Where and how to cut a rug

I went to a wedding where the bride and groom had their own special first dance.

They'd learned a little salsa routine, and guests were delighted.

Jillian Forbath, owner of Our Wedding Dance, helps dozens of couples prepare something unique for their big day.

"I've had clients from as far away as Australia and France," she said.

"A recent couple learned a montage of different styles for a 4-minute routine. We incorporated moves to rap, Elvis, swing and more."

Couples usually sign up for five lessons, and Forbath suggests they allow plenty of time before the wedding to get it done.

"I want to make sure the man can lead, and the lady can follow," she said.

Our Wedding Dance is at 4220 Scott Place, near MacArthur Boulevard, in Newport Beach.

Hours: By appointment only. Information: 949-400-7347 or www.ourweddingdance.com.

Plan a dance party

Our Wedding Dance operates in one of the studios of Avant Garde Ballroom.

Here, you can take group lessons and even hold your own party in a large 2,500-square-foot ballroom!

Invite all of your friends and dance the night away.

If you're looking for a smaller space for that special function, there are 1,000-and 2,000-foot spaces available.

Ask about professional catering while you're at it.

Dance workshops, children's classes and a boutique called Strictly Ballroom Dance Apparel, filled with just the right attire, are right there.

Whether you're in the mood to learn swing, the hustle or the perfect tango – get your dancing shoes on, and give it a whirl.

Owner Andre Bonderman has owned the studio since 1997.

Avant Garde Ballroom is at 4220 Scott Place, near MacArthur Boulevard, in Newport Beach.

Hours: By appointment only. Information: 949-442-7600 or www.avantgardeballroom.com.

Keeping you on your toes

If you're going to dance, you need the right footwear. Anthony Fung, owner of Box Step Dance Shoes has 64 styles to choose from.

They have a wide variety of sizes and styles, including Latin, salsa, swing, ballroom and more, to make your feet danceable.

Fung, a competitive ballroom dancer, also owns Clubone Studio, where you can learn to dance, dance, dance.

Looking to get fit? This studio offers cha-cha fitness classes and even crash courses on how to dance at your next social event.

"We have over 8,500 square feet of ballroom space," said the affable Fung. "Come and check it out."

Box Step Dance Shoes and Clubone Studio are at 3195 Redhill Ave., near Pullman Street, in Costa Mesa.

Hours: 1 p.m. to 12 a.m., Monday through Saturday; 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday.

Information: 714-437-1800, www.box-step.com or www.clubonestudio.com.

Contact columnist Eva Kilgore at evakilgore@aol.com.