Creating Your Perfect Bridal Dance: Tips and Tricks
While most people at wedding receptions hit the dance floor for some fun, there are a few special dances that pull at the heartstrings. You’ve got the parent’s dance, the anniversary dance, and even the money dance!
However, none of them capture the spotlight quite like the first dance. This is when the couple takes their first spin as newlyweds, starting their journey together with a beautiful memory they’ll cherish forever.
Now, the idea of dancing in front of all your friends and family can be nerve-wracking. However, a bridal dance isn’t something to stress over. In fact, it’s quite enjoyable if you know what you’re doing.
Still skeptical? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few bridal dance tips to help you make the most of this romantic tradition.
Understanding the Basics of a Bridal Dance
So, what exactly makes for the perfect bridal dance? Let’s walk you through the basics.
Choosing the Right Song
The song you choose can make all the difference to your bridal dance. Think about the songs that mean the most to both of you. Maybe it's the first song you ever danced to, or one whose lyrics really hit home. Whatever you choose, make sure it has the right rhythm for dancing.
Dance Styles for Your Big Day
Sure, slow dances were once the first dance du jour. But these days, anything goes, as long as you’re comfortable. Let’s explore a few popular dance styles for weddings.
The Sway: The Sway is the perfect choice for couples who prefer a simple, low-prep first dance. It's just like the slow dances at high school proms—easy swaying back and forth with arms around each other. It's a relaxed way to enjoy a quiet moment together and have a little chat after the ceremony.
Classic Waltz: Despite what many think, a waltz is a bit quicker than your typical slow dance. It does require some choreography, which you can pick up from dance lessons or on your own.
Salsa and Mambo: These fast-paced Latin dance styles are perfect for adding a lively, sensual flair to your first dance. Mambo has a sharper, staccato feel, while salsa flows more smoothly. You don't have to stick to traditional Latin songs, but they do fit beautifully with these dances.
Freestyle: Prefer to keep things relaxed? Freestyle is your best bet. Just move to the beat in whatever way feels right. No steps to memorize, just have fun and enjoy the music.
Preparing for Your First Bridal Dance
Wedding days can be quite stressful. With all the details to manage- the venue, food, dresses, guests, and those inevitable wedding day jitters- preparing for your first dance shouldn’t add to the pressure. Here’s how to make the process a whole lot easier.
Start Early: Avoid the last-minute rush by beginning your dance prep well in advance. Trying to squeeze in lessons last minute will only make you more nervous. Plan to have your dance routine ready before the final week, so you can focus on other wedding matters as your big day inches closer.
Check Your Music Source: Make sure your DJ or band is on board with playing your chosen song. Check the tempo they plan to play it too. You don't want any surprises on the dance floor with a tempo that's way off from what you practiced.
Practice in Your Wedding Attire: Bring your wedding shoes to your lessons. And for brides, consider how your dress might impact your movement. Some moves may need adjustments if your dress is fitted, particularly if there's a dip at the end of your dance.
Mind Your Space: Pay attention to where you'll be dancing. How big is the dance floor? Where's your audience? You don't want to plan a big dip if your family and friends are right up close.
Above all, have fun. Remember, this is your moment to shine! Enjoy the experience and cherish the opportunity to share this special dance with your partner.
Why Work with a Wedding Choreographer
It’s not easy for beginners to piece together a choreographed wedding dance. Although there are a ton of wedding dance tutorials on YouTube, breaking those moves down into manageable progressions is no easy feat.
That’s where a seasoned dance choreographer can come to your rescue. They can help you with:
Choosing the right wedding dance song and editing it for your dance.
Creating a smooth entrance for you and your spouse.
Making sure your dance fits the size of your venue's dance floor.
Choreographing special dances like father-daughter and mother-son dances.
Adding professional touches to make your dance stand out.
At ACE Center, we specialize in making bridal dances magical. Our personalized bridal dance lessons can help take the stress out of your first dance. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional waltz or something more modern, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our lessons are designed to fit into your busy schedule, and we focus on making each session fun and relaxed. Get in touch today and start prepping for your dream bridal dance!
Incorporating Personal Touches
A wedding dance is something you’ll cherish forever. Why not make it uniquely yours?
Create a simple yet memorable move. It could be a cute spin, a secret handshake, or a fancy footwork sequence. Either way, it’ll add a dash of personality to your dance.
Think about including props that hold sentimental value or represent shared memories.
Take a trip down memory lane by recreating dance moves from significant moments in your relationship. It's a sweet way to relive those special memories while creating new ones on your wedding day.
Surprise your guests with a special guest appearance during your dance. You can invite a family member, friend, or even a beloved pet to join you for a quick spin on the dance floor.
The Bottom Line
On the wedding day, everyone’s there because they love you and you’re celebrating your big day. Don’t worry about making mistakes and just enjoy dancing with your partner. No one else knows the choreography but you, so as long as you smile and enjoy yourself, you’ll be a hit.
Ready to dance your way into forever? Join us at ACE Center for personalized bridal dance lessons that will make your first dance unforgettable. Call today and let the magic begin.