We’ve had the honor of working with Dance with Chad, not just once but a few times with some of our Scottsdale, Chandler and Phoenix clienteles. If I must say, having a choreographed dance makes one heck of a first impression to all who attended the celebration. You cannot go wrong having Chad show you a move or two.
Tell us about your Dance with Chad…
What can I say: We teach people how to move naturally, that there is no such thing as “no rhythm, two left feet” etc. We can teach anyone if they are willing… for their wedding, for their lives, for themselves for each other.
How did you get started in the wedding business?
By “accident” – it just happened. I was one of only 2 people in Arizona willing to work with wedding couples as they were viewed as a one shot deal. A friend also then took me to one of Phoenix’s Bridal Shows and arranged for us to dance on stage as no one else wanted to “waste” their time . . . It became the first of thousands of dances and until now, a private healing, as we, myself and my late wife, never got our first dance in this lifetime… So it’s a journey to give wedding couples just that, which they want, and now I have someone on stage with me that reminds me of a gift we have to offer.
What makes Dance with Chad different from other businesses in the field?
We don’t do sales pitches, gimmicks, “free” things that end up costing a lot later. We teach solid principles based on movement quality – we help people learn what they are responsible for and to allow their partner to grow and encourage them. We give couples what they want with THEIR song . . . THEIR dreams … vs. imposing and hard selling.
Why do you like working with weddings? –
It’s a new “fresh” start to life… to the relationship and sometimes to self. Often times we are the only thing that is JUST about the wedding couple and seeing them develop skills that bring them closer together, perhaps even heal old wounds and improve their lives is rewarding.
What was the most difficult situation you have faced with a client and how did you resolve it?
When they fight. They’re “getting married” – supposed to be treating one another well and in love. After effort after effort, I found myself “Scolding” them thinking for sure they’d quit. Not only did they not quit, they thanked us for caring, for the “life-coaching.” It was harder on me than on them, they appreciated that we cared enough to speak the truth – I shared how sad it was to see them treating one another so badly to be more respectful in the presence of someone who has lost their spouse.
From a vendor’s perspective, what’s the best piece of advice you can give to engaged couples?
Treat one another well, remember you are the team that counts. Keep Your wants, Your needs, Your budget a priority, design a life together that begins with a very special day followed by more wonderful days together… One day is the beginning not the be all and end all. Create your LIFE, not just one day and they forget why you came together. Many people stop dancing once they get married, they forget to continue dating and nurturing the relationship.
What or who motivates you?
Depends . . . when I am not injured, my own love of what I do and who I chose to be. When I am hurt or down . . . my good friends and people that believe in me.
What do you do when you are not working?
I’ve looked to make my life enjoyable so that work is not a four letter word, so whether I am getting “paid” or not that I don’t feel I have to escape. But . . . like you and like many, spending time with loved ones, special people, doing new things . . .
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
That I once very much struggled with dance until I found the right teacher(s). I was also shy. I still continue to learn and improve myself on and off the dance floor.