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About
Dance lessons should be fun and un-intimidating, and leave you feeling excited to learn more! This is the experience I strive to give every student, in every lesson. Whether you want to dazzle guests at your wedding, enjoy a new way to socialize, or learn an exacting physical art form, I can get you there and ensure that you enjoy the journey.
I love the art and science of partner dancing, and love to share that passion with others. I get a lot of students who come to their first lesson feeling a little nervous, who start by "warning" me that they have two left feet, etc., and I get no greater pleasure than to put those folks at ease and help them find their right foot ;) A beautiful wedding dance, a great night of salsa or swing dancing in a club, a positive competition experience... these are the things I want for my students, and I think I have a talent for providing them.
Overview
Hired 69 times
21 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
18 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
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2019
2018
2017
Services offered
Dance style
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.
Excellent 4.9
48 reviews
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98%
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Read reviews that mention:
Jameson W.
Feb 21, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
My wife and I have never taken dancelessons before but if we had we would still say Emily is hands down the best! We started going just to have a few lessons but Emily makes learning new things so fun that we don't plan on stopping anytime soon. She makes us feel comfortable trying new steps and has us laughing and connecting the whole lesson. Couldn't recommend her enough!!!
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Ally R.
Mar 23, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Emily was so welcoming at my father and I's first dancelesson. When it is your first lesson you go in unknowning of the experience. Emily made it an awesome, rewarding, fun first experience! She got us dancing and moving within the first 5 minutes. I am excited for our next lesson!
Wedding Dance Lessons
Allie P.
Jul 29, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
If you're thinking of working with Emily, don't hesitate. We came in with absolutely zero dance skills, and in four hours' worth of classes, she customized an impressive-looking routine for our wedding dance and taught it in a way we could easily understand and execute. She is a truly outstanding teacher: patient, engaging, and fun, with a great sense of humor. We cannot recommend her enough!
Details: Two (ex. me and my partner) • First dance • What my teacher recommends • Slow Dance • No, I do not have choreography in mind • No experience • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Emily Coles Dance SF's reply
Thank you so much, Allie. I loved working with you two, and getting to know you both a bit, and I cannot WAIT to see the pictures of your dance!! I know nerves will be high, but you two are a fabulous team, and you’ll perform beautifully :)
Wedding Dance Lessons
Carol m.
May 8, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Emily has been an amazing teacher for my husband and myself.
My husband was a very reluctant dancer and she put him at ease with her approach of assessing his abilities and strengths he had and focusing on those. At the same time she has taught us how to be partners, using each other’s strengths, to relax in each other’s arms and enjoy dancing together.
She comes with experience, professionalism and wonderful ways of making you feel so good at what you’re doing.
Emily has made this experience with her so much fun that we are extremely sad to see it come to an end. But we know we are going to look fabulous dancing together at our 50th wedding anniversary because of her.
Details: Two (ex. me and my partner) • First dance • What my teacher recommends • No, I do not have choreography in mind • No experience • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Emily Coles Dance SF's reply
I work with so many young couples, just beginning what they hope will be a lifelong journey together, and it was amazing to work with a couple who’s already made it through such a huge portion of that journey!! You two have such a beautiful partnership, Carol, it’s easy to see why it’s lasted so long. I felt humbled and honored to work with you on a piece designed to express that partnership through dance!
Wedding Dance Lessons
Cecelia H.
Mar 19, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Emily is the best! My husband and I met with her for three lessons. She worked with our schedules and got us on her books quickly. We had a great time learning new dance moves and coming up with a unique dance for our first dance. We left each lesson feeling happier, more confident, and more connected to each other.
Details: Two (ex. me and my partner) • First dance • What my teacher recommends • Slow Dance • Swing Dance • No, I do not have choreography in mind • No experience • At the pro’s location
Emily Coles Dance SF's reply
Cece, it’s such music to me to know that our work together had that effect on you two. Frankly, even if you had forgotten your entire dance and just stood still on the floor I would consider it a success that the lessons brought you joy and connection!
Wedding Dance Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Emily Coles
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
$75-$125 for a 60-minute private lesson. I charge on a sliding scale because it's important to me to offer my services to folks who might not be able to fit "regular" dance lesson prices into their budget.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first thing I need to know about any new student is why they are interested in dance lessons. Are you preparing for a specific event? Looking for a fun way to get more exercise? Pursuing a fun new hobby with your romantic partner? Some folks even come to dance as a way to work through social anxiety (which is a GREAT idea!). Once I know the reason, I suggest a plan for how to proceed together toward their goals... and then we dance :) For folks who have never danced before, this plan often begins at the veeeeerrrrrryyyy beginning, so they can end their first lesson feeling confident and empowered to keep learning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have danced since I was a tiny kid. Ballet, jazz, Afro-everything, bellydance... and eventually salsa, which led me into the world of partner dancing. I've studied, taught, competed and performed in Ballroom and Latin dance, specifically, since 2006, and have won numerous awards in the US and internationally in the Same-Gender DanceSport circuit (in competition I lead, and dance with another woman).
