The first dance is the first time you and your newly wedded spouse will be invited up by name for a dance in front of all your friends and family. For some, turning it up on the dancefloor comes naturally, whether it's due to earlier dance experience or just being gifted when it comes to the ballroom. However, for those with two left feet, performing a highly anticipated dance in front of everyone can be nerve-racking, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few things to consider that will help with your dancing skills and put you at ease so you enjoy rather than dread this first dance with your spouse.
The Song
Before diving into choreography, selecting the song for your first dance is the most crucial decision. The right song can make or break the moment, so picking one that reflects your relationship and feels right to you both is essential.
When choosing a song, consider your dancing ability. A fast-paced song might sound fun, but it can quickly become challenging if you don't have a lot of dance experience. Fast tempos require quick, coordinated movements, which could add extra pressure.
On the other hand, a slower, romantic ballad provides a gentler rhythm, allowing for smoother, more relaxed movements. This option is perfect for couples who want to focus on enjoying the moment rather than memorising complex choreography.
If you're stuck, start by browsing your personal playlist or search for "first dance" wedding playlists on Spotify/Apple Music for inspiration. Look for a song that resonates with both of you—something meaningful or sentimental, whether it's a favourite tune, a song that reminds you of a special moment together, or a classic love song that never fails to evoke emotion.
Ultimately, choose a song that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to shine on your big day.
The Choreography
While getting prepared is good, it's important not to be over-prepared. It could be very tempting to get professional choreography and practice for hours on end to nail it. While this can be great for those who pick up chores quickly, it can become stressful for those who struggle. Furthermore, your guests want to see you authentically showing yourselves as a new couple dancing for the first time, not to a dance recital. With your song chosen, think about key moments/changes in the song, whether it's the buildup, the chorus, or a change in the beat. These are great to include a small special moment highlighting your love for each other and getting those great photo shots. These could include:
- Lifts
- Dips
- Spins
- Embrace
- Kiss
These are moments that your guests will cheer and get excited for. Just remember, finish with the kiss, as it highlights the love in your newly found marriage.
The length
Now that you have a rough idea of what you want to include in your choreography, it's critical to think about how long you want the first dance to be. If you are entering the first dance nervous already, why create an entire 3-minute dance?
A good rule of thumb is to keep it short and sharp, such as doing a verse and chorus. You get a chance to shine, dance through multiple levels and buildups of the song, and have a big final moment before the dance is over. With the rest of the song left to play, it becomes the perfect time to invite others to join you on the dance floor and start the party. You can do this by inviting everyone up and moving to a more upbeat song, or you can invite your parents / bridal party to finish the first dance song. Either way, these excellent choices will surely get the reception party started. The best person to discuss this with would be your DJ/Band to ensure a smooth transition from the first dance to the celebratory wedding party.
Just remember to be yourself during your first dance; you can make mistakes and mess up aspects of the dance. What's most important is to have fun and treat it as a celebration and expression of your love and not a stressful formality.
If you have any other concerns about your first dance and how it will look on the camera, ask your photographers/videographers before your wedding day. They have extensive experience and knowledge of capturing these special moments. They may have a couple of tips for getting those perfect shots. Furthermore, the Markovina Estate team ensures everything is perfect and ready for your first dance, from the sound system and the lighting to bubbles coming down, making for terrific photos.
