Choosing the perfect song

Music is a very fundamental aspect in the development of the first dance, and there are many factors to keep in mind. Disclosure: It’s important to understand that this will vary for every couple, there is no singular way to do things! But we have put together here some general guidelines to think about or try:

What comes first: the chicken or the egg? Or in this case: the song selection or the dance?

When starting the first-dance process, there are 2 approaches couples can take: the first is the “routine-oriented” dance. In this approach, couples might want to try a few  different style of dances first and see which one resonates with them better, and then select music based on that style of dance. This approach can be beneficial for:

• couples who have never danced before and want to feel super comfortable

• those who aren’t sure what style of first dance they want to create

• Those who aren’t emotionally attached to any specific piece of music

When it comes to the most popular wedding dances, the music typically falls into one of these main categories: Rumba/Foxtrot, Waltz, and Swing. Sometimes the song we like doesn’t always match with the style of dance we feel most comfortable with. With this approach, your instructor can show you the different dance styles, and once you find the dance that best suites the couple, the instructor can then give you a selection of songs that would fit the dance.

Here are some popular song examples our students have selected for each of these dances. Can you notice the different rhythms of each song?

Rumba: “Truly Madly Deeply” Savage Garden

Foxtrot: “L.O.V.E.” Nat King Cole

Swing: “Dance With Me Tonight” Olly Murs

Waltz: “Come Away With Me” Norah Jones

*Viennese Waltz: “You Are The Reason” Calum Scott

The second approach is the “music-oriented” dance. In this process, a couple usually has their heart set on a song that

• they have a strong emotional connection to

• both really enjoy

• Best represents the type of first dance they want to showcase

In these kind of cases, an instructor will do their best to make any kind of dance moves work with the music that has been selected. Usually the routines will have several moves that act out the lyrics and can be a medley of the different dance styles. Sometimes the songs will have a very clear beat, sometimes they are harder to hear. This is where having an instructor who can work well with the couple in understanding the rhythm and selecting choreography that can play to the couple’s strengths is important!

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when selecting music:

• Go with what you both like, not just what’s trending

• Listen to the lyrics

• Try something with a stronger beat

• Stuck between 2 songs? Maybe try a medley.

• Try a different version of the song, or change the tempo