FIRST DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY FOR YOUR WEDDING

Deciding when to begin your dance lessons is an important consideration. Allowing yourself more time before the wedding will help you feel more at ease and confident in your dancing abilities. However, we recognise that schedules can be tight. No matter when you are able to start, we are committed to working with you and making the most of the time available.

Private tuition offers a personalised and tailored approach to learning. However, if you’re planning well in advance, consider joining our friendly group classes. They are a cost-effective way of learning to dance together, and you’ll learn the basic foundations for partner dancing in a fun and social setting. 

Most couples usually choose to take between three and seven dance lessons to prepare for their special day. However, the number of lessons to take before your wedding is an entirely personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer; it depends on individual preferences and goals. When considering the number of lessons, it is helpful to reflect on your desired choreography. Simpler choreography generally requires less time to feel comfortable with, whereas a full and detailed routine will require additional lessons and practice.

FEE: £40 for 60 minutes. An additional fee applies if you request the hire of a village hall. We accept both cash and card payments.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the booked session time will incur a charge equal to the hall hire fee.

LOCATION: Private tuition takes place in a small home gym in Hullavington (Wiltshire, SN14). If you require more space, we can hire Grittleton Village Hall or Hullavington Village Hall, subject to availability and additional fees.

At the end of each lesson, we offer you the option to record a video of your dance performance, capturing what you have learnt during the session. The recorded video will be sent to you via WhatsApp, providing you with a convenient record of your progress. If you would prefer to have your dance recorded on your personal mobile phone, please remember to bring it with you. Reviewing your videos between lessons is an effective way to reinforce your learning and ensure that the material remains fresh in your mind.

If you wish, you have the option to showcase your dance in front of a live audience before your big day! You are warmly invited to attend one of our group class evenings, where you can perform your routine in front of our supportive community of students. Many of our wedding couples have found this experience invaluable, as it helps to ease first-performance nerves.

Song Choice: Please select a song that is meaningful to both of you and inform us of your choice before your first lesson. This allows us to listen to the track in advance and make the most of your lesson time. If you haven't chosen a song yet, we can demonstrate some basic dance moves to help you get started. This will prepare you to step onto the dance floor with confidence, move gracefully together, and perform a simple underarm turn—so you'll be ready once you find the perfect song.

Length of your dance: Some couples choose to dance through the entire song, while others prefer to dance partway through before inviting their guests to join them on the dance floor. Please let us know which approach you would like to take.

Music Arrangements: If you have hired a band to play at your wedding, ask them how they plan to perform your chosen song, as their rendition may differ from the original or a recorded version. If possible, obtain a recording from the band in advance. If recorded music will be used for your dance, ensure your DJ has the correct version of your chosen song.

Reflect on how you want your dance to look and feel, and think about which type of dance resonates with you the most. When your style aligns with your personalities, shared story, and chosen song, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident dancing in front of your wedding guests. Would you prefer something simple and understated, romantic and cosy, classic and elegant, quirky and fun, vibrant and dynamic, or perhaps a true show-stopper? You may even want to combine different styles. Every couple is unique, and the choice is completely yours. Your dance will be carefully choreographed to match your individual style, with your input and preferences at the heart of the process.

Please note: If dancing is new to you, please don’t pressure yourself too much. Simply moving in harmony with a few well-chosen steps is a brilliant achievement and will look beautiful to everyone watching!

Comfort: The style and fit of your wedding attire can significantly influence which dance moves will feel natural and comfortable. A floor-length dress with a train, a low-cut gown, a tight-fitting jacket, or new shoes can all affect choreography. Please let us know what you will be wearing on the day (your secret is safe with us!) so that we can take these factors into account when designing your choreography.

Wedding Dress Adjustments: If your wedding dress has a long skirt or train, you may need to make some adjustments on the day to allow for free movement while dancing. Most dresses have bustle points to pin up the train, so it's helpful to practice bustling before the wedding to ensure everything goes smoothly. Make sure the bustle is secure enough to support the weight of the skirt or train while you dance.

Jacket & Shirt Testing: We recommend trying on your jacket to ensure that you can easily lift your arms, especially for dance moves like turning your partner. Additionally, check whether your shirt remains tucked in during these movements, as smooth fabrics can sometimes come untucked.

Dancing Shoes: New wedding shoes may be stiff, slippery, or have higher heels than you are accustomed to. Practising your dance in your wedding shoes is a great idea, and we encourage you to bring them to your lessons whenever possible.

Hairstyle Considerations: If either of you plans to wear an elevated hairstyle on the wedding day, please let us know. This will allow us to adjust the arm movements in your choreography to match your chosen look.

To ensure safe and effective choreography, we require the following information:

• The dimensions of your dance floor.

• The location of any cracks, ridges, or slippery or rough patches on your dance floor.

• The position of your audience in relation to the dance floor.

Thank you!