessions. When he'd pick his foot up off the ground he'd point it! I couldn't figure it out for the life of me because any dance teacher will tell you that getting a beginner dancer of any age to point their foot is really challenging, no matter what genre you're teaching. However Chris eventually pinpointed (no pun intended) that his baseball training had ingrained this in him. And we had to work to undo that awesome point, all for the sake of a little hip hop.

Chris & Nicolle fully committed not only to their dance but also to their performance, really hamming it up with the facial expressions. We focused on weaving some humor into their hip hop routine too to bring out their fun personalities. And that combination along with them choosing two songs that they felt really connected with resulted in a show stopper. Please enjoy a couple more photos below of their stand out dance and day.

Vendors:

Venue: Red Barn Villa

Planner: Totem Weddings and Events

Photographer: Brianne Elizabeth Photography 

Florals: Songbird Floristry

Dress: Charlottes Weddings 

Dance Choreography: PNW Wedding Dance