What to think about when planning your first dance 589 views

Gemma Rogers of First Dance UK, who specialise in choreographing wedding dances, said the company has seen a strong increase in demand for their services.

She said: “It’s been getting busier and busier and I think a lot of it is to do with the raised profile of dance in the media.

“Programmes like Strictly Come Dancing show non-dancers mastering professional looking routines, and this instills confidence in couples. It especially helps the men, who look up to the celebrities they see on the screen.”
As well as more couples choosing to hone their dancing skills, there has also been an increase in original choices of song.

First Dance UK have choreographed routines for everything from Sophie Ellis Bextors’ Murder On The Dancefloor – appropriate for many – to the theme tune for Coronation Street.
Gemma added: ‘’For years the first dance at many weddings has been a quiet affair, with the happy couple desperately clinging onto each other as they shuffle around in awkward circles.

“This is changing though and because of it’s raised profile, dancing together is making a real comeback, which is having an effect on the first dance.
“A lot of grooms have confidence issues, worrying they have two left feet, but many of the men we work with enjoy it so much they continue lessons after the wedding.”

Gemma’s top tips for a first dance to impress...

1) Tell your clients to listen to the words of ‘their song’. Some lyrics are just a little inappropriate.
2) Brides should practice in their wedding shoes – rehearsing in trainers isn’t going to help when they attempt the real thing in four inch stilettos.
3) Try and arrange for your clients to have at least one lesson at the venue as this will get them used to the dancefloor.
4) They shouldn’t tell anyone they are having lessons – the surprise and impact on family and friends will be so much greater.

First Dance UK specialise in wedding dance lessons. They provide dancing lessons for couples who wish to have the first dance at their wedding professionally choreographed.

Click here to see more about Wedding Professional.