Our way of teaching has evolved over the years. We now use a mix of online lessons and face-to-face sessions with choreographers.

There several benefits to this:

• It saves precious time. By looking at pre-recorded lessons and doing simple exercises at home you can drastically cut the amount of time you will need to spend with your instructor or wedding dance choreographer. Not to mention commute time.
• This will obviously lead to significant savings. In a face-to-face lesson, not only you pay for the choreographer's time but you also pay for studio time. Not to mention that commute again!
• It also offers a lot of flexibility. You practice and learn at home at your own rhythm and at a time that is convenient to you.
• By preparing before your time in studio, you will find that you will extract a lot more value of that time in studio. Use the choreographer's time for the complex stuff, not the silly stuff! 
• No need to waste more time filming the moves and patterns during the lesson, it's already done for you.
• No fear of forgetting anything, the lessons have already been filmed. 

Getting Ready for Your First Dance Lesson

Wedding Dance Tips

To maximise your time with us, we always recommend preparing for your lessons. This allows you to get the most from your practice.

Once you are booked in - we will send you some simple exercises to be done at home. We will provide most of this material in video format so you can follow along accurately every step of the way.

Tips for a Memorable First Dance.

For your first dance as a married couple, it's recommended to keep the performance under 3 minutes. This not only makes choreographing the dance easier and more manageable, but also ensures that your guests stay engaged and entertained throughout the performance.

However, if the song you've chosen is longer than 3 minutes, there are a few options you can consider. If you are using a DJ, you can cut the music using a free tool such as Audacity. If you have a live band, simply communicate your desired length to them.

Another option that's great for a smooth transition and adds some fun to the evening is to invite your wedding party to join you on the dance floor. This makes the event more dynamic and visually appealing, and it's easy to coordinate.

How Long Will It Take

This is undoubtedly one of the questions we get asked most often. Well it depends. It depends on many things: your aptitude, your desired outcome, the style you pick, you time you have to invest...

Some couples prefer starting the process as early as 6 to 8 months prior sot that can really feel at ease dancing. Other couples will leave it to the last minute to start lesson. In our experience, 6 to 8 weeks is the sweet spot. Don't forget, you might have many other things other than dancing in the least few weeks.

Stick to a plan

Besides learning your routine in the run-up to your wedding - you should have a concrete time where the first dance will be announced to your guests. You should also plan your entrance in advance - whether this will be taking to the floor together or meeting in the middle of the dance floor. 

If you are just looking for a little information to help you with your First Dance, try our Free Online Wedding Dance Lessons. There is plenty of information there to get you started. It will also get you a sense of what we do and how we work. 

Part of this plan will also clarify when the music will begin - for example, if this is before or after the couple makes their entrance onto the dance floor. Communication is the key to perfecting these little moments in the run-up to the first dance - ensure all parties and musicians are clear on their role at this point. 

Once your song is over - ensure you know your next move here. If your wedding party is joining you at this point - be sure this is clear to everyone. If you would like to take a bow and then signal to your guests to join you - make sure this is clear to all partners. We always recommend assigning a specific guest in your bridal party to make sure everyone is ready to take to the floor at the same time.

Know your venue - when visiting your venue be sure you focus on the ballroom and the organisation of the room. Will your guests be standing at one part of the venue or will they be spread out? These minor details will inform your routine and attention to detail is important.

Posture and Smile

Maintaining your composure regardless of what happens is the most important thing. We always recommend you continue to smile throughout your whole routine - this will not only make you appear calm but also help to actually fend off any unwanted nerves. If you are smiling with your shoulders back and head tall - this is half the battle - If you have been practicing the rest will fit together naturally once you have these basics covered. 

Spend Some Time Working with a Professional Choreographer

This is particularly important where your dancing experience is limited or you are nervous about your first wedding dance. You would be impressed by what a professional can teach you to dance in a very short period of time. Not only does a professional offer concrete dance tips, but also offers invaluable advice on staying calm and composed on your special day.

We understand taking a dance class could be uncharted territory for some couples - but not only is it a way to avoid feeling awkward or embarrassed on your big day - it also allows you to spend quality time together as a couple in the run-up to your wedding.

There are a lot of dance schools out there and like with everything else in life, quality differs from school to school. Pick a dance teacher with plenty of experience with first bridal dance and make sure that they can choreograph a first dance that suits your song choice.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practicing your routine inside out is the surest way to have you feeling ready and confident when your moment arrives. If you know the routine well - you can focus on enjoying the moment and staying present with your partner. Just a few minutes every day can help take the pressure off and can also turn out to be lots of fun.

From Your Specialists in Wedding Dance Lessons: A Mistake to Avoid!

If you are beginners and want to be dance ready on time for your Big Day, it's best to leave these styles professional dance drawer.

Who knows, maybe you will get back to them when you are married. You might get caught by the bug and want to learn how to dance more complex and challenging styles. 

But for now, if you have never danced before, our advise to focus on a perfect wedding dance routine that will make for the perfect wedding ceremony!

On Your Wedding Day

It's the big moment, time to perform your first dance to your chosen song. Your family and friends are all watching and the spotlights are on!

3 words to get you through it: Breathe, Smile and Communicate.

This is your time so enjoy it. The adrenaline is pumping so breathe to clam yourselves, smile to give you courage and communicate, you are not alone, there are 2 of you now.

Remember, this is not a last-minute dance, you have learned, practice and perfected your first dance together. 

Together, not only you will get through it but the chances are you will love it. It's a buzz!!

Many couples have put their trust in our experience since 2015. So why not come dance with us? 

Make sure to read First Dance Academy's Blog for lots more information!