The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Choreographed First Dance
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, a beautiful tapestry woven with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. One tradition that truly takes center stage is the first dance as a married couple. It’s a chance to share a special moment on the dance floor, symbolizing the start of your journey together, a silent promise whispered through movement and melody. But what if you crave something more? What if you dream of a choreographed first dance, a captivating performance that reflects your love story and leaves your guests breathless?
This guide is your roadmap to turning that dream into reality. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer with twinkle toes or have two left feet, we’ll walk you through every step of planning your dream first dance.
We’ll cover everything from finding inspiration together and choosing a song that speaks to your love story, to learning moves that match your style and comfort level.
Should a first dance be choreographed?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a choreographed first dance is the right choice. It truly depends on you and your partner’s preferences. Here are some things to consider:
The Magic of a Choreographed First Dance:
A choreographed first dance can add a unique and unforgettable touch to your wedding. Imagine the surprise and delight on your guests’ faces as they witness a beautifully executed routine that reflects your personality and love story. Learning a dance together can also boost your confidence on the dance floor, and the process itself can be a fun bonding experience. Plus, a well-rehearsed dance can be visually stunning, adding an extra layer of elegance to your reception.
Weighing the Considerations:
Of course, there are some factors to weigh before diving into choreography. Learning and perfecting a routine takes time and dedication. If you’re not a natural dancer, the process could feel stressful. Additionally, hiring a choreographer comes with an added cost to your wedding budget. Lastly, a choreographed dance might feel less spontaneous and intimate compared to a simple, close embrace during your first dance as a married couple.
Finding the Perfect Fit:
Don’t feel pressured to follow a specific path! If the thought of intricate steps fills you with dread, there are plenty of alternatives. Taking a few dance lessons can equip you with some basic moves that build confidence. You could even practice a simple dip or spin to surprise your guests during the dance. Remember, the most important thing is to choose what feels comfortable and authentic for you both. It’s your special moment, so make it a reflection of your love story!
How do you choreograph a dance for the first time?
Choreographing the first dance for your wedding can be a thrilling and romantic experience, but it requires some planning and practice. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through the process:
Finding Inspiration:
The first step is to get inspired! Chat with your partner about the kind of dance you envision. Do you dream of a classic waltz or a more upbeat swing? Consider the mood you want to create – elegant, playful, or romantic. The song selection plays a crucial role too. Choose a piece that resonates with your love story and has a clear rhythm for structuring the dance.
Seeking Guidance (Optional):
For couples with little dance experience, consider seeking professional help. A dance instructor can assess your skill level, suggest suitable moves, and tailor a choreography that complements your chosen song. They’ll also provide valuable guidance on posture, technique, and timing, ensuring your dance looks polished and effortless.
Building Your Routine:
Once you have a foundation, it’s time to build your routine. If you’re working with a choreographer, they’ll take the lead, breaking down the dance into manageable sections. If you’re going the DIY route, start with basic steps like sways, turns, and dips. You can find online tutorials or beginner dance courses to learn these moves comfortably. Gradually string these elements together, creating a cohesive flow that matches the song’s structure.
Practice Makes Perfect:
The key to a successful first dance lies in practice. Schedule regular sessions to rehearse your routine. Start by practicing each section individually, then gradually piece them together. As you gain confidence, practice in front of a mirror to fine-tune your posture and connection as a couple. Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches or playful moments to make the dance truly your own.
Embrace the Journey:
Remember, the process of creating your first dance should be enjoyable! Don’t get discouraged if you stumble at first. Laugh it off, take breaks when needed, and most importantly, have fun with it. The most important aspect is sharing a special moment on the dance floor that celebrates your love and commitment.
“One of the best parts was the quality time learning & laughing together as we spent a couple of hours each week practicing during the lead-up to the wedding.”
“Finally the time came to dance! It was nerve-wracking, but once we started it was so much fun! Unfortunately, the music cut out 3/4 of the way through, but we played it cool. Our guests were so surprised. They loved it!”
“I’m so glad we decided to dance. It was such a fun part of wedding planning. We also got some amazing photos and videos that we’ll cherish forever.”
How Long Does it Take to Learn a Choreographed First Dance?
The time to learn a choreographed first dance depends on the complexity. A simple routine with basic steps can be learned in a few weeks (3-6) with practice. For a more polished look with semi-complex moves, expect 1-3 months of lessons. If you want a fully choreographed showstopper, plan on at least 6 months of lessons to learn and perfect all the steps.
Ashleigh and Hayden in the video above taught themselves a fun and easy dance routine a week before their wedding.
“We put our dance routine together ourselves by watching videos on Instagram. We put aside about an hour each night to try some moves and try out the dance. It was trial and error with what moves we liked and to see if they worked with our song.”
“We didn’t put too much pressure on ourselves to have a big choreographed dance, we just wanted a few moves throughout the song, which I think helped a lot, so we were able to have fun while practicing.”
According to Kylie from Wedding Dance Diva Brisbane, learning a simple dance together isn’t just a fun pre-wedding activity. It’s an opportunity to infuse your special day with your unique style.
“Whether you want your dance to be fun, upbeat, understated, simple, intimate, loving, or anything in between, it’s a chance to showcase your personality as a couple. Even with just 3 hours to spare, dedicating time to learning to dance together is worthwhile.”
What is the easiest choreographed first dance to learn?
The easiest choreographed first dance to learn depends on your comfort level and what feels natural for you as a couple. Here are a few options that are generally considered beginner-friendly:
- The Slow Sway: This isn’t exactly a choreographed dance, but it can be a beautiful and romantic way to connect on the dance floor. Simply practice swaying together in time with the music, occasionally incorporating gentle dips or turns.
- The Foxtrot: Often called the “dancer’s walk,” the Foxtrot is a classic ballroom dance that emphasizes smooth, graceful movements. It involves basic steps like walks, forward and backward sways, and gentle turns. The slow tempo of most Foxtrot music allows for ample time to learn and perfect the steps.
- The Romantic Waltz: Another elegant option, the Waltz focuses on slow, continuous turning movements. While there are various waltz styles, the basic waltz can be learned with a few simple steps: the box step, the reverse box step, and the basic turn. Opt for a slower waltz tempo to make learning easier.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your first dance choreography simple:
- Keep it Short: A shorter routine is less overwhelming to learn and allows you to focus on mastering the basics. Aim for 1-1.5 minutes.
- Focus on Connection: Even with basic steps, prioritize maintaining eye contact and a close connection as a couple. This adds intimacy and emotion to the dance.
- Practice Makes Progress: Schedule regular practice sessions, even if they’re short. Repetition is key to building confidence and muscle memory.
Remember, the most important aspect is to choose something you both feel comfortable with and enjoy. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize even simple moves to express your love story.
Joyce and Luca decided to do a choreographed routine because neither had a dance background and they didn’t want to “just sway from side to side” for their first dance. They were also keen on a challenge and they thought taking dance lessons together was a great idea. The couple chose You Are the Reason as it was used in Luca’s proposal to Joyce.
The couple were taught a hybrid between the waltz and the box step by You Can Dance Studio in South Melbourne.
Photos courtesy of Mario Colli Photography
Venue: Rainforest Gardens in Mount Cotton, Queensland
Wedding Dance Choreography: You Can Dance Studio (Melbourne)
How to choose the right song for your choreographed first dance
Choosing the perfect song for your choreographed first dance is all about finding a sweet spot between meaning and movement. Here are some key factors to consider:
Meaningful Connection:
- Love Story: Pick a song that holds a special place in your relationship. Perhaps it was your first dance song, a song that played during a memorable moment, or simply a piece that resonates with your love story.
- Lyrics: Pay attention to the lyrics! Choose a song with words that express your feelings for each other and complement the emotions you want to convey during the dance.
Movement and Structure:
- Tempo and Rhythm: A song with a clear and steady tempo will be easier to choreograph to. Look for a song with a comfortable pace that allows for a variety of moves – slower sections for romantic moments and faster sections for energetic lifts or dips.
- Song Structure: The song structure should complement the planned choreography. Ideally, there should be distinct sections that can be used for different parts of the dance, like a slow intro for a close hold, a building section for more intricate moves, and a slower outro for a final embrace.
Here are some additional tips for choosing your song:
- Consider Both Tastes: Find a song that you both enjoy and feel comfortable dancing to.
- Think About the Audience: While a meaningful song is important, consider if the chosen song is one your guests will recognize and appreciate.
- Listen to Different Genres: Don’t limit yourself to traditional ballads. Explore genres like swing, jazz, or even modern pop if they reflect your personality.
- Instrumental Versions: Consider an instrumental version of a song you love to avoid potential vocal distractions during the dance.
Ultimately, the best song for your choreographed first dance is the one that speaks to your heart and allows you to move beautifully together. Listen to different options, discuss them with your partner, and trust your gut feeling!
