Wedding Tips Preparing for your Wedding

Here are some tips for a beautiful first dance you and your guests will always remember.

Pick your song carefully
When you choose your song, you will of course want to pick a song with meaning to you and your fiancée. But there are other things to take into consideration if you are planning on a special dance. The first is the beat… is it actually a song you can dance to? Some beautiful songs were not really recorded for dancing. Your dance instructor can help you choose a song and a dance that go together. The second is the length. While you may love “Stairway to Heaven,” your guests will have revisited the bar and started talking amongst themselves long before its 8-minute conclusion. You can choose a shorter song, have the DJ fade your song out before it’s over, or have the DJ cut you a shorter version to play for your dance. Keeping it to 2-3 minutes is a good plan.
Plan a beginning and an end
Dance professionals call this an entrance and an exit. Having this planned can make you much more at ease during this spotlight moment. Think about how you will enter the dance floor. On each other’s arm? Will you walk on before or after the music starts? Will you meet in the middle? How will you end your dance… with a kiss? Plan how you will segue into the next activity.
Start well in advance
Performing a choreographed wedding dance is a new skill, even if you already dance a bit. Be sure to allow yourself time to feel comfortable with your dance steps. Most couples getting ready for a wedding will need several private lessons, usually taken a week apart. Allow for this time, and time to practice. Remember that as your wedding date approaches, you’ll be extremely busy with family and last minute arrangements, Practicing your dance will be hard to fit in. Start early by calling our studio now.
Have fun practicing!
In between your lessons, be sure to practice your new dance skills. This is a great time to get used to working as a team. Learning something new can be stressful, though, especially under all the other pressures you may be feeling as you plan your wedding. So, as you practice, remember why you are choosing to share this dance. Remember how much you are in love, and have fun together! If possible, you’ll want to practice in the shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. If you will be wearing a full skirt, practice while wearing the petticoat…a big skirt can feel different to the bride and the groom, and getting used to it will make you more confident.
Talk to your DJ and Photographer
Make sure your DJ and photographer know what you’re up to! The DJ will need to know how you will enter and exit your dance so they can cue the music accordingly. If you have a special CD cut, bring more than one copy with you. Get the DJ to try it on his equipment prior to the wedding to make sure it plays OK. Photographers are used to couples standing still and swaying in the middle of the floor. If you plan more than this, be sure they know so they can catch all the important moments of your dance.
Some parting thoughts…
Your dance, no matter what you do, will be a beautiful expression of your love, and a great symbol of your future life together. Your guests will love anything you do, and be impressed by any extra effort you make. They love you and are pre-disposed to be happy for you on your wedding day. So bring joy and love into your dance, don’t sweat the small stuff, and enjoy it all!

More tips: http://dance.about.com/od/adultdancers/qt/Wedding_Dance.htm

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should we start taking dance lessons?

We recommend 3 to 6 months prior to your wedding date for maximum comfort on the dance floor. However, couples have come in for 3-5 hours right before the big day and we've worked with the time efficiently and effectively!

How many lessons do I really need?

Again, that depends on you both, your willingness to practice, and how comfortable you want to look and feel during your dance.

What kind of music should I use?

Use music that means something to you both; We will work with whatever you bring in. Your song is your special expression of your love for each other and we are here to help you create a dance to it that is beautiful.

My fiance/fiancee doesn't dance, can we actually dance together like this?

Absolutely! Often we find it is the partner that "wasn't so sure" that turns out to be really into lessons. We will teach you elegant and easy-to-learn steps in a relaxed and one-on-one fashion that will be fun for you both.

Are there benefits to private lessons?

Private instruction offers you individualized teaching geared to your specific needs and abilities. Personalized choreography can only be done through private lessons.

What about that first dance with my Dad, Mom, Father-in-law or Mother-in-law?

Bring in the whole wedding party! Schedule a lesson with your Mom & Dad. You'll be surprised at how much everyone loves to dance!

Toronto's Latin & Ballroom Dance Specialists
Quality, Fun Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons for all levels from Beginners to Competitors!
Award winning coaches teaching the latest in social and competitive Ballroom and Latin Dance!

416-277-2785

al@416dance.com