Wedding Dance Lessons (London)
We can provide first dance lessons for anyone wishing to have their first dance professionally choreographed or if you prefer to learn a simple dance routine. Whatever the music, and whatever your dancing experience, we can help you look and feel good on your wedding day.
www.wedding-dance-lessons.co.uk

Yorkshire Wedding Dance Preperation (Doncaster)
Enjoy a memorable, fun and relaxed 'first dance' as newly-weds.
Wedding Dance Lessons are aimed at providing you with a few simple first dance moves for your Big Day, allowing you to look great for the cameras and dance with a smile... not a cringe! Each 'first dance' is specifically choreographed to suit each individual wedding couple's style, venue and ability.
www.yorkshireweddingdance.com

Dance Matrix (Nationwide)
Need something arranged yesterday? This is the UK's premier service for last minute lessons. Contact us now for immediate action...we're already onto it!
www.dancematrix.com

The First Dance

The first dance has always been an important part of wedding ceremonies all around the world, and can be a beautiful moment for the couple and their guests. It is ultimately an expression of love, where you could describe the dance as a gesture that speaks louder than words. What better way to entertain your guests and get the party swinging and going? For years people have shuffled in a circle, but now they want to look good and enjoy dancing too!

Specialist companies are now encouraging couples to take the first dance more seriously by choreographing a unique and magical routine for that special occasion. Traditionally a couple may have played this safe by dancing a  waltz routine, symbolically the most romantic of all dance styles, but now couples choose more contemporary songs. Love ballads such as Barry White’s 'my first, my last, my everything' or Stevie Wonder’s 'I love everything about you' are common, as is Frank Sinatra’s 'Fly me to the moon' . Perhaps the more adventurous try a slow romantic start with quicker interludes such as songs by Queen Don’t stop me now or even mix their own. Other couples even choose a slow dance and a quick routine within the same evening, eg a waltz followed by a jive!

Traditionally, the bride and groom take to the floor for the first dance, however other cultures arrange the dance differently. This is true for many Asian weddings where instead, the family members of the couple create a fun and exciting dance. These can range from Bollywood style themes including Dandiraas where the family of the bride and groom perform with sticks, rotating in intricate circles. Of course Asian weddings are known to last up to a week. 

Whatever the format, the first dance can be a daunting experience. With two left feet it may be difficult to over come these nerves.

So how can couples prepare for a first dance? Here are some top tips:

·Find suitable music that you are both happy with. Dance experts suggest 3 minutes maximum. If you are beginners, a moderate speed with easy to hear rhythm would be ideal. However if you are a more accomplished couple choose a faster or slower rhythm to add creativity to your routine. Very slow 4/4s leave the choreographer little chance to do much with the steps.

·If you have booked a band find out if they can play your chosen song. However be aware of the limitations of songs the band can play, as instrumentation may restrict them. (Check out www.alivenetwork.com for some helpful tips).

·Consider what you are wearing. For example will you have restricted movement or think about how you will tackle the train.

·Find a reputable company. Its better if you can speak to your choreographer before meeting him/her.

·1-2-1 lessons are far better than group lessons for learning, so the price may be higher, but be assured to learn more and have fun.

·Find a choreographer local to you and decide if you want lessons at your home, or in their studio.

·Dance lessons are different to having your own piece of love music choreographed, which do you want to go for? For example dance lessons in a certain style like jive will only make you good dancers of jive.

·If you do wish to perform a certain style of dance, waltz, jive etc make sure your music reflects this dance style.

·Practice makes possible - Practice between dance lessons and above all enjoy the lessons, as they are good stress busters!

Most couples go for a full routine, but if you are very nervous, have a short choreographed dance and then ask a member of your family to invite everyone onto the floor. Some couples are even having dance workshops at their wedding to entertain all the guests. It might be a good idea to have some general dance lessons together before embarking on dance. If you cant find lessons in your area, try a unique and exciting DVD practice beforehand such as First Dance Fever which is available from  www.dances4u.co.uk and  teaches two dance styles using full in depth tuition.

If performing in front of a crowd is not for you then how about considering dancing on your honeymoon. Many companies are now offering sun, sea and dance. Visit some of these websites for inspiration.

·www.holidayanddance.co.uk is another place for beginners to learn dance whilst enjoying their break.
·www.zigzagdance.co.uk has an array of holiday destinations involving dance.

Make sure you check all the small print carefully by seeking out advice from the experts and confirm that companies you seek out are ATOL or ABTA recognised before you choose your destination.

So, with dance being a hot issue at the moment and a great exciting new way to keep fit, why not book some lessons? You might not be an Anton du Bec or an Erin Boag, but your chances of pulling off something simple and showy with some dance lessons will be guaranteed with a bit of practice and determination.

Article written and supplied by Sam Jennings & Subika Anwar www.dances4u.co.uk © 2007