Testimonials

Prior to presenting our testimonials, I want to thank my students and supporters for the unending love and dedication they have given to me, and to the art of dance. I wake up every day feeling grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with the world, and feel privileged to have met some truly inspirational people. The words below fill my heart with so much warmth and remind me how lucky I am to live out my dream every day.

My supporters include:

Thank you for your endless love, hard work and joy. I would never be where I am without you!

Sincerely,
– Nicole Wooding
Founder | Chassé & Sway Ballroom Dancing

What do you do when your beloved bride-to-be daughter has choreographed an elaborate father-daughter wedding dance and you are a non-hoofer with lifelong terror and dread of cavorting in public? What you do is pray fiercely to the heavens that someone like Nicole Wooding comes to the rescue. Fortunately my girl inherited some pretty decent problem-solving genes and enlisted Nicole’s assistance a leisurely–and for me frightening–one week before the blessed event. Not to worry. For the moment we met Nicole’s infectious enthusiasm put me at ease. More to the point, she has a God-given gift for communicating non-verbally through example and touch. In her hands it felt as if the rhythm and sense of the steps were flowing directly from her into me. She allowed me to feel for the first time in my life the pure joy of dancing and the satisfaction of expressing yourself through movement. I make no great claim for my final performance: The only review I needed was the look of happiness and love on my little girl’s face as she breathlessly said, “Dad, we killed it!” If you have the opportunity to study or work with this woman–seize it!

– Dorian F.

I had a great experience with Nicole – for my wedding I wanted to do a Waltz with my husband who has two left feet. Nicole had great suggestions for our routine, including a creative and cute introduction, and polished us up! She was very enjoyable to work with, and
was able to easily convey dance steps and rhythm. A great teacher! Our wedding dance was perfect!!

– Jane B.

We started ballroom dance lessons seven years ago as a married couple,.. five plus of those years have been under Nicole as our instructor. Since being under her guidance our attitude, knowledge, and performance in ballroom dancing has continued to only grow upward.

We have had the fortune of not only watching our own abilities increase but have witnessed Nicole’s continued growth as an excellent instructor along with becoming a professional ballroom dance competitor. Nicole not only teaches her students dance steps but provides a passion for dance that is shared in every step, turn, and sway she brings to the floor. Even though we have relocated, we still are lucky enough to have maintained not only a personal relationship with Nicole, but when we visit San Diego (which is frequent) we still manage to squeeze in a lesson. If your reason to learn to dance is exercise, social, or professional, … instruction from Nicole will only enhance those desires.

– Danny & Christine L.

students-dannyandchristine

I’ve been studying ballroom dancing under Nicole’s tutelage for over four (4) years. During the last four years, Nicole, as my primary instructor, has not only excelled at developing my ballroom skills – from a newbie with two left feet who had never stood on a ballroom dance floor into a confident dancer able to comfortably and effectively lead partners of varying skills through a wide variety of dance styles in both the social and competitive environments – she has continually expanded and mastered her own repertoire of American, International, and Specialty dances which she displays through award winning choreography, professional competitions and charitable events. That’s one of the things that’s so remarkable about Nicole. She demonstrates not only mastery of her profession but also the ability to easily and effectively convey concepts and details about dancing – some simple, others complex and difficult – to her students in a way that ensures understanding on the way to meeting their goals. Lessons and classes with Nicole are always fun, fulfilling and rewarding. Nicole is the rare mix of knowledge, experience, intuitive understanding, compassionate communications, and positivity – which explains why everyone loves working with her no matter whether they are a first timer or World Champion dancer. Nicole is the foundation of my dancing experience, a foundation that I will carry with me forever and will enrich the rest of my life. My life is much much richer just for knowing her.

– Richard W.

student-richard

The day I chose Nicole as my instructor was a true serendipity. She is a consummate professional who thoroughly enjoys to dance, and truly delights in sharing that passion with her students. Nicole is friendly, flexible, completely knows and understands both ballroom and social dancing, as well as the questions and apprehensions that many people have when they begin their dance “journey” – she genuinely desires to see her students grow and develop into happy and self-confident dance partners.
Some have questioned why I prefer a female instructor to a male –well, Nicole is just a great person and the best instructor to have! I have been her student for almost three years, and I hope to continue for many years to come. I have come so far and have so much fun learning and dancing with Nicole. Whether you want to dance for your own pleasure as a hobby, to join the social dance scene, to dance at your daughter or son’s wedding, or even compete, Nicole is the one you want to choose as your instructor. Happy dancing!

– Laura R.

student-laura

“Invigorating”! That’s one of the many ways to describe every dance lesson that I’ve had the pleasure to experience with Nicole Wooding as my instructor.
I was relatively new to Swing dancing and completely new to Salsa when I began my lessons at Chassé & Sway. After my first ten lessons, coupled with practice sessions at home, I’m now able to lead my partner through a variety of turns and spins. And not only during studio sessions, but also with a complete sense of confidence while dancing to live music at public venues!! And I have Nicole, my inspirational instructor to thank for this new form of ‘release’ that feels like a gift!
Due to her passion and appetite for this art form, Nicole’s energy is nothing shy of contagious! And before you know it, you’ll be eager to learn more after each session reaches its conclusion. And while some of the things that you attempt to perform won’t register right away, Nicole always has a trick up her sleeve to help you to transform a struggle with a step, or a turn, into a maneuver that will become second-nature to you!
So if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dance, trust someone who apparently does this will zeal every day; someone exactly like Nicole – a motivational instructor who has a great way of seasoning every lesson with an endless amount of patience, a bottomless supply of encouragement and the ability to bridge the gap between where you are now and the exhilarating platform that’s offered through the art of dancing!!

Thank You, Nicole!!!

– Nate R.

Nicole is an inspiring instructor. She teaches with exceptional proficiency, making learning easy and natural. All the while her captivating charisma makes every second fun. The confidence she gave me on and off the dance floor is a gift without equal. Lessons with Nicole are a true pleasure.

– Nathan L.student-nathanl

Nicole is a wedding godsend.
Long story short, my husband had an epic vision for our wedding dance and it would take a highly talented, strong-minded choreographer to get the job done. Enter Nicole. From the get-go, Nicole’s creative, thoughtful, decisive personality meshed with our (reasonably?) demanding needs. We loved how she always came prepared, bringing ideas and choreography to every lesson, but maybe a bit more importantly for us, she was always willing to make changes on the fly. (Did I mention my husband had a vision? :)) The end result was perfection and could have landed us on a wedding version of Dancing with the Stars.
Nicole, Your artistry showcased our love through an unforgettable first dance. You were essential to our special day and we only think it’s fair to repay you with new clients. To continued success and enjoyment writing on your feet! xoxo,

– A&J B.