Wedding Planning
Make your dreams come true! Picture yourself floating across the dancefloor confidently and comfortably on your wedding day. Your friends and family will be in awe as he dips you back and seals the moment with a kiss.
You will learn the proper way to hold each other, secret signals for lead & follow, how to enter and exit the dancefloor.
( Photo at right of your instructor, Shannon & Peter on their wedding day!)
Keep Scrolling Down For Pricing Information
Answers to Frequently asked Questions
Google Map to DanceSport 12535 Lake City Way NE Seattle 98125
Learn the easy way
Romantic Ballroom dancing is back! Private lessons are the fastest and easiest way to reach your goal. It is also a nice date activity for you to do with your fiance. The goal is to make you look good! The first thing to do is pick a song. We will start with something simple and romantic. It is my job to help you both feel comfortable. We will not make a huge production dance number, unless you ask for it!
We have photo albums of many of our happy couples and thank you notes from Grooms surprised at how much fun they had and Brides saying that they had "picture perfect " weddings.
I will be on VH1s Fabulous Weddings 2006 teaching Suneel & Natasha their dance.
Your instructor will consult with you about your choice of music and teach you choreography especially suited to your tastes and talents.
Most modern day grooms want to look and feel confident and will be put at ease by Shannon's easygoing humor. Photo at top Right and Below of Shannon & Peter on our wedding day! We danced a Rumba!
Scroll Down for more info!
Packages, Prices and Policies
I started specializing in teaching wedding couples in 1992.
My consultant clients include Solomon Events, Sonsational Events, Columbia Tower Club,Weddings by Wendy, TheKnot.com, Seattle Tennis Club and more.
I am recommended in the "FUN FINDS" section of www.junebugweddings.com Great Website for local vendors, referrals only!
Answers to Frequently asked Questions PLEASE Read this!
The First Dance
off of I-5 Exit 174 in North Seattle
*Yes, I make housecalls too, Please inquire about rates.
email Shannon
List of Songs for Wedding Dance
A few of My Favorite Wedding Songs & Artists Summer 2007
Michael Buble', John Legend, Be Good Tonyas, Al Green- Stay Together, Edwin McCain- I'll Be, Pink Martini,
Our Banquet Event Guide Advert
Please send an email to Shannon
including your wedding date. Private lessons located at Dancesport International , 12535 Lake City Way N.E, Seattle
Share the fun
How about a group lesson for your wedding party? a lesson can be scheduled at our studio in a private room or Shannon can come to your party, rehearsal or reception. Instructors can work with your band or DJ to provide entertainment style instruction.
Hi, I am Shannon
I am THE WEDDING Dance Specialist in Seattle since 1992.
I always bring my sense of humor to the lessons! Don't worry! I enjoy watching Dancing With The Stars but I don't think that you would want your own dance to be that over the top at your wedding. Feel free to call me for a phone consultation. I am very experienced in all dances and most types of music. It is my goal to listen to you and adapt to find a dance style that is suitable for your personality. I will not try to make you into something you are not. I especially enjoy working with fun couples and making partner dancing a great way for them to show off their teamwork.
You will be discriminating with everyone else you hire for your wedding,you should be as picky with your dance instructor.
There are no hidden costs or time wasting sales pitches on your lessons. I am up front with my prices and everyone gets the same deal. I will NOT try to sell you contract memberships or "included" groups and parties. Some places offer cheap ?Introductory Specials? These are NOT designed to teach you to dance, they are a sales procedure. I will not waste your time with these.
Of course other dance studios will take your money but that doesn't mean they really want you to learn to dance in so few lessons.
I have watched other teachers try to teach a Rumba or a Waltz even if it doesn't match the music. It is painful for me to watch the looks of disappointment on their couple's faces as they don't get it.
In the busy wedding season my evenings are completely booked because so much of my business is repeats or referrals.
Sincerely
Shannon Knauss
206-533-8855
danceexperts@aol.com
Here are some letters of reference
- Shannon,
The highlight of my wedding day was our first dance! The dance lessonsleading up to the wedding were so much fun. We were both so excited to surprise everyone with everything we had learned. Brandon was confident and I just let him lead me through to a perfect ending. Everyone stood up clapping, cheering and some were even crying! At the end of the night we both agreed the dance was one of the most romantic and exciting moments of the whole wedding!
Thank you so much for an amazing dance,
Erin and Brandon Curtis
- Hi Shannon, You would have been proud!! Telli and Kelli pulled off their dance with cheers from their friends who were all gathered around the floor. The beginning of the dance fit them so well and at each spin or flourish (the matador, the bits of swing, the slow turn around, the dip and kiss) the onlookers whistled, clapped and cheered some more. Telli and Kelli loved every minute and Doug and I smilled and felt proud. It was great! Thank you so much for all your help. Will send pictures when we see them..... k
- Thanks a million, Shannon!
Thank you very much for your lessons! You are a great teacher and know how to have fun with your students.
Best of luck in your career! Rodica & Chip
- Hi Shannon,
I created a wedding album online and attached the pic of the "dancing
page".If you would like me to give you a print of any dance pics to put upin your studio, I'd be happy to. Just let me know.
Again, thanks SO much for all your help! The lessons with you were
some of the most fun memories of the wedding preparation.
Rachel and Tyler Ainsworth
- Shannon is an incredible teacher for all ages and abilities. Before our younger daughter's wedding, we bought group dance lessons for our whole family. That included our daughter and her fiance and our older daughter and her husband and my husband and I. With such differences in ages and varying levels of grace and ability, I worried about everybody enjoying the experience. No worries! All of us enjoyed Shannon's professionalism and sense of humor. We had a great time at the lessons and a great time strutting our new steps at the wedding. We think it is one of the best family presents we've ever given. We plan to take more lessons from Shannon again soon.
Katherine Young (Mother of Megan)
- Shannon immediately eliminated our "first dance" jitters. Her bubbly personality, coupled with her expertise, made our dance lessons so much more than just learning the steps - they were actually FUN! I would refer anyone and everyone to her for their lessons, and I will never forget the ease that we felt during our first dance on our wedding day.
Katie Britt
- We very much enjoyed our first lesson with Dance Experts, and are looking forward to our next 2.
The lessons are at a very nice pace, and we have a lot of confidence in Shannon, our instructor.
Dance Experts is an excellent selection for first song wedding dance choreography.
-- Hailey Smith & Peter Houtrouw
- Dear Shannon,
We can't thank you enough for helping us with our wedding day dance. Our dance to the Rolling Stones Honky Tonk Woman was a complete success. Our friends and family were shocked that my new husband FINALLY learned how to dance. We got so many compliments thanks to you. I will highly recommend you to others. If you can teach my husband to dance, you can teach ANYONE!
Katie Simon (formerly Salinas)
- Shannon was the perfect choreographer for us. We picked a Michael Buble' song and Shannon knew every word. She really helped us to hit the highlights of the music and everyone loved our dance.
--Jennifer & Nick Wells
- Dear Shannon,
Thank you for saving the day. We were so discouraged after our first attempt at dance lessons we thought we might not even dance.
After convincing Jim to give it a try with a "wedding teacher" we were so glad to have met you. You were so much more in tune with us and how we would like to look for our wedding.
We are happy to give others this recommendation, don't waste your time with anyone else, Shannon is the best!
Sincerely, Brianna & Jim Nelson
Bride & Groom 
Packages & Prices
We have developed private lesson only packages especially for the bride & groom focusing on you and your special event.
email Shannon
Keep scrolling down for more options.
Package #1 "Crash Course"
Three Private lessons $225
($15 discount)
Simple Easy Dancing, Focusing on one song for your first dance only. This can be scheduled in a short period of time.
Payment can be made in person on first appointment by check or cash only or payment can be made securely online via Paypal in advance of lessons.
Package #2 "Confidence Package"
Four Private Dance Lessons $299 ($20 discount)
Focusing on looking comfortable and relaxed for one dance or song.
Package #3 "Dance & Romance"
Five Private Lessons $349
( $60 DISCOUNT)
Your first dance plus some general social dancing know-how can be added.
Package # 4 "Lookin Good!"
Six Private Lessons-$420 ($60 Discount) Your polished first dance plus some general social dance know-how. A faster dance can be added, How about Swing or Salsa? Lessons spread out over 2-3 Months before the wedding. You will enjoy your dance dates together polishing your moves and adding some extra special touches to your First Dance.
Package # 5 "Dance, Romance & Lookin Good!"
8 Private Lessons $540 ($100 Discount)
Your polished first dance plus some general social dance know-how. A faster dance can be added, How about Swing or Salsa? Lessons spread out over 2-3 Months before the wedding. You will enjoy your dance dates together polishing your moves and adding some extra special touches to your First Dance.
Package # 6 "Fred & Ginger"
Ten Private Lessons- $ 675 ($125 Discount)
This is the learn how to look natural and dance comfortably and confidently, with style and ease to a variety of music of your choice as well as your first dance. Your first dance can have extra special dance choreography added .You and your partner will enjoy your dance dates together as a time for getting close and having some fun.
Package # 7 "The Whole Wedding Party Dances!"
Total of 15 Lessons $999
10 Private Lessons for the bride & groom, 1 Parent's or Father Daughter Lesson, 4 private couple lessons for your wedding party attendants or 2 Lessons can be combined for a wedding party group class. Group class in private room 4-10 people.
Lessons are located at
Dancesport International ,12535 Lake City WAY
Private Lessons Purchased individually are $80 Each, Cash or Check
Cancellations require 24 hour notice for reschedule
There are no refunds for unused lessons.
All lessons have a one year expiration date.
HOUSECALLS--- For your convenience I will make housecalls on most Thursday or Friday nights. You may invite friends over to join in or keep it just for two.
You can learn your "First Dance" or just social dancing for any party music. Please Inquire about rates, send Shannon an email danceexperts@aol.com
- - The MOST RECOMMENDED Wedding Dance Instructor in Washington
- - Recommended by Seattle Bride Magazine & Junebug Weddings !
- - Preferred by the area's top Wedding Vendors!
- - #1 Most Recommended by area Brides on The Knot!
- - Our couple's wedding dance to be featured on national television, VH1's fabulous weddings !
List of Songs for Wedding Dance
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Read and see photos of Megan & Dalton's wedding on JunebugWeddings.com
Shannon's Summer Imix for your IPOD
Shannon's variety iMix for yout iPod
Check out the All About Dancing for an article full of wedding dance videos.
This is West Coast Swing, If you have extra time to learn,
this is Shannon's favorite dance for just having fun and dancing with her husband at clubs and parties. This is not us in the video but I like this couple and they do some of our same moves.