The Best Wedding Choreographers in Sarasota 2025
It's true – love can strike anywhere. A soft glance at a restaurant, a connection on the ballroom floor, or a charming comment in the grocery store. It can strike at any time, too. Shakespeare may have been fond of the Spring. And rightly so. There's something about the "springtime, the only pretty ring time, When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding; Sweet lovers love the spring."
And in the warmer climate of southwest Florida, it's springtime 75% of the year. We'd argue there's no better place to fall in love and tie the knot!
Yes, Sarasota is home to many star-crossed lovers. It's also home to some of the best dancing in the United States. The arts and cultural scene is vibrant here with hundreds of dance instructors and academies. For that reason, if you're planning to celebrate your nuptials anywhere near Sarasota and Bradenton, or Tampa and Saint Pete, you must take advantage of the talent this area has to offer and choreograph your wedding dance!
With so many options, narrowing your choices can feel daunting. But, don't fret! We've compiled the top three wedding choreographers in Sarasota with real-world experience across multiple dance styles.
Why Sarasota Couples Are Choosing Wedding Dance Lessons for Their Big Day!
Before we reveal the list, let's quickly discuss the benefits of wedding dance lessons: confidence, coordination, and guest impressions.
- Confidence: Let's be real. The last thing you want on your wedding day is a mediocre dance performance. Online lesson videos can help, but they only go so far. What you need is a professional instructor guiding you through the proper steps and creating a custom choreographed dance routine specifically for you and your partner.
- Coordination: From the song choice to the style of dance, from the timing to the ability of you and your partner, a choreographed wedding dance has many elements to combine for your big day. Take the stress out of it all and rest in the expertise of the best instructors.
- Guest Impression: Yes, it's your big day, and it's all about you and your partner. But we'd be dishonest to say that our guests don't matter, right? After all, you've invited them to share in your love, joy, and commitment. Why not wow them with an impressive, choreographed first dance?
The beauty and benefit of hiring a choreographer is the ability to tailor the dance to your own story, your own skill level, and your own theme and location. It saves you time and stress!
How to Choose the Best Wedding Dance Choreographer
While Sarasota and the surrounding areas has many choices for dance instructors, not all of them are created equally. Not all dance instructors are choreographers. In fact, many instructors who advertise choreography may simply be reselling old dance patterns. You want a professional choreographer with years of experience and professional credentials.
What to Look for in a Wedding Dance Instructor?
- Specialization in Wedding Choreography:
At the very least, you want an instructor who specializes in partner dance or wedding choreography. Ideally, (s)he should have years of ballroom dancing experience at a competitive level. The best choreographers work with professional and amateur dancers regularly, creating routines as part of their livelihood. - Client Testimonials and Reviews:
It goes without saying that if your instructor doesn't have good reviews, you may want to keep looking. Many dance instructors get a bad reputation for being too critical, unprofessional, or inexperienced. Your choreographer should exude patience, creativity, and professionalism. - Flexibility in Style and Schedule:
It shouldn't matter what your preference in dance style is: hip-hop, tango, salsa, or contemporary. A good choreographer will blend as much styling as you want, or keep it pure to the style you prefer. Scheduling shouldn't be a hassle either. We all have work and life to do, so be sure your choreographer is available in the evenings or weekends if you need it. - Pricing and Package Options:
Weddings can get pricey, we understand. But before you decide to cut corners in your budget and forego the dance choreography, keep in mind that it's much more affordable than you might think. Many instructors have special pricing packages just for couples. So be sure to ask for them! Dance lessons will be the most fun you'll have leading up to the big day!
The Top Three Wedding Dance Instructors in Sarasota/Bradenton for 2025
Alright! It's the moment you've all been waiting for: the top three wedding choreographers in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton for 2025! Let's get right to the #1!
#1 - Kakha Turiashvili
Kakha takes the #1 spot on our list, even though he is a newcomer to the Sarasota area. Despite just moving to the area in 2024, he's got a long list of accomplishments in choreography and partner-work.
After relocating to the U.S. in 2015, Kakha became a top-tier instructor at Dance With Me in Connecticut. From 2016 to 2024, he built a considerable Pro/Am academy, partnering with his students to compete in the Pro/Am category in the United States and abroad. He's been so successful as a teacher that he's won the Top Teacher award for seven years straight at the Ohio Star Ball, First Coast Classic, Grand Nationals, Constitution State Dancesport, Paragon Dancesport, and Tri-State Championships.
Kakha offers private wedding choreography lessons, group packages, and rehearsal visits. He's based out of SouL Dance Studio in Lakewood Ranch.
#2 - Sanda Lungu
Sanda should be tied for our #1 spot as she's truly a choreography genius. She's worked with countless couples to create wedding day masterpieces that will make your jaw drop. In fact, dance academies from as far away as Jacksonville bring her in regularly to offer choreography sessions.
As a classically trained ballet and ballroom dancer with over 20 years of professional dancing, choreography, and coaching experience, Sanda's work has spanned multiple continents and styles of dancing.
Even better, she has consistent 5.0-star reviews and recommendations on Google from her students, many of whom mention her patience and deep expertise. Sanda owns SouL Dance Studio in Sarasota.
#3 Amanda Parekh
While Amanda isn't 100% native to Sarasota, if you're looking for a solid wedding choreographer closer to Tampa, she's got you covered.
Amanda grew up with training in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, then transitioned to teaching dance after college. She got her start in wedding choreography after her own wedding photographer asked her to choreograph her first dance.
She has numerous client reviews and a consistently high rating on theknot.com's wedding recommendations list.
How to Work with a Choreographer
It's quite simple. All you have to do is reach out and discuss scheduling. Be sure to ask about package discounts (you might even want a daddy-daughter dance!). Ask about how many lessons to plan for.
Preparing for Your First Session
Bring a list of songs you want to consider dancing to and share your vision! Bring comfortable clothes and shoes. The choreographer will likely ask a lot of questions and take you through a few different styles to see what fits you best.
Don't forget! Practice makes perfect. Even though you're working with a choreographer, you and your partner should be practicing at home!
Trends in Wedding Dances for 2025
When everyone thinks of traditional wedding dances, they usually think of the slow waltz. However, 2025 is bringing about exciting new trends that blend flair, creativity, and styles. Here are a few things to watch out for this year:
Popular First-Dance Songs for 2025
Music is obviously the most important piece of the wedding choreography. Without it, what would you be dancing to? Here are some top picks for 2025:
- “Golden Hour” by JVKE: this surreal, piano-based YouTube hit has been a big favorite lately. It sounds magical.
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Acoustic Version) by Haley Reinhart: Such an oldie but goodie, this fresh take on an old classic is always sure to please.
- “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis: Perfect for lovers, this one is really emotional and pulls at your heartstrings.
- “Lover (First Dance Remix)” by Taylor Swift: What list would be complete without a Taylor Swift ballad, right? She does a great job modernizing this old classic.
Emerging Styles and Themes for Choreographed Wedding Dances
- Prop Integration
This sounds fun, doesn't it? Veils, hats, and even sparklers can be used in your wedding dance! Why not get creative? The best Sarasota choreographers are helping couples incorporate fun props to elevate ordinary routines. - Fusion Dances
Ever heard of a Tango-Waltz-Hip-Hop-Swing? We haven't either. But who's to say it doesn't exist? It's your wedding day, and you can blend whatever styles you want! - Group Dances
Get the whole wedding party involved. New trends in wedding dances involve group routines like surprise family dances. Everybody loves a good flash mob or groomsmen break dance. - Storytelling through Dance
More and more couples are using dance to narrate their love story. These are often playful, intimate, and coordinated routines that symbolize milestones in the relationship, like a first date or engagement.
The Best of Wedding Choreographers in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa Areas
In closing, don't let your special day go blandly into that good night. Spice things up with a lively dance or two so that your guests remember it as specially as you do. But don't wait! It takes time to learn those moves. Reach out and book early.
Oh, and let us know if we can help. We'd love to discuss your wedding day plans and be a part of your joy!
