Planning your wedding day is a stressful task, with so many details to remember, you just may overlook that special moment…Your First Dance as Mr. and Mrs. ATOMIC Ballroom is here to help, and these 10 helpful tips are just the thing to make your first dance a moment to remember.
1. PLAN EARLY
Learn to dance before things get really stressful
We can’t tell you how many couples come in a week or two before their wedding and expect to have a fabulous dance routine! Different couples have different ability levels and different goals for their wedding dance. Whether you would just like to be able to stand and sway together for a few intimate moments without falling down, or if you want a flashy Tango or Rumba routine choreographed from beginning to end, or if you would just like a few steps and patterns sandwiched between a dramatic entrance and a romantic dip ending; be sure to start your lessons EARLY. This will allow you some time to become comfortable with each other’s dancing abilities as well as to ensure you are comfortable dancing your routine of choice.
2. CHOOSING YOUR MUSIC
Do you know what song you will be dancing to?
Choosing that special song is no easy task. Some songs are more difficult to dance to than others. Also, different songs lend themselves to different styles of dance. Depending on your song of choice, you could end up dancing a Fox Trot, a Swing, a Waltz or maybe even a Night Club 2-Step. Although you may think many traditional wedding songs suggest a Waltz, chances are that your wedding song will not actually be a Waltz. Bring us your favorite songs and we’ll help you choose the music and dance style that best suits you and your style of wedding.
3. CUT YOUR MUSIC
You don't HAVE to dance to the whole song
Have you ever been to a wedding and watched the first dance drag on for what seems like forever as the wedding couple just stands there and sways back and forth? Even professional dancers try to keep their routines at 2-3 minutes tops so that they don’t overstay their time in front of their audience. Capture them from the first note and first step then keep it short and full of that simple grace. Have your music edited professionally or ask your DJ to fade it out at a pre-determined point. Another trick is to invite your wedding party out to share the floor with you after the first minute or two.
4. DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PARTY
Your groomsmen and brides maids want to look good on the dancefloor too
Making sure your wedding party is comfortable on the dance floor is a fun way to ensure everyone will be dancing the night away on your special day. Bring your whole wedding party to ATOMIC Ballroom for a private group class at the studio just for them. This is a fantastic opportunity for the bride and groom and their entire wedding party to have some fun and bond together before the wedding. We promise to make it a blast for all!
5. BOOK A PRIVATE LESSON
Private lessons are great for couples.
Private lessons give you more one on one time with your instructor who will teach you the basic rhythm of your dance and break down patterns and choreography in much greater detail. You want to be perfect on that “perfect day” and this will certainly help make that happen. Private lessons are booked ahead of time and are subject to availability. Our schedule fills up fast so call 949.250.3332 today to reserve your time. Also check our Class Calendar for Group Class times!
6. PRACTICE IS KEY
When at first you don't succeed.....
Practice at home. Listen to your music in the car. Visualize it when you relax. Practice in attire that’s as close to what you’ll be wearing at your wedding as possible. Brides, wear your slip and similar type heels. Grooms, wear similar type dress shoes. Be sure to take notes after your lessons so that you can refer to them later or bring your video camera to keep a video notebook to assist you while you are practicing. Also come out dancing at any of our weekly evening dances at ATOMIC Ballroom. Not only are they a blast and a great way to make new friends, but it is the best way to progress your dancing at a much faster pace.
7. DANCING IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Watch that train ladies!
Ladies, when you go for your fitting, be sure to try moving around in your dress. Can you lift your arms above your head? Do your heels get caught in the hem? Would a swing dance just not work in your hoop skirt? Is your dress so full that you may not be able to reach your partner or so fitted at the bottom that you can’t take a side step? Is your tiara so tall that you won’t be able to do an underarm turn? Find out the answers to these questions early!
8. BREAK IN YOUR SHOES
Go for a walk in your wedding shoes.
It is important for both of you to break in your shoes early. Practice dancing in them and wear them around the house. This will help them stretch and adjust to fit your feet.
Brides – Get used to moving through your turns in your heels. Practice under conditions as close to what you’ll have on the big day as possible. The fewer surprises you have on the dance floor, the better.
Grooms – If you are wearing patent leather shoes and they squeak when you move around on the floor, they might stick and trip up your footwork. (We have seen it happen!!) Rub a bit of Vaseline on the sole where they stick and you’ll be ready to go.
9. BUYING PROFESSIONAL DANCE SHOES
Now those shoes are hot!
Professional dance shoes are made especially for the dance floor. They have sueded or leather bottoms which make turning much easier. They are also much lighter and more flexible than regular street or dress shoes. Most shoes for both men and women range within $100 – $150. If you are interested in purchasing shoes, we can direct you to several local shoe vendors.
10. DIP TIP
Big finale!
Gentlemen, when you dip your partner, make sure to keep your back straight and don’t bend over her. Take a nice sturdy stance approximately shoulder width apart and lunge onto your strong and lower her with your arms. (Hint: Lunge – Strong leg lunges and bends slightly while back leg stays straight.) We know it’s tempting to bend at the waist into the dip to plant one on her, but wait until you bring her back up. Leaning forward makes keeping balance difficult. We’ve seen grooms topple over and onto their brides more than once. Don’t let this happen to you!
We hope that those 10 tips for a successful first dance help you on your way to a magical wedding celebration. For any further questions, or to schedule dance lessons for your big day, contact Trisha Pollock, 949.250.3332.
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