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| The First Dance Tips | Most couples intend to dance the traditional first dance, but most of them also know nothing at all about dancing!
Thus, as the big day approaches their sense of panic increases. You can avoid anxiety by following a few easy tips.
1. Plan ahead: Planning everything associated with your wedding, plan else and your first dance. Ideally you should begin practicing 6 to 12 months ahead of time.
2. Turn to professionals: Learning to dance is surprisingly painless. Be sure if you can't afford private lessons at a local studio, you can look around for group classes (high schools, colleges and community centers often offer courses). Also, buy an instructional videotape -learn at home and avoid the worry of looking awkward in front of others.
3. Have options: If you are undecided about your first song, or can't pick one, check the list of wedding dance songs available on this site. Practicing to two or three different songs that both of you like, and choose the one that feels most comfortable.
4. Less is more: It is not necessary to dance to the entire song (remember, dance professionals don't). Your DJ can cut the song or your band can play a shortened version…..or you can even just have it fade out.
Keep in mind you'll look better dancing for two minutes and doing five terrific moves, than dancing for five minutes and doing twelve poorly executed moves.
5. Decide on a song version: Having picked a song, make sure your DJ or band knows how you want to hear it. You shouldn’t assume your band will play the song just like the Frank Sinatra CD you've been practicing to. Just give them a copy of the version you like, or to get a recording of their version, so that you are practicing to "the real deal."
6. Think about where you're dancing: Outdoors wedding: install a dance floor - it's pretty hard to spin in mud or on grass. But if the dance floor at your reception hall is smaller than your bathroom, maybe you'd better rethink that waltz - it takes up lots of space. Practice in a space that's similar in size to your reception hall.
7. Think about what you're wearing: If you have a mermaid dress you'll look terrific and you'll also be taking very tiny steps. Bear that in mind when you plan the first dance… The same, if you have an off-the-shoulder gown you won't be able to lift your arms over your head…Consider that before you put in all those spins.
8. Speak of what you're wearing: Practice in dancing as if it's the big day. Grooms: wear a jacket and dress shoes. Brides: wear a long skirt, (unless you're planning that mini-wedding dress!) and your actual wedding shoes. It'll break your shoes in, and it will give you a sense of security about your ability to manage them come the actual reception. Worried about getting them dirty? Protect them with an old pair of athletic socks.
9. Express yourself: Know your own comfort level, and that of your groom. Don’t dance, if you don't like a song! If you don't like a certain move your instructor shows you, say so politely. It is, after all, your day and your dance. You will look wonderful if you are happy and comfortable, so that should be your goal.
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