Your First Dance: Choose the Perfect Style

Engaged couples often pick their first dance song carefully. But, have you thought about the dance style for this moment? The dance style depends on your song and skill levels. It’s smart to take dance lessons together to feel more confident and make your first dance unforgettable.

So, what dance do you do for your first dance? You can choose from classic waltz to modern swing or salsa. The right dance style will make your wedding reception special and create memories for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Wedding dance lessons can start as early as 6 months before the wedding or as late as the week of the event.
• First dance choreographers recommend a duration between 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
• Dance lesson costs can vary from free online tutorials to $300+ for private in-home lessons with choreography.
• Short practice sessions of 20 minutes can significantly boost confidence for uncoordinated dancers.
• Couples have a wide range of dance styles to choose from for their first dance.

What Dance Do You Do for Your First Dance?

Your first dance as newlyweds is a special moment. It sets the mood for your wedding reception. With many popular wedding dance styles to pick from, you can make your dance unforgettable. Choose from the classic Waltz, the fun Swing, or the romantic Rumba.

Popular First Dance Styles

Here are some common first dance styles:

• Sway
• Slow Dance
• Waltz
• Swing
• Foxtrot
• Rumba
• Mambo and Salsa
• Hip-Hop

Selecting the Right Song

Choose a song that fits your dance style. Fast songs are great for Swing or Salsa. Slow, romantic songs are best for Waltz or Foxtrot. The right song makes your dance special.

Taking Dance Lessons

Take dance lessons for weddings to feel confident and graceful. Private lessons teach you the steps of your dance. This way, you can create a personalized bridal dance choreography that tells your love story.

The Sway: Simple and Romantic

The sway dance is a favorite for couples wanting a simple first dance. It’s a gentle back-and-forth move with arms around each other. This lets couples chat and relax after the big day.

It’s done to slow songs that mean a lot to them. This makes it a great choice for those new to dancing.

Easy for Beginners

Most weddings see the couple sway during their first dance. This dance is short, lasting just a few minutes. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy this special moment.

Even if you’re not a dancer, you can learn the sway in a few lessons. It’s perfect for couples who don’t dance much.

Slow Dance Song Options

• The Beatles’ “I Will” at 1 minute and 46 seconds is a popular, short sway song choice.
• Couples can also incorporate planned transitions to involve other guests or bridal party members, reducing the focus on just the two of them.
• An alternative approach is to change partners throughout the dance, allowing for dances with parents and siblings as well.

Choosing a short, meaningful song for their sway dance is a good idea. It helps avoid being in the spotlight too long. This way, they can have a memorable and romantic first dance.

The Slow Dance: Elegant and Classic

The slow dance, also known as the Nightclub Two Step, is a formal version of the Sway. It has a special dance hold, side steps, and pivots. This dance needs a bit more practice than the Sway.

Couples can make this dance their own by adding slow spins, dips, and lifts. This makes their first dance elegant and classic.

The slow dance is a timeless choice for wedding dances. Its simple, yet romantic steps are perfect for a romantic moment on the dance floor. It can be learned in 3-6 weeks, making it easy for couples with little dance experience.

To master the slow dance, keep a strong connection with your partner. Move smoothly and gracefully. Taking dance lessons together can help you create a special routine that shows your unique bond.

With the right song and practice, the slow dance can be a memorable part of your wedding day.

The Waltz: Timeless and Graceful

The waltz is a classic dance loved by many. It’s a bit faster than a slow dance, needing more steps and skill. Yet, it’s a beautiful dance that shows the couple’s love story.

Waltz Variations

There are many waltz styles to choose from. The American Waltz is relaxed, while the International Waltz keeps a closed position. Country Western and Cajun waltzes are lively, and the Viennese Waltz is the most traditional. Learning the basic steps and turns is important for a good waltz.

Waltz Song Choices

Couples pick a romantic song for their waltz. Songs like “Unchained Melody” or “At Last” make the dance special. With the right song and practice, the waltz becomes a memorable start for the couple.

Waltz Dance Style	Characteristics
American Waltz	Relaxed, rounded frame
International Waltz	Closed position maintained throughout
Country Western Waltz	Lively, rhythmic interpretation
Cajun Waltz	Lively, rhythmic interpretation
Viennese Waltz	Smooth, gliding motion

The waltz is a beautiful tradition at weddings. It shows the couple’s love and unity. By learning the steps and picking the right song, couples can make their first dance unforgettable.

The Swing: Energetic and Fun

Get ready to kick up your heels and wow your guests with the lively swing dance at your wedding! This dance style includes the Lindy hop, jitterbug, jive, boogie, East Coast, and West Coast swing. It’s full of fast-paced steps, lifts, and leg kicks, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Swing Dance Styles

There are many swing dance styles to choose from. The Lindy hop, from the 1920s, is known for its energetic and acrobatic moves. It’s a favorite for couples who love adventure.

The jitterbug is a cousin of the Lindy hop but is a bit more elegant. For a modern feel, the East Coast and West Coast swing offer a polished look.

Outfit Considerations

When choosing what to wear for swing dance, think about comfort and movement. Brides might prefer a shorter, flowy dress. Grooms should pick shoes that support their feet for all the kicks and spins.

Choosing the swing dance style makes your first dance memorable and fun. It’s perfect for celebrating on the dance floor. Whether you’re experienced or new, the swing lets you show your personality and have fun.

The Foxtrot: Versatile and Stylish

The foxtrot is a favorite wedding dance style. It mixes the grace of a waltz with the fun of a swing. This dance is both elegant and lively, making it perfect for weddings.

The foxtrot’s steps are smooth and easy to follow. You’ll move in a “slow-slow” or “one-two” rhythm. It’s simple yet can get complex with turns and dips.

This dance is great for those who want to show off their skills. It’s perfect for couples who have a dance teacher to guide them.

The foxtrot works well in any setting. You can dance it in a big ballroom or a small reception area. You can choose a formal hold or a casual dance position, depending on what you like.

Learning the foxtrot takes some time. You’ll need about 1.5 hours of lessons to get the hang of it. But with practice, you’ll soon be dancing beautifully, entertaining your guests.

The foxtrot is a classic wedding dance that adds elegance to your wedding reception dances. It’s a versatile choice that will make your wedding unforgettable. So, why not try the foxtrot? With practice and the right partner, you’ll dance the night away in style.

The Rumba: Sensual and Passionate

The Rumba is a great pick for a first dance that grabs attention. It’s known for its sensual moves and deep feelings. The dance’s smooth hip actions and close body contact make it unforgettable.

Mastering Hip Movements

Getting good at the Rumba starts with hip movements. Couples must practice smooth hip sways. By doing this, they can show the Rumba’s special style.

Rumba Song Selection

Choosing the right Rumba song is key. Look for songs that feel romantic and passionate. “Sway” by Dean Martin or “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are great picks. The music should match the dance’s intimate feel.

The Rumba is loved for its mix of Latin charm and romance. With practice and the right song, couples can show their love on the dance floor. This leaves a lasting memory for everyone.

Mambo and Salsa: Lively and Rhythmic

Looking for a lively first dance? Try Mambo and Salsa. These dances come from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Latin places. They bring a fun and sensual vibe to your big day.

Mambo and Salsa are fast and have complex steps. Mambo has sharp moves, while Salsa is smooth and rhythmic. They need lots of practice to do well. But, the effort is worth it for a memorable dance.

Mastering the Mambo and Salsa

To get good at Mambo and Salsa, follow these tips:

• Learn the unique rhythms of each dance. Mambo has a quick-quick-slow beat, and Salsa is all about fluid movement.
• Let the music guide you. Be expressive and connect with your partner for a great show.
• Choose clothes that let you move freely. Mambo and Salsa need room to dance.

With practice and passion, your first dance will amaze everyone. It will make your wedding unforgettable.

Hip-Hop: Modern and Energetic

Do you and your partner want a first dance that’s full of energy? A hip-hop dance routine could be just what you need. It’s a new style with lots of moves, making it easy to create your own wedding dance routines without a choreographer.

Customizing Your Routine

Hip-hop dance lets you make a routine that shows off your special bond. You can choose to dance together or with a group. Pick first dance music that you both love, so you can show off your unique styles.

Song Choices for Hip-Hop

There are so many great songs for hip-hop dance at your wedding reception dances. You can pick from classic hip-hop to modern R&B and rap. Choose a song that tells your love story or gets everyone dancing.

Choosing hip-hop dance for your wedding reception dances is exciting. By picking the right music and customizing your dance, you’ll have a unique performance. It will show off your style and make your wedding night unforgettable.

Free-Form or Mash-Up: Unique and Personalized

Want a special first dance? Try a free-form or mash-up style. It lets you mix your favorite songs and dance styles. This makes a dance that shows your love story.

A mash-up is different from traditional dances. You can switch from slow to fast songs. This lets you show your personality and make a memorable dance.

• Combine classic and modern songs to create a custom soundtrack
• Incorporate a variety of dance styles, from elegant waltz to fun line dances
• Involve your wedding party or guests for a collaborative, interactive performance

For a great mash-up dance, practice and plan are key. Take dance lessons or work with your partner. This way, you can make a unique first dance that shows your love and starts your wedding off right.

Dance Style	Song Suggestions	Skill Level
Slow Dance	“At Last” by Etta James, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley	Beginner
Waltz	“Moon River” by Andy Williams, “Viennese Waltz” by Johann Strauss II	Intermediate
Swing	“Jump, Jive an’ Wail” by Louis Prima, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by The Andrews Sisters	Advanced
Hip-Hop	“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, “Formation” by Beyoncé	Intermediate

Flash Mob: Surprising and Unforgettable

A flash mob dance at your wedding can be amazing. It starts with a few people and grows, surprising everyone. It’s a fun way to start your day.

Involving Your Guests

Getting your bridal party, friends, and family to join in is key. Teach them the dance before the big day. This way, everyone can dance together smoothly.

Make it special by using your favorite song. It adds a personal touch that everyone will remember.

Choreography Tips

Planning and choreography are important for a flash mob dance. Pick a song that’s fun and easy to dance to. This makes it simple for everyone to follow.

Work with a pro to make the dance look great. With good planning and practice, your wedding reception dances will be unforgettable.

Conclusion: Making Memories on the Dance Floor

Your first dance as a married couple is a special moment. It will create memories that last forever. You can choose from many styles, like the Waltz or Swing. The key is to pick one that shows your unique bond and lets you enjoy the moment together.

When planning your wedding dance, start practicing early. Aim to practice at least once a week before the wedding. Pick your favorite songs for the playlist. Also, consider getting help from a professional dance instructor to make your routine perfect.

On your wedding day, enjoy every second of your first dance. Let the music take you away. Show your true feelings. With great lighting, choreography, and support from your loved ones, you’ll make memories that will always be in your hearts.