Ahhh, your first dance. It’s romantic, sweet and elegant. Wait. You don’t want a “sweet” wedding dance? What type of wedding dance do you want? The great news is that today’s first dance can be ANYTHING you want, as long as you’re in capable and qualified hands, of course.

Modern brides and grooms are looking for more and more when it comes to making their wedding dance one to remember, and that means that no idea is off the table. At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley, we have literally choreographed it all. From the cheesy 1980’s Journey songs with the groom sliding across the dance floor on his knees playing air guitar, to dramatic Argentine tango routines that require costume changes (and a fedora, of course), we have brought many a vision of the perfect first dance to life. In 2016, dream big, or small, because your options are limitless.

For those of you who are on the conservative/traditional side, not a problem! Make sure to 1. Find an adult dance studio in your area that choreographs wedding dances for brides and grooms, and 2. Let your choreographer know what ideas you may have/what overall look you’re going for. A great dance instructor will listen to your vision and give you something that you’re comfortable with for your first dance. A slow song is most likely in order here, so doing a little research on wedding songs that you enjoy prior to setting up a Wedding Dance Consultation. Videos from YouTube will also be helpful when it comes to articulating what excites you. Video really says a lot, so we as choreographers can use that as a place to start when customizing your wedding dance.

For those of you who want to rock your reception with an unexpected and surprising first dance, the sky is the limit. As a dancer, it’s wonderful to be creative and choreograph something unique! Here’s a bit of advice that I always give my wedding couples who want a more elaborate wedding dance.

1. Don’t dance for more than 3 minutes. Keep your edited music short. Two to three minutes is plenty so that you can capture your guest’s attention and keep them intrigued. They will definitely remember your wedding dance, as long as you keep it short and sweet.

2. Never include a lift in your wedding dance. Please, for the safety of you and your guests, keep all four feet on the floor for the entire dance. While lifting your bride above your head, a la Dirty Dancing, sounds like a really cool idea, too many “accidents” can occur, making your dance one that no one will forget, and for all the wrong reasons. Avoid this disaster by staying away from lifts and tricks that can cause harm to anyone, especially the bride and groom.

3. Consider your clothing. An out-of-the-box wedding dance that may include Hip Hop, Salsa, or another non-traditional dance style may require a costume/shoe change. Five inch heels or a tight, fitted dress will not be ideal or comfortable for something out of the ordinary, so consider changing into a reception gown, or a different pair of shoes, if even for only the dance.

Wedding dance lessons are great fun for brides and grooms! You can discover a romantic, new hobby that you can use for years to come once you know how to dance. The key is to finding the right dance studio for you with a comfortable learning environment.

If you’re getting married in 2016, it’s not too early to begin your search for that perfect dance studio for you. Wedding Dance Lessons will be one of the best investments you will make into your big day. Enjoy!