When putting a wedding dance together, there are a few things I take into consideration. The music, the shoes, and whether you would like a routine or something a little easier to remember. Would you like something that is showy, silly or more romantic? Have you chosen a song as yet or would like some suggestions? And of course there is the dress... Often the dance that you will do for your wedding will be based on your movement in the dress. Many dresses these days have the availabilty for the train to be hooked up somehow allowing you more movement. Although sometimes stepping backwards is a little, interesting, we can always work around your dream dress and I will make sure that I will conduct the lessons in a way that your fiancé is cautious about the way he dances without giving anything away about the dress.
Speaking of your fiancé, I will make sure that he also feels comfortable in the dance. I will teach him how to lead you around the dance floor, and continue to sweep you off your feet.
Jake Meadley - A brief History
Following in the footsteps of many of the dancers from the early days of the Swing era, I have devoted most of my life to sharing my passion for dance.
I first started dancing in 1988 and in December 1990 reached the finals in The Australian Ballroom Dancesport Championships, after having only competed for 10 months.
In December 1993, I returned from 18 months in America but decided I wanted to get into teaching rather than continue with competing. I wanted dancing to be fun, to be something I could share and use to bring fun and enjoyment to others. Within a year I earnt myself an award for my efforts as a leading male teacher and won 6 straight Gold awards for choreography and performance of student showcases at State level.
In 1995 I completed my A.M.D.S. teachers qualification and won 6 straight Gold awards for choreography and performance of student showcases in the Nationals.
From 1996 to 2001, I learnt and taught under Australian Ballroom Champions Tony Sutty and Mark Wilson who mentored me to a greater understanding of dance frame, connection, control and technique in partnership dancing and received my A.D.S. teachers qualification for International Ballroom dancing.
In 2000 I started working for a dance group called Swing Patrol and in 2003 I started regular classes in country Victoria from Albury to Bendigo, as well as teaching my regular classes in Melbourne. In 2007 I was offered a teaching position in Sydney and since then have been thrown into the limelight with lead roles in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Sydney Festivals at Hyde Park. From photo shoots 'in' the Archibald Fountain at Hyde Park for the Daily Telegraph, news spots in Channel 9 news, to radio interviews. The highlight for me was stepping onto the main stage at Hyde Park at the Opening Night for the 2008 Sydney Festival to teach swing to over 8000 people.
It has been 22 years since I first stepped onto a dance floor, and 16 years since I first started teaching. Throughout this time I have also gained various other notches for my belt including:
- Teaching bridal couples since 1994
- Dance choreographer since 1994
- Teaching primary and high school groups since 1998
- Teaching aerials since 2000
- Feature dancer for 'Child Star, The Shirley Temple Story', Disney productions
- Feature dancer for the music video clip, 'Hold On', by Melbourne hip hop legends, Diafrix
- Feature dancer at the Opening of the Bondi Jitterbug exhibition in 2008 at the State Library of NSW
- Guest dance instructor in Perth, March 2009 and February, 2010
- Guest dance instructor for the Darwin Swing Dance Festival, October 2009
- Guest dance instructor in Auckland, New Zealand in June, 2010
- Guest dance instructor for the Darwin Swing Dance Festival, August 2010
Time 2 Dance
In 1998 I had a vision to combine my skills, experience and passion as a dance instructor and counsellor, to use dance as a practical way of assisting couple to deepen their relationship. I found a way of doing this by using the correlations of dancing as a couple on the dance floor, to dancing together in life. I believe that it is during the time of courtship and the first months of marriage, that intimate relationships develop their habits of communication, respect, roles and boundaries to which a couple will continue to live throughout their lives as husband and wife, parents and grandparents.
Time 2 Dance was originally created to assist couples to have a practical way of reminding themselves during the tough times, and the fun times, of the basics of their relationship... being together.
Although based in Sydney, Time 2 Dance has contacts around Australia, so please feel free to contact me if you are looking for a quality instructor or jazz band.
As I have become more involved in the wedding process, through Time 2 Dance I also would like to offer my services for your wedding as an MC or jazz DJ. I have found that the time we spend together in dance lessons assists me in getting to know you moreso than if you were to hire a separate MC.
I believe just like any good movie that you should have a soundtrack to your wedding. I have quite a vast array of jazz music but also a good collection of 80's and todays chart music to keep everyone happy at your reception.
Please contact me at: weddings@time2danceaustralia.com to discuss any questions you have regarding lessons, wedding packages, jazz bands, music or other details regarding your wedding dance.
