Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day. To ensure it’s everything you’ve dreamed of, many couples turn to professional dance instructors for guidance. If you’re considering taking lessons, you probably have a lot of questions. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions couples ask their first dance instructors, along with some insights to help you make the most of your experience.
1. How Early Should We Start Taking Lessons?
One of the first things couples want to know is when to start their dance lessons. The ideal time frame depends on your schedule and how comfortable you are on the dance floor.
Instructor Insight: Starting lessons about 3 to 6 months before the wedding is usually a good idea. This gives you enough time to learn and practice without feeling rushed. If you have a busy schedule or want to learn a more complex routine, starting earlier might be beneficial.
2. How Many Lessons Will We Need?
The number of lessons required varies depending on your goals, your natural dancing ability, and the complexity of the dance you wish to perform.
Instructor Insight: For a simple and elegant first dance, around 4 to 8 lessons may be sufficient. If you're aiming for a more choreographed routine or need to build confidence, you might need 10 to 20 lessons. Your instructor can assess your progress and adjust the lesson plan as needed.
3. What Style of Dance Should We Choose?
Couples often wonder which dance style will suit them best. This decision can be influenced by your wedding theme, song choice, and personal preferences.
Instructor Insight: The most popular styles for a first dance include the waltz, foxtrot, rumba, and slow dance. If you have a specific song in mind, your instructor can recommend a dance style that matches its rhythm and mood. Don’t be afraid to try a few styles before settling on the one that feels right.
4. Can We Dance to Our Chosen Song?
You might have a special song in mind for your first dance, but you’re not sure if it’s suitable for dancing.
Instructor Insight: Almost any song can be adapted for a first dance. Your instructor can help you find the right dance style to match the tempo and mood of your chosen song. If the song is particularly fast or slow, they might suggest a modified version or an alternative arrangement to make it easier to dance to.
5. What If We Have No Dance Experience?
Many couples worry about their lack of dance experience and whether they can learn a routine in time for the wedding.
Instructor Insight: Don’t worry! Most couples start with little to no dance experience. Instructors are skilled at teaching beginners and can break down the steps into manageable parts. The key is to practice regularly and stay patient with yourselves.
6. What Should We Wear to Our Dance Lessons?
Comfort is key during your lessons, but it’s also important to consider what you’ll be wearing on your wedding day.
Instructor Insight: For lessons, wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. As your wedding day approaches, it’s a good idea to practice in shoes similar to the ones you’ll wear at the wedding. Brides may also want to practice in a skirt or dress with a similar length and fullness to their gown.
7. How Do We Handle Nerves on the Big Day?
Even with plenty of practice, many couples feel nervous about their first dance.
Instructor Insight: It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious. Instructors often advise couples to focus on each other during the dance, rather than the audience. Regular practice will also help build confidence. Remember, your guests are there to celebrate with you—they’re not expecting a perfect performance.
8. Can We Include Our Wedding Party in the Dance?
Some couples are interested in involving their wedding party in the dance, either at the beginning or the end.
Instructor Insight: Absolutely! Instructors can choreograph a routine that includes the wedding party, making your first dance even more memorable. Just be sure to schedule additional practice time for everyone involved.
9. What Happens If We Forget the Steps?
One of the biggest fears couples have is forgetting their routine mid-dance.
Instructor Insight: If you forget a step, don’t panic. Instructors teach you how to improvise and recover gracefully. The audience won’t notice small mistakes, and your ability to keep going will make the dance look natural and fluid.
10. What Should We Do If Our Song Is Really Long?
Some songs are longer than the couple wants to dance, but they don’t want to cut their favorite tune.
Instructor Insight: If your song is longer than you’d like, your instructor can help you edit the music or create a dance that includes a natural exit point. This way, you can enjoy your favorite parts of the song without feeling like the dance is dragging on.
Your first dance is a special moment, and with the right preparation, it can be a highlight of your wedding day. By asking these common questions, you’ll be well on your way to feeling confident and excited for that first twirl on the dance floor. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy this moment together!
