5 Things You Should Avoid During your First Dance — Duet Dance Studio Chicago | Ballroom Dance in Chicago (2024)

Many engaged couples feel nervous about the first dance but luckily, you can prepare yourself for it so that it can become one of the most enjoyable and magical moments at your wedding. Here are a few things you should avoid during your first dance:

1. The Middle School Sway

Even if you only know a box step, it's better than rocking side to side awkwardly like you were in middle school dance. Don't make your first dance an embarrassment. Take some dance lessons before your wedding and you will feel much more confident dancing in front of your guests. Get started with this tutorial below as we show you a simple wedding fist dance move. Stop swaying and start dancing!

2. Dance for a Long Time

Keep your first dance short and sweet. Your first dance should be between 2.5 to 3 minutes long. Unless you are a professional dancer, dancing in front of people for more than 3 minutes could feel like forever! Plus, you don't want to bore your guests with the limited dance moves you have. If your first dance song is too long, you could have your DJ fade it out or have your band play a shorter version of it.

3. Look at your Feet

Groom, I know you may be afraid of stepping on your bride's dress, but looking down at your feet will only make it more obvious to your guests that you are afraid. You want to appear confident and comfortable dancing together so try to stand up straight, smile and look at each other! And take some dance lessons a few months before your wedding so that you can learn the proper way to dance together without stepping on each other.

4. Dangerous Dance Moves

Are you a fan of "Dirty Dancing" and want to impress your guests with an impressive lift? Unless you are a professionally trained acrobats and are both in impeccable shape, any risky dance moves should be avoided.Considering the volume and weight of your wedding dress, heels and any potential unforeseen conditions at your wedding, dangerous dance moves can really turn your wedding disastrous...

However, there are dance tricks that are much easier and safer to learn and execute. Below are a couple of moves that you can perform safely with your partner. Enjoy!

5. Be Overly Intoxicated

It might be a good idea to have a glass of wine to loosen up before the first dance but being overly intoxicated during the first dance is not a good idea.Your first dance marks the beginning of your life together as husband and wife so it should be romantic and memorable. Watch your alcohol intake before your first dance so that you can remember this special moment!

What other things a couple should avoid during their first dance? Please feel free to share your thoughts!

And if you'd like to learn more moves for your wedding first dance, check out our online wedding dance program by clicking the link below. Have fun dancing!

Duet Dance Studio is a group of friendly dancers who are passionate about helping people and sharing the joy of ballroom dance. Our physical studio is located in Chicago West Bucktown. We offer ballroom dance lessons,wedding dance instructionand private dance parties.Online Wedding Dance Lessonsand Skype dance lessonsare also available! Dances we teach include Salsa, Swing, Tango, Bachata, Merengue, Waltz and Foxtrot. Sign up for an introductory dance lessonnow to get started!

5 Things You Should Avoid During your First Dance — Duet Dance Studio Chicago | Ballroom Dance in Chicago (2024)

FAQs

5 Things You Should Avoid During your First Dance — Duet Dance Studio Chicago | Ballroom Dance in Chicago? ›

If you want to go a more "traditional" route, there is a generally-agreed-upon etiquette when it comes to the ordering of the dances: The bride and groom share the first dance. The father of the bride then dances with the bride.

What is the first dance rule? ›

If you want to go a more "traditional" route, there is a generally-agreed-upon etiquette when it comes to the ordering of the dances: The bride and groom share the first dance. The father of the bride then dances with the bride.

How to not do a first dance? ›

Alternatives To First Dance
  1. Karaoke. A fun activity you can enjoy at your wedding reception is karaoke. ...
  2. Hire Dancers. ...
  3. Friendly Competition. ...
  4. Fun Activities. ...
  5. Create A First Dance Video. ...
  6. Get Everyone Dancing. ...
  7. Live Music Preformance. ...
  8. Interactive Performers.

What are the rules for ballroom dancing? ›

12 Guidelines of Ballroom Dance Etiquette
  • Remember that every dancer is a work in progress.
  • Don't give unsolicited advice to fellow students. ...
  • Thank every person you dance with.
  • Walk your partner on and off the dance floor.
  • If someone asks you to dance, please accept.
Sep 18, 2022

What should I wear to my first dance? ›

Not only will a flowy dress free you up for your first dance, it will also ensure you are comfortable for the rest of the night. If you have a long train and don't plan on changing into a separate dress, bustling your dress is a great idea so that you don't trip on the dance floor.

What happens during first dance? ›

"The first time a newlywed couple dances together at the wedding reception is known as the first dance," says Lukus. "This is a much-anticipated event and a special pre-selected song is typically played while wedding guests look on. The dance floor is 'officially' open to guests following the first dance."

Is it OK to quit dance? ›

If dance is not medicine in your life, then why keep taking it? It's also ok to put it down for a while. I have 'quit dance' and come back as a professional more than once, and while retraining isn't easy, it is not impossible and sometimes it's necessary.

How do you not look awkward during first dance? ›

Let's go!
  1. Own your style. If you feel awkward when you dance, then you will look awkward when you dance. ...
  2. Find your body's natural groove. No two people in the world have the exact same bodies, music tastes, dance training, or life experiences. ...
  3. And COMMIT to it. ...
  4. Loosen up! ...
  5. LISTEN to the music. ...
  6. Have fun.

How do you not embarrass yourself dancing? ›

The best way to avoid being embarrassed on the dance floor is to appear confident, even if you are not. Hold your head up and keep your back straight. This will give you a look of confidence. Make sure to always smile and enjoy yourself on the dance floor.

What is Rule 10 in ballroom? ›

• Rule 9 – Sum placements, the lower the better. • Rule 10 – If tie for rank r, order by: 1. # of dances. ranked <= r, then 2. Sum of ranks <= r.

How do female dancers keep from smelling? ›

Tips for Managing Body Odor

Sweaty dancers may find it necessary to change clothes multiple times a day to stay dry and prevent body odor. Postpuberty, keeping the groin and armpits hair-free and clean can stave off bacteria that form near apocrine glands.

Do ballroom dancers fall in love? ›

Yes, most of the time dancers form a strong bond with their dance partner which bring them to fall in love for each other. But there is ways to avoid it! We will see them all while understanding the process of partner dancing.

Do you wear a bra to dance? ›

Dancing usually means a lot of movement, which can be tough on your breasts. A good dance bra will provide support and help reduce bouncing. This is important for both comfort and the prevention of injury. Make sure to find a bra specially created for a dancer's needs to get the most support.

What do girls wear to dances? ›

Appropriate semi-formal wear includes nice pants, dresses, skirts, blouses and sweaters, button-down shirts, and shoes other than runners/sneakers. If you're going to a formal dance, you may have to buy a new outfit, or pull out something you don't wear very often. This could include a formal dress or a suit.

How should I wear my hair to dance? ›

For each class, longer hair must be pulled away from the face in a tight ponytail, bun, or braid, etc. Buns are required for ballet class (as possible). Dance is a physical activity; think about hairstyles you would wear for running or working out.

What does it mean to have a first dance? ›

The first dance was considered as the official opening of dancing by the newly married couple who were the guests of honor. The first dance between the bride and groom is the most awaited moment for the newly wed as well as the guests. It shows the love and unity between the new couple.

Should you cut the cake or do the first dance first? ›

Some people don't want to cut the cake and do their first dance together, but it's the way I would advise you to do it if you're not sure. Everyone's already gathered to watch you cut the cake, to then go into your first dance is a beautiful transition. Otherwise cutting the cake can feel a little strange on it's own.

What is the meaning of the first dance at a wedding? ›

It is the first public appearance of the newlyweds as a married couple, and the dance represents the merging of two lives into one. As they move together in harmony on the dance floor, it symbolizes their commitment to navigate life as a team, supporting and complementing each other in their journey together.

Who does the first dance at a wedding? ›

The best man and maid of honor traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the crew. If the parent dances are taking place after dinner, the couple may opt to skip the the wedding party dance all together, simply inviting all guests to the dance floor.

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