Ah, the first dance! You’re either having romantic visions of floating around the room in the arms of your love…or dreading the possibility of an awkward shuffle in the spotlight. Regardless of whether you’re a dance floor regular, there are a few simple things you can do to guarantee a fun and flawless first dance on your wedding day. These tips from The Next Step Co.director and choreographer, Roshin Taylor, will help you ensure your first steps as a married couple are coordinated ones!
1. Pick a song that really suits you both.
Don’t choose one because it’s popular at the time or conforms to older traditions. If you both really love a song or an artist in particular but think it may not be ‘wedding appropriate’, you may find a cover or acoustic version that is just perfect. Also, don’t get trapped into thinking it has to be slow and soppy – your first dance should reflect your personalities and be about you both having fun and enjoying the moment.
2. Keep it short and sweet.
Your wedding is a celebration and you want to keep those party vibes in full swing. Don’t let the song play out for four and a half, five minutes – it just dulls the mood. Even with the most impressive choreography, two to three minutes is the perfect length to leave everyone engaged and wanting more. Entertained guests are more inclined to jump straight onto the dance floor and continue the party with you after!
3. Think about your outfit and shoes.
If you have a few moves planned, make sure your dress allows for them. Long trains, many fishtail or mermaid style gowns or off-the-shoulder designs can be quite restrictive for certain dance moves. Also plan ahead by wearing your shoes a couple of times to see how confidently you can move around the dance floor in them. It’s no good practicing some great moves barefoot in your lounge room and then realising you can’t actually do them on the night! Remember you can always change your outfit if you have your heart set on certain choreography (as if you needed an excuse for a second dress!).
4. Learn a few basics.
Having a lesson or twoat the very least will get you both on the same page and eliminate the awkwardness factor. It really does make all the difference! Lessons can be scary but you’d be surprised how fun it is – on countless occasions, couples have commented just how much fun they had learning and practicing together in the lead up to the big day that they hadn’t anticipated.
If you really don’t have time or can’t convince your partner to do a private lesson, try some moves together at home. Get comfortable with swaying together (on the spot and moving around), a few simple turns and a dip. Remember even with lessons, the more practice, the more natural and at ease you’ll be!
5. Be present in the moment and just enjoy.
Therewill be some nerves, champagne consumed, different flooring and the dress always brings another element of complication. So let it be, smile and relax.Whatever happens at the end of the day, you’ve just married the love of your life and get to dance the night away with them!
Location: Victoria | Photography: Roam & Wander Photography|Film: Directors Edge|Coordination & Choreography: The Next Step Co.| Venue: Chateau Yering, Yarra Valley |Dresses: Raffaele Ciuca|Hair: K Image| Makeup: Anna Elizabeth Makeup| Suits: Briggins| Models:Shannon Turner, Nathan Smith, Nicole Ellis & Morgan Waterhouse
