Wedding Dance Tutorial | 8 Tips for First Dance (Video Instruction Included)
Your big day is approaching and the thought of dancing in front of your wedding guests terrifies you. You are not alone. Many couples have zero experiences in ballroom dancing prior to their weddings. And that's why we've created this wedding dance tutorial to help you get ready for your big day! Below are 8 quick tips that will help you even if you have two or four left feet.
1. Choose a Danceable and Wedding Appropriate First Song
First, find a first dance song that has a clear, strong beat, which will make it easier for you to dance to. Also, pay attention to the lyrics of the first song to make sure it is wedding appropriate. The melody of a song may sound sweet and romantic but that doesn’t mean the lyrics are appropriate for your wedding. Listen to the lyrics to make sure there aren’t any negative hidden meanings or inappropriate language. To get you started, here is a list of some of our favorite first dance songs.
2. Enter the Dance Floor with Confidence
The grand entrance of your first dance is important as all eyes will be on you! Stand up tall, keep your head up and enter the dance floor confidently. Once you get to the middle of the dance floor, remain calm and listen to the music before you start dancing. The wedding dance tutorial below shows you a simple yet elegant way to begin your first dance. Check it out!
3. Hold a Proper Dance Position
Learn how to hold a proper dance position so that you feel connected to each other while you dance. A proper dance position also gives you a more polished look so that you look great in pictures!
Photo credit: eight one seven photography
4. Don't Sway Like you were in Middle School
Take some dance lessons so that you are not rocking awkwardly like you were in Middle School! Check out these wedding dance tutorial videos below as we show you how to do a versatile basic step and the outside turn that can be performed to most wedding first dance songs.
5. Stay Calm when you Make a Mistake
Every dancer makes mistakes including professional dancers. The difference between a professional and an amateur is that professionals can keep their composure during a mishap. It is fairly common for beginners to use the wrong foot or step on the wedding dress at some point during the dance, but that’s okay. Your guests won’t notice as long as you stay calm, keep dancing and enjoy yourself.
6. Smile and Look at Each Other
Fake it until you make it! Make sure you smile when you dance. It is your wedding day, you should look happy! Not only will you feel more relaxed and look confident to your guests but you will also look better in pictures if you smile and look at each other in the eye. Try to have fun and enjoy this lovely moment as you dance as a married couple for the first time!
7. How Long Should a First Dance Be?
The answer is no more than 3 minutes. Keep your dance short and sweet. Dancing in front of people can be nerve-racking and minutes on the dance floor can feel like forever. To make sure your guests don’t get bored, keep the dance under 3 minutes. If your first dance song is longer than 3 minutes, you can either have your DJ fade it out or your band play a shorter version of it.
8. End with a Picture Perfect Dip
The ending of your first dance will be one of most memorable moments to you and your guests. So, learn how to finish your first dance with this lovely dip safely and gracefully!
What is your first dance song? And how are you preparing for your first dance? Please comment below.
Need more help with your wedding first dance? Check out our Complete Online Wedding Dance Program and start dancing today!
The Duet Team is a group of friendly dancers who are passionate about helping people and sharing the joy of ballroom dance. Duet Dance Studio is located in Chicago West Bucktown. We offer ballroom dance lessons, wedding dance instruction and private dance parties. Online Wedding Dance Lessons and Skype dance lessons are also available! Dances we teach include Salsa, Swing, Tango, Bachata, Merengue, Waltz and Foxtrot. Sign up for an introductory dance lesson now to get started!