Yeah!!!! I’m so excited, this has been something I’ve been trying to get going for a couple months now! I have 4 more business already set up, but the first feature HAD to be my good friends over at Elegant Dance Company!

I first met Kathleen and Antonio on Valentine’s Day earlier this year. They had run a Groupon and my NOW fiance had caught on that I would love to go dancing with him and so bought one. He planned this whole elaborate evening where we went to P.F. Chang’s for dinner (YUM), then he went and spent WAY too much money to get me a box of Godiva Chocolate Covered Strawberries (quadruple YUM!!! and no I did not eat them all that night lol), and finally we ended up in Simpsonville at the studio of Elegant Dance Company. We first met Antonio and he was so open and friendly made us feel comfortable right away. We had a song and he allowed us to plug it into his system and he made up the dance and taught us the steps as we went along!!!! He was so great, so many other dance studios would have had some basic lessons for such a deal, but not him! Kathleen came in a little later and was sooo sweet we really all hit it off! Allen of course my ever thoughtful honorary VP of Marketing beat me to the punch in telling them I was  a photographer and ran out to the car to show them some samples. They were very sweet to talk with us even though at 10pm I knew they had to be tired!

lovely Kathleen

Handsome Antonio

That night I evidently was supposed to get engaged there, but because my ring was custom designed it took a little while longer to get finished lol. In fact he had it all planned out! They include a small bottle of wine from local winery- City Scape Winery (check back next week for my interview with them!) when you have your first private dance lesson and Allen worked with them to have a custom designed label put on the bottle asking me to marry him!!! (I know, I know AWE right?!) Unfortunately I didn’t get to see the bottle that night and fortunately I didn’t push to open the bag either (Allen tried really hard to keep it a surprise, and it was lol), but when he finally did propose he then gave me the bottle and it’s awesome! Kathleen and Antonio were a little disappointed they didn’t get to see the ring though lol.

Well since then I have gotten together with this amazing couple numerous times for events like the PAWS Zumbathon, Get Motivated! Seminar, and Sippin’ in Simpsonville (where I got to meet Antonio’s super fun parents!). They even were one of my first Love Letters stories.
Ok well enough of my ramblings, it’s time to learn more about them!

Names- Antonio and Kathleen Bernal with Elegant Dance Company
Location- 109 E. Curtis Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Email- info@ElegantDanceCompany.com
Website- http://www.ElegantDanceCompany.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/elegantdancecompany
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/elegantdanceco
Phone- 864.787.6006
Q. How long have you been in the Upstate area? 4 years

Q. How long have you been… (whatever your industry is)? How did you become interested in working in the wedding industry? Where did you get your training and/or experience?

Being a native of Panama, Antonio has been dancing since early childhood, with the popular Latin dances. In college at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, he often would demonstrate his dancing skills at events and also with the Alabama Hispanic Association. He also would encourage dancing by teaching the dances to the members of the International Group. A few years later, Antonio started training with top professionals in the ballroom dancing industry, learning more in-depth teachings of the Latin dances and also the art of the Smooth and Rhythm dances. The wedding industry basically worked its way into the business when we started noticing how uncomfortable newly married couples were with the First Dance. Although they were celebrating one of the happiest days of their lives, they were probably feeling the most self-conscious than they had ever felt in their lives. We decided then that it was important for us to at least offer our services to help prepare for the First Dance.

Dancing Latin style

Q. What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
It is very rewarding to see someone’s confidence boost once they learn a new step or move. It’s that feeling of accomplishment and moving out of the comfort zone that provides just a few of the many benefits of learning how to dance.

They love to just hang out at the park.

Q. What unique quality do you possess that sets you apart from others in your industry?
All of our services are backed with our welcoming personalities and the fun-factor. A foxtrot can be a foxtrot, and a cha cha can be a cha cha. But, the experience while you are learning it is what sets us apart. We understand that dancing is not just about learning the steps, but the emotions that come with it that matter.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you can offer to brides/couples for their wedding day?
Really prepare for your First Dance! So many details are looked at when planning a wedding, with the exception of the approximate 3 minutes of the First Dance. It is often “winged” or “prom-swayed”. If this occurs, 3 minutes can feel more like an hour on the floor with everyone watching you. It can make the whole experience uncomfortable and even worse…dreaded. No part of your wedding day should be dreaded. So, please, even if you don’t book a wedding dance preparation class with Elegant Dance, at least practice what you’re going to do a little before the actual big day.

Q. What current wedding trend do you most like?
We love that more and more couples are starting to utilize the opportunity to have a lot of fun with their Last Dance. It’s their opportunity to really just let loose, have fun, and show off a little as a couple.

Q. What inspires you?
We’re very inspired by others who are successful, humble, and well-rounded; not only professionally, but also spiritually and emotionally. This is all that we can inspire to be.

I love this image, such love!

Q. How do you keep each wedding fresh and exciting?
Each wedding is different because of the people involved. Therefore, each choreography is different just because they are tailored to the individuals. Even if we tried, no two people would ever have the same First Dance.

If you could compile a wedding faves list, what would be your:

Q. Favorite wedding song? “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Collait (sp?)
Q. Must-use flower? Lily and Gardenia
Q. Menu item? Chocolate-covered strawberries (Mary says she couldn’t agree more!)
Q. Drink? Champagne fountain
Q. Cake flavor? Chocolate
Q. Color combo? Brown, Teale, and Purple

This image can be seen in their studio. When You walk in, just look straight back and you can't miss it!

Learning more about ya!
Q. Besides (your business), what else do you do with your time?
Watch movies, exercise, road trips

Q. What are 3 things you can’t live without?
Lazy days, beach trips, chocolate (for Kathleen)

Q. Where is your favorite place in the upstate, the world? If you could go anywhere/ do anything what would you do?
We love downtown Greenville. One day we’d like to backpack Europe.

Q. What cause is most dear to your heart?
We support the United States Humane Society and Relay 4 Life

Love this...

Well I hope you enjoyed this first Featured Business Friday and I look forward to sharing more local businesses with you! Don’t forget to tell Antonio and Kathleen Mary sent you! They didn’t really mention it above either since this was focused on weddings, but Kathleen also teaches Zumba there, which is a great way to tone up brides!

Also…there’s a workshop to prepare for the First Dance at Elegant Dance on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10am – 12pm. The cost is $20 per person or free with the VIP membership. If you’d like more information just check out the website: www.elegantdancecompany.com or you can call 864.787.6006. Pre-registration is required for this class, because there are spots for only 10 couples.

PS. Yes, Allen and I will be using Elegant Dance Company for our first dance when we have our big wedding in 2013!