Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheri Hunsberger.
Hi Cheri, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I never imagined I’d one day build a business around dance—especially because, for much of my life, I was terrified of dancing in public. Which was surprising to me, because I grew up dancing with my best friend and our sisters in the music room of her basement. I loved music and dancing and had no inhibitions—we just had pure fun.
I was shocked as I got into my late teens to find that I was practically phobic about dancing in front of others. I remember being asked to dance at a wedding and ending up having a panic attack in the bathroom because I felt so afraid. I was paralyzed. There was no way I was getting on that dance floor in front of so many people. For years, I avoided the dance floor as much as possible, and if I did dance, I felt super self-conscious—just a little step-touch back and forth, super stiff, maybe a snap in there somewhere. Awkward!
In my late twenties, shortly after moving to Florida, I made the decision to face that fear. I booked a private Latin dance class with a great instructor, and it completely changed me. I don’t know if it was just understanding the steps and counting, the practice, or something else—but from that moment forward you couldn’t keep me off the floor. I started taking Zumba and loved it so much that I got my license and taught classes for many years. Alongside that, I began teaching myself line dancing. With four teenagers at home and plenty of family gatherings and graduation parties, it became natural for me to share line dances and Latin basics with friends and family to prepare them for special occasions. Seeing people who thought they “couldn’t dance” suddenly smiling, confident, and having fun on the dance floor brought me so much joy.
In 2017, I faced a serious health crisis and thought I might be heading toward life in a wheelchair. I had to stop everything, including teaching Zumba and line dance classes with my friends. For years, I dealt with different symptoms, different challenges, different doctors—and most days I didn’t know if I would even have the energy to get out of bed. Over time, I finally figured some things out and began to truly improve. But I honestly never thought I’d be able to dance again or run around and play with my grandkids.
It took five years to get my health back. Not knowing if I might relapse, I was hesitant to really commit to working or teaching again. After a couple of years of stability, a close friend encouraged me to return to teaching dance—something I thought I’d never be able to do again. That encouragement sparked something bigger. Beyond just teaching friends, family, and people in my community, I decided to go public and launch The Wedding Line Dance Company.
Today, I help people prepare in advance to dance for life’s biggest celebrations—weddings, reunions, graduations, anniversaries, and more. I specialize in working with those who are hesitant, shy, or even fearful of dancing. I don’t teach highly choreographed routines. Instead, I focus on simple steps and moves, while working with each person’s individual style and comfort level.
Another unique feature of The Wedding Line Dance Company is that every session is completely private. Whether it’s just a couple working on their first dance or a group of friends, family, or coworkers practicing line dancing for a big event, they are the only ones in the studio with me. That means no one is watching, no dancing with strangers, and no switching partners.
I offer private couples’ dance classes to prepare for a first dance, honeymoon, or simply a romantic night out. I also teach group sessions—bridal parties getting ready for a reception, or groups of ladies wanting something fun and unique for a girls’ night out. I cover today’s most popular trending line dances like Boots On The Ground, Pop That Fan, and The Git Up, as well as country favorites like Boot Scootin’ Boogie and classics like The Hustle. I also teach couples Latin classes where partners can learn basic Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa moves. Some groups like to do a blend—starting with line dancing and then moving into couples Latin.
Since every couple or group is different, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I customize each session to meet the needs of my clients. Oftentimes, just a few sessions are all it takes for someone to start feeling comfortable and confident on the dance floor.
Looking back, I never thought I’d be the one helping others dance with confidence. But that’s exactly what The Wedding Line Dance Company has become—a way to make those moments a little easier and a lot more joyful.
Side note: I teach my private classes out of two studios – one in Fleming Island and the other in Mandarin. I also teach for two venues: The Grove in Orange Park and The Barn in Palm Valley.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As I mention in the previous section I had severe health problems for 5 years
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Wedding Line Dance Company?
I started The Wedding Line Dance Company this year.
At The Wedding Line Dance Company, I specialize in helping people who feel unsure, nervous, or out of their element when it comes to dancing. My approach is simple, supportive, and fun—no pressure, no complicated choreography. Just easy-to-learn steps, a welcoming environment, and plenty of encouragement to help everyone feel confident, connected, and ready to celebrate, no matter where they’re starting from.
Specializes in private, customized dance sessions for couples, families, groups and organizations
• Focus on simple, stress-free steps—ideal for those who feel shy, hesitant, or fearful of dancing
• 100% private studio sessions (no strangers, no switching partners)
• Popular offerings: trending line dances (Boots On The Ground, Pop That Fan, The Git Up), country classics, and couples’ Latin basics (Merengue, Bachata, Salsa)
• Classes available in Fleming Island and Mandarin, plus partnerships with The Grove (Orange Park) and The Barn (Palm Valley)
• Dance hosting services: hired to keep the energy going at receptions, reunions, and community events—getting guests on the floor, leading line dances, and making sure everyone feels included.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory concerning dancing would definitely be in the dance room in my best friend Penny’s basement dancing to Blondie, Boston, and The Sugar Hill Gang. Her older sister Marie taught me my first line dance – the Electric Slide.
Pricing:
- I offer the first session for free (couples or group)
- 1 hr Couples Session $75
- 1 hr Group Session $(85) up to 8 people (additional guests $5 per person)
- Dance Host (Customized Pricing)
- Corporate Events (Customized Pricing)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theweddinglinedance.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Wedding-Line-Dance-Company/61577317800078/
