TOP 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH YOUR FIRST DANCE
AKA ****Enxhi’s biggest pet-peeves - and Sasha and Vanda and Michael’s***
When it comes to weddings, we all know the amount elaborate planning that goes into making things happen and run as smoothly as possible. Similar to booking the venue ahead of time or deciding the flavors of the cake that both partners enjoy - a wedding dance requires the same amount of preparation and thought. So if you are interested in adding a first dance to spice up the wedding day and add a memory for years to come, here are some mistakes to avoid to make the experience more of a highlight and less of a headache:
Not being on the same page with your partner about what you want. - Communication is key. Before you come for your dance lessons, make sure to discuss with your partner exactly what you want from the first dance. Remember, the final dance itself is 3min of your lives, but the preparation leading up to it will take some time, energy, and money. It’s important that you enjoy the process as much as the final result. Talk with you partner and get on the same page of what style of dance you want, how much resources you are willing to invest, and be realistic on the amount of time you have leading up to. And this doesn’t mean you have to have it all figured out! Your teacher will be more than happy to give ideas, suggestions, etc. but it helps knowing that everyone is in agreement of what the goal will be. Once that happens, now the fun can begin!
Not considering your attire or venue - While we understand that the timeline of which things are booked can vary, it’s important to know that the attire and venue setting can impact the first dance. Let’s be honest, most wedding dresses are difficult to walk and sit in, let alone dance in them! Dresses with long trains, ballgown skirts, strapless tops, and stiff suit jackets can all make certain movements uncomfortable or difficult to execute. Once the attire is decided, it’s important to let you instructor know so they can accommodate for it. Otherwise, it might be more beneficial to have a change of costumes for the dance itself. Same goes for the venue, keep in mind the kind of flooring and dimensions of the space you will be dancing on.
Neglecting to practice in-between lessons - Majority of wedding couples have never danced before or taken structured dance lessons. Your teacher does not expect you to be professionals! However, like any other skill, the more you practice it, the more you can develop it and make it your own. The biggest request we get as dance teachers, is to make the dance “look natural”. Well unfortunately dancing will never look “natural” but it can look smooth and confident! From the simplest of steps - and especially for the intricate choreographies - repetition is key!! We cannot stress this enough. Keep this in mind when you are signing up for dance lessons. And it doesn’t require too much hassle. Simply coming in 15min before your lesson, or staying 15min later to practice, can be a game changer. Your teacher can help you with all the styling, music, performance skills, and so much more! But we can’t remember the steps for you.
Not performing in front of an audience before the wedding - Just like dancing is a skill that needs practice, performing is not any different. The art of performing is a skill that needs to be worked on, honed, and rehearsed. One of the biggest mistakes a couple can make is waiting until the wedding day to perform their dance in front of an audience for the first time. The lights, costumes, eyes of the audience, and inability to stop the routine in the middle are all factors that can effect the overall dance the day of. And the only way to practice and get better at performing, is to PERFORM! The more you can dance your routine in front of people and simulate the environment of the wedding, the more confident you will feel the day of!
Not trusting the process - Going back to the idea that the majority of the wedding couples are not professional dancers, chances are, you might feel a little strange at first trying some moves. And that’s okay! Unless these are moves you are doing on a day-to-day basis, they will feel a little strange. Just remember, what it feels like and what it looks like from the outside are not always the same! This why finding a teacher that understands you and your partner’s visions and desires, so that you can trust them with the routine and making sure everyone looks good doing it. And while you might have your mind set on certain elements, go into the dance lessons with an open mind. We always like to say- try everything and try it three times (at least). If it really doesn’t feel good after giving it your all, your teacher can make adjustments. But sometimes you would be amazed at how something can come together with just a little bit of instruction and (the magical word) practice! Just have a little bit patience, and enjoy the ride.
At the end of the day, there are many elements that go into making a first dance shine. We could write an entire book on things to keep in mind and what not to do, and still have more to say! What it comes down to is this: what things do you need to do in order to make the process of a first dance not just another thing to cross off your list. This is your chance to create some memories, escape the stresses of work and life, and have a fun date-night activity with your loved one. Keep it fun and enjoy the process. The more you show the love in your dance, the more memorable the result!