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? ›

You could hire a karaoke machine or even better, hire a band that offers Bandeoke! It's just like karaoke, except you'll have a live band accompanying you, and then your guests can have a go too! It's such a fun type of wedding entertainment that everyone will probably not even notice you haven't had a first dance!

What is Rule 11 in ballroom dance? ›

If two couples that are tied for a given place should win the same number of dances, both couples' placings over all the dances would be treated in the manner described above for an individual dance. This is known as a Rule 11 decision.

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? ›

Stick to a routine that's natural and simple.

Sticking to something relatively simple may also minimize the chances of you looking uncomfortable doing the dance routine. Think about basic dance moves that come naturally to you and build a routine around that.

How do female dancers keep from smelling? ›

Dancers can do a few things to curb body odor, including daily showering, wearing deodorant and making sure dancewear is cleaned promptly.

What is Rule 10 in ballroom? ›

Let's say two couples are tied for 1st, and when added up their overall scores are the same. Rule 10 states that whoever has the most 1st places will be awarded 1st. If they are still tied, then whoever has the most 2nd places or higher will be awarded 1st, and so on.

Can I start ballroom dancing at 13? ›

“I think whenever you feel like you want to dance, whenever the time is right, just do it,” he said. “Try it out and learn a couple of moves.” If you think you're too old for the dancefloor, we're here to tell you that it's never too late to try anything!

What are the do's and don'ts during dance? ›

Do be considerate of others on the dance floor. Be mindful of the space in which you are operating. Don't swing your elbows or steer your partner wildly across the dance floor. And remember to follow the line of dance when traveling around the dance floor – always counter-clockwise!

What should a dancer do before, during, and after dancing? ›

General tips for dancing

Do warm-up activities before you begin a dance session. Drink plenty of water before, during and after dancing. Make sure you rest between dance sessions. Don't push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.

What is the order of first dances at a wedding? ›

The bride and groom will dance first. This is the usual format. Then the parent dances with the couple - the father with the bride and the mother with the groom. The groom's father will then dance with the bride and the groom with the mother-in-law.

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.

What is the etiquette for the first dance at a wedding? ›

Here are a few general guidelines: The first dance is performed by the couple. The parents' dance is performed by the newlyweds and their respective parents. The anniversary dance can include the longest-married couple in attendance or all the couples married over a specified number of years.

How long should bride and groom's first dance be? ›

Your First Dance can be as long or as short as you like, after all it is your wedding day! Having said that, most First Dance choreographers will recommend between 90 seconds to 3 minutes. You want to find the perfect balance between being able to enjoy the moment, and not feeling like the dance is dragging on.

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