Image by Lara Hotz Photography via Chloe & Steen’s Elegant Carriageworks Wedding
The first dance. It’s a beautiful tradition made more incredible by the sweet, personal moments shared between yourself and your new wife in a dance witnessed by the friends and family you have chosen to share your big day with. So we get why you might be a bit nervous—and not just for the first dance. It’s natural to be nervous on your wedding day, especially for all those impending dances, so here we’ve put together some tips to keep the big day’s dances stress free.
Choreography
Having a dance teacher map out some steps beforehand can be a huge benefit. With enough practice the steps you have learnt will come completely naturally. Often, it’s about the nervous groom not knowing how to dance, but learning the proper dance positions and correct steps can go a long way to counteract this stress. If you’re brave enough, consider asking your teacher how to dip your bride at the end!
Image by Pawel Kadysz
Having Support
If you’re not comfortable with having the spotlight entirely centred on yourself and your bride, consider asking the members of your wedding party to join you on the dance floor at a particular point. Starting off the dance with just your bride will stick to tradition, but including more guests on the dance floor at the 60-second mark isn’t something anyone will object to! Not only will this look amazing in photographs, it will divert some attention from you and allow some more relaxed moments with your bride.
Keep It Simple
If you’re sure of the steps, but not confident with anything too difficult or ‘out-there’, consider just learning the basic box step. This move is perfect for almost any wedding song! If even that has you a little nervous, then just shuffle! As long as you’re not stepping on her dress and you aren’t sliding on the floor, nothing can go wrong.
Image by Renee Stamatis via Sophie & Alex’s Glam Country Wedding
Take A Moment
Before you go out onto the floor for your first dance, pull your bride aside and take a moment to yourselves to steady the nerves. Remember the emotion of the moment—you have just married the love of your life. A little dance can’t do anything to ruin that. Take a deep breath, do a little giddy dance to shake out the nerves, and just laugh off the situation! This should calm you down enough to remember the steps.
Image via SugarLove Weddings via Susan & Jason’s Modern Elegance Sydney Wedding
Remember Your Partner
When you’re in the middle of a dance, and you’re starting to feel a little overwhelmed by your many friends and family around you, just focus on your partner. Many dance teacher’s advise that you look into your partner’s eyes and let the emotion wash around you. Don’t think too much outside of that. The dance steps will come naturally, and really, how scary can it be? Just focus on your bride and enjoy the moment.
Choose A Song With Emotion
For your first dance, choose a song that’s packed with emotion. It’s a lot easier if that song is something special between you and your bride—something that already means a lot to you both. Having a song that reminds you of your love, and of a special moment in your relationship, can do wonders to steady the nerves.
Image by Cayton Heath
Just…Dance!
This is your wedding—the only day in your entire life where your love for your new wife is shared among family and friends in a big celebration. So why waste a second of it worrying about small moments? Focus on your new bride, and focus on the happiness and joy that has become so much a part of the moment. Make the dance simple, organise for people to join you on the dance floor, and remember to look at your new partner. And, most importantly, don’t give up. You may end up regretting it. So take this chance. And enjoy every moment of it—dance included!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: It’s one of your moments in the spotlight – but with practice – and ‘deep breathing’, you’ll be channelling Fred Astaire in no time!
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