Your wedding is the most important day of your life – or one of them. A commitment of this magnitude is serious, and when you celebrate with your friends and family, you need to look and feel your best.
Wedding dance lessons, trying on your dress, choosing catering companies, working with photographers and videographers and all of the planning will be worth the waitt.
Setting the Stage: The Importance of the First Dance
Dance lessons for wedding first dance are important. This is your first dance after you say, “I do,” and all eyes will be on you. It’s your big day, and unless you’re a dancer already, you may be intimidated by the attention and the choreography.
What we recommend is that you choose a style of dance that you like – there are many of them – and then work with a professional.
Instructors can help you get the basics down and make your dance truly unforgettable. A little training is all you need to dance better than 90% of the people in the room and glide across the floor like a prince or princess.
A Dance to Remember: Choosing the Perfect Style
Your wedding dance instructor can help you select a dance style that fits you perfectly. Multiple options are available:
- Classic
- Latin
- Playful
- Sensual
- Contemporary
A lot of thought needs to go into the style chosen. If you’re having an upscale wedding that is more on the classical side of things, you may want to dance The Waltz. Of course, if you’re a younger, hip couple known for an abundance of energy, you may consider something along the lines of The Rumba.
If you don’t know the first thing about any of these dances or the respective styles, let’s examine each one.
Classic Elegance: The Waltz
The Waltz has a long history, dating back to the 16th century and involves sliding and gliding. Many variations have since been devised, and the most common exudes elegance and is a form of ballroom dancing.
You’ll:
- Turn while stepping
- Slide to the waltz box step
- Remain in rhythm with your partner
Newlyweds from around the world love The Waltz, and you can dance to numerous songs, too. Some songs are faster than others, increasing the rhythm and speed. You’ll twirl, glide and look magical on the dance floor.
Latin Flair: The Rumba
The Rumba is another classic that is sensual and filled with a Latin flair. Characteristics of the dance depend on whether you follow the American or International style. The dance is all about the rhythm of the couple.
Couples will dance:
- Slowly
- Flirtatiously
- Soulfully
Playful Partnership: Swing Dancing
Want a more playful first dance? Swing dancing can be a showstopper and can kick off your reception on a high note.
There are so many fun songs to choose from, like “Begin the Beguine,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “In the Mood” and more.
Swing dancing is extremely energetic and so much fun. It has three basic steps: rock step, triple step and kick step. While it will take some time to master these moves, you’ll enjoy every second of your practice sessions.
If your goal is to put on a real show, a dance instructor can help you choreograph a dance that includes dips, spins and lifts.
Sensual Rhythms: The Tango
Tango is the dance of love and connection, so it’s a fitting choice for your first dance. You and your partner will glide across the room and leave your guests in awe.
This partner dance originated in the 1880s on the Rio de la Plata, the border between Argentina and Uruguay.
But as beautiful as this dance is, it’s not an easy one to pull off.
It’s crucial to work with the right instructor and invest in wedding dance lessons if you want to master the tango in time for your big day. Start your lessons several months ahead of your wedding, so you feel comfortable when you hit the dance floor.
Make sure that you choose a tango song that fits your relationship – there are hundreds to choose from.
Contemporary Vibes: Freestyle
Want to take a more modern approach to your first dance? You can ditch the wedding dance instructor and do a freestyle dance with your partner.
With freestyle dances, you and your partner will have a list of moves that you’ve practiced, but you mix and match them as you want. There’s less pressure here, so this could be great for couples who aren’t keen on having a rigid choreographed routine.
You can make your freestyle dance as outrageous or creative as you want. Take turns showing off your moves and just have fun.
The only downside? Your dance won’t look as polished as a professionally choreographed one.
In Conclusion
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so you want your first dance to be memorable. Working with a dance instructor is a great start, but it’s important to choose the right style for you as a couple. These five dance styles are perfect for first dances and can help you tell the story of your relationship.