10 Tips for Your First Dance

So you’re getting married soon? Congratulations!

Here at White Mountain Dance Studio in Pinetop, AZ, we love working with engaged couples to prepare them for their own magical, memorable first dance experience!

As we like to say, “start your marriage off on the right foot!”

Classic Wedding Dance Move: The Dip!

Before you hit the dance floor on your big day, check out our tips to make the most of your special dance with your special someone:

1. Practice in your actual clothes and shoes (or a similar outfit) before your wedding day.
   
   Every pair of shoes, every style of skirt, and every suit jacket has a different effect on how you will perform your dance moves – so don’t leave it up to chance; practice in your clothes ahead of time so you can get used to how it feels!
   

2. Similarly, if possible, practice your dance at your actual wedding venue.
   
   It’s a great chance to test the texture of the dance floor (bonus tip: wear your shoes for this practice!). It’s also a great time to think through some logistics, like how big is the actual dance floor after taking into account where people will be standing or sitting? Where will you enter and exit? Additionally, practicing in the actual venue can help you reduce nerves the day-of because you’ve already danced in there before!
   

3. Pick a song you love, with a really clear beat.
   
   When you love the song you’re dancing to, it’s so much easier to have a great time! Choosing a song with a clear beat also helps to ensure that you’ll be able to stay on pace with each other and the music, even if the sound system doesn’t end up being perfect.
   

4. Send your DJ all the wedding dance details!
   
   Nothing could be worse than your DJ fading out your first dance song before you were done – and we have heard of this happening to people! So make sure your DJ has the correct version of your music, yes, but also make sure they know when to start the music, and when to stop the music. You can give them specific cues like “start the music when we’re standing in the middle of the dance floor.” The more specific, the better!
   

5. Send your photographer/videographer a video of you practicing your dance.
   
   We recommend doing this so that your photographer and/or videographer will know the best places to set up to capture all of those magical moments for you! Dancing shots are some of our favorite wedding memories, and they’ll turn out great if your photographer/videographer knows the prime location to set up. 
   

6. Ask a friend or family member to video your dance as well.
   
   Whether or not you have a videographer, it’s nice to have a full video of your dance! Some videographers only keep bits and pieces of the dance as they compile your wedding video together. Plus, if a friend or family member videos, then you can have access to it right away without waiting for editing!
   

7. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your first dance.
   
   We recommend working on your first dance 3-6 months before your wedding date. Those last minute wedding details are going to creep up on you–don’t let your first dance be one of those things! By preparing in advance, you’ll have one less thing to worry about as the big day approaches.
   

8. Perform your dance for someone before the big day.
   
   We know, it sounds crazy, but performance nerves are real! But if you’ve performed in front of an audience already, dancing in front of all of your wedding guests isn’t as intimidating. This performance could be as simple as showing your nieces or nephews your dance, or performing at your local dance studio!
   

9. Get a professional eye on your dancing.
   
   Wedding dance lessons are more accessible than ever, and you’ll probably be surprised at how much fun you have working with your partner on your first dance together. For many couples, wedding dance lessons end up being their favorite part of the wedding planning process. We recommend an average of 8-10 lessons to get you feeling comfortable and confident before your big day!
   

10. Have fun!
    
    When you step out onto that dance floor with your new spouse, remember to smile and enjoy the moment! Your first dance is a celebration of your relationship, and we can’t think of a better way to start your new life together.
    

We hope your first dance is the first of many as a happy married couple. Dance has been one of the greatest joys in our lives, and we want it to be for you, too.

Are you ready to start working on your first dance? Head over to https://whitemountaindancestudio.punchpass.com/timeslot to reserve a private lesson. We also provide lessons for father/daughter, mother/son, and other wedding party dances. 

Dancing With Your Special Someone