Wedding Dance Lessons Brisbane | The First Dance
Beleste Dance was titled Winner for Best Unique Wedding Service at the 20th Queensland ABIA Awards.
When it comes to the first dance, we’re not all blessed with two feet. However, when hiring an experienced wedding dance choreographer, you’ll feel confident enough to perform amongst all your wedding guests!
We interviewed BeLeste Dance (2018 ABIA Award Winner) who specialises in wedding dance lessons in Brisbane, they provided their expert knowledge and tips on how to be prepared for your first bridal dance. Scroll down to learn more about what's involved in a wedding dance.
What is a Wedding Dance?
A Wedding Dance (Bridal Dance or First Dance) is a tradition dating back to the Victorian Balls. It is one of the most anticipated moments of the event and one of the highlights of the night. It is also the first time that the newlyweds dance together as a married couple.
Wedding Dance Songs
Traditionally, the wedding dance song was a Waltz but today’s generation tend to choose songs that have meaning to the couple; such as their first date, a favorite movie or band, or words that reflect how they feel or each other.
Because of this, the rhythm of dance could be anything from a slow Foxtrot to a Jive or Rumba.
Some couples prefer a nice and simple routine with a lovely dip whilst others want a fully choreographed routine with swirls, dips and lifts to WOW their guests on the day.
When to have the First Dance?
The most common order is the cutting of the cake, Wedding Dance, Father Daughter Dance (this may also include mother/son dance), Bridal Party and then the guests.
Another variation that we feel is particularly nice is, where the father dances with the bride first, and then he hands over the bride to the husband. This may follow on with all of the parents, then the bridal party, then the guests.
Popular Bridal Dance Songs
This year the most common wedding songs that Beleste Dance have seen are:
- Say you won’t let go, James Arthur
- Beautiful in White, Westlife
- Let’s stay together, Al Green
- Tenerife sea, Ed Sheeran
- The way you look tonight, Frank Sinatra
- Can’t take my eyes off you, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra
- I’ll be, Edwin McCain
- Perfect, Ed Sheeran
- Boxes, Goo Goo Dolls
- Fly me to the moon, Frank Sinatra
- Forever you and me, The Tesky Brothers
- Big Jet Plane, Angus & Julia Stone
- Speechless, The Veronicas
- It is you I have loved, Becky Jane Taylor
- Dream a little dream of me, Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, The Beautiful South
- Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Starship
- Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran
- Shut Up and Dance, Walk the Moon
- Never Stop, Safety Suit
- From this Moment On, Shania Twain
- I get to Love You, Ruelle
- Still Falling for You, Ellie Goulding
- How long will I Love You, Ellie Goulding
- Can’t Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley
- I Choose You (The Wedding Song), Ryann Darling Original
- All of Me, John Legend
How Long should a Bridal Dance go for?
The most common length is 1.5 Minutes to 2 minutes.
This is long enough for the bridal couple to learn and feel at ease dancing, whilst giving the audience plenty to see.The longer the dance, the more choreography has to be learnt and perfected.
What Style of Dance Should I Choose?
The dance really depends on the wedding song you select.
Some songs allow more than one dance style, which allows for plenty of variation and interest for both the bridal couple and for the guests.
Your Wedding Dance is a very special moment for the two of you and can leave you and your guests with beautiful memories to last a life time.
Wedding Dance Tips
Tip #1:
Remember that learning to dance should be something fun shared between the two of you.
Tip #2:
If you have a train you will need either a bustle-up option or a loop to hoop over your finger. The bustle-up option gives more flexibility in designing the dance as you will have two hands spare.Many of the ladies steps are backwards and it’s difficult to dance if the train is dragging on the ground.
Tip #3:
Your beautiful dips, twirls and special moves can be also used in your professional photos so it’s important to find an instructor who can stylise your steps and has experience in this area. You don’t want to fall over while doing your beautiful dip on the day.
Tip #4:
Don’t forget to practice between lesson bookings. This will give you a smoother and better Bridal Dance, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful moment together on the day without stressing about steps.
Tip #5:
It’s your first dance, not somebody else’s. Don’t be worried about giving some ideas about what you like. Your dance should leave you both with beautiful memories to last a life time. Your dress should be made so that the length matches the shoes you are wearing so that the front of the dress doesn’t drag on the ground.You don’t want to step on your dress!
How Many Lessons Will I Need?
This totally depends on the individual instructor; however in our case (we like to teach as a pair).
4-6 private lessons and some bonus sessions will give you a lovely Wedding dance with dips and other beautiful highlights.If there is only one instructor then the number of lessons could double.
I ’ve Never Danced Before, Is That Okay?
Most bridal couples have never danced before and are learning from scratch. Don’t be worried as beginners are especially catered for in wedding dance lessons.
Wedding dance instructors should be kind, patient and people who love working with couples about to get married.
What are the Current Wedding Dance Trends?
More than one dance or wedding dress.
Mixing songs together such as having a number of different songs and rhythms to make a fun Wedding Dance is quite popular.
In some cultures the bridal couple have two 1st Dances - one for Australia and one for overseas.
Sometimes of our brides have more than one wedding dress which may include a different one for the Wedding dance.
Dance Flash Mob
We have been involved in an outdoor First Dance Flash Mob, which was at the ceremony with the bride and groom. They selected guests and even the celebrant got involved! The performance all started as part of the wedding ceremony after the couple had their first kiss. The dance that was chosen was a fun JIVE.
Other popular options
Dips. Lifts and fancy moves to WOW their guests are popular.
Do I Need Special Dance Shoes?
In the majority of cases your Wedding shoes are fine. However be mindful that if they are extremely high you may have difficulty swivelling in them.
A good rule is that if you cannot walk in them with balance and comfort, then you will most likely have trouble dancing in them.
If your shoes are white satin, you may wish to spray Scotch Guard (or similar) onto them before the day. This can be purchased at many shoe stores.
Some brides change their shoes for the Bridal Dance.It is important to make sure that whichever shoes you wear, that your dress is the correct length for them.Nobody likes to step on the dress.
Don’t forget to bring your shoes to your dance lessons!
Visit their ABIA Profile for more information on Beleste Dance.
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