The wedding dance, in order
Your wedding dance, start to finish
Planning a first dance raises the same questions in roughly the same order: which song, how long, which style, how many lessons, and what about the parents? This page walks through them in sequence, with a deeper guide for each step.
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Step one: the song and its length
Pick for meaning first. Almost any song can be danced with the right style or section, so bring a few favourites to your consultation. If you’re after something specific, we’ve also gathered country first dance songs.
Then plan the length. Most first dances run 90 seconds to 2 minutes, which usually means trimming the song. Our page on first dance length explains where to cut.
Step two: the style
Your song decides the style. Slow ballads suit a simple rumba or a gentle waltz, which for most couples are the easiest place to start. Big-band and crooner songs suit a foxtrot; upbeat songs suit swing, jive or cha cha.
Two quick primers: the waltz, counted in three and made for songs with that lilt, and the rumba, slow and tender, a favourite for modern ballads.
Step three: lessons and timing
How many lessons
Six, nine or twelve, depending on the dance you want. See how many first dance lessons you need.
Never danced?
Or one of you is dreading it. Read a first dance for people who don’t dance.
Practice between lessons
A simple home routine, plus how to handle nerves: practising your first dance at home.
Start two to four months out if you can; if the date is weeks away, we plan backwards from it.
Step four: the details people forget
The dress and shoes
Rehearse in what you’ll wear. See dancing in your wedding dress.
The big finish
What’s realistic and safe for beginners: first dance dips and lifts.
Step five: the parent dances
Father-daughter
Short, simple, one great moment. Read how to prepare the father-daughter dance.
Mother-son
Timing, ideas and easy styles in our mother-son dance guide.
Mother-son songs
Sentimental, classic, country and upbeat: mother-son dance songs.
Planning it with Beach Ballroom
We teach wedding dances one-on-one at our studio on Queen Street East, with packages of 6, 9 or 12 lessons, and we choreograph parent dances and wedding party routines too. Most of the couples we work with are complete beginners. Book a wedding consultation below to get started.
Start with your song
Book a wedding consultation. We’ll hear your song, see how you move together and build a plan around your date.