7 min read

8 Reasons You Should Hire a Wedding Dance Choreographer

Despite what most people think, learning how to dance doesn't have to be difficult. All it takes is commitment, enough time before the wedding day, and a competent instructor.
8 Reasons You Should Hire a Wedding Dance Choreographer

Take a deep breath.

Exhale.

We know your mind is spinning with all the things you need to do for your big day. So many things to plan, so much to do, and so many people to invite. It's daunting planning a wedding. We understand.

With all that planning, you might be thinking, "Why not just skip the first dance choreography?"

After all, it's only 2-3 minutes. Surely, you can get by with a sweet Ed Sheeran song and a slow dance, right? Then, hand off to mom and dad for the parent dance, and pretty soon it will all be over and you'll wake up in a bungalow overlooking the beach on some remote island enjoying your honeymoon.

Trust us; the last thing we want to add to your big day is one more burden. But before you think twice about skipping the choreography, we've got a handful of reasons you may not have considered for why you should hire a choreographer for your wedding dance.

1. Planning Your Wedding Dance Will Bring You and Your Partner Closer Together.

Of all the things you have to plan for the big day, planning your dance is one of the only things that will draw the two of you closer together. Literally. We often hear of couples disagreeing and stressing their relationship through the planning process. Yet, dancing is a way to relieve all that stress.

Think about it. Making decisions on a myriad of different things: dates, venues, clothes, food, and expenses galore. It can wear you down with all the choices you have to make.

Learning a new dance, on the other hand, is one of the simplest choices you'll make for a wedding. Think of it as a respite from all the chaos. When planned properly, it's something you and your fiancé can enjoy together. Even the fine folks over at Hitched seem to think dance lessons are a great idea:

Why not make it a regular date night with a takeaway afterward as a reward for all of your hard work? It can be a great way to spend time together ahead of the big day. 

Could it be challenging? Perhaps.

But like the marriage you're about to embark upon, a choreographed first dance will be a fun and creative passion that the two of you can build together.

2. A Wedding Dance Is Not Difficult to Learn.

Despite what most people think, learning how to dance doesn't have to be difficult. All it takes is commitment, enough time before the wedding day, and a competent instructor.

Expert Tip: Give yourself 2-4 months before the wedding to plan and choreograph depending on the level of difficulty and your goals.

With enough time, you'll be spinning your partner on the dance floor with confidence and grace.

3. Learning How to Dance Is Fun and Romantic.

Let's be honest. How many times have you scrolled through YouTube or some other social media and witnessed the joy and romance of a beautifully choreographed first dance? It warms your heart, doesn't it?

Well, guess what? A fun and romantic dance is more feasible than you might imagine. We guarantee you that at some point those famous TikTok couples had doubts. All it takes is the motivation to learn, the attitude of joy, and the love of your future spouse to turn a few left feet into a sultry tango on the dance floor.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

4. It's Great Exercise.

Believe it or not, dancing with your partner is not only a great way to connect, but it's also great exercise. It's like the perfect combination of light cardio and constant movement. Trust us, after the first session holding those arms up for 30 minutes you'll be thinking, "Wow, I need to work on my shoulders a little more!"

In fact, a recently published scientific study had this to say about the effects of dancing on health:

"Dance practice requires a considerable cognitive, physical, and emotional engagement that could induce positive functional adaptations potentially promoting health-related benefits in inexperienced older dancers."

5. The First Dance Is the Most Anticipated Moment After the Nuptials.

Why choreograph the first dance at your wedding reception? The simple answer is that everyone is expecting it to be special. Sure, everyone saw you smooching at the altar, but now they want to watch you in each other's arms – dancing, swaying, and holding each other tight.

It's the passionate moment at the reception that shows everyone just how in love you truly are. Not to mention, it's the vicarious moment all the older couples get to relive their own special day.

6. Lessons Help Cure First Dance Jitters.

Ok, ok. We totally understand that 99.999% of the world suffers from stage fright. It's natural. The best professionals still get the jitters before standing in front of a crowd of people, even in front of loved ones, friends, and family.

Yet, we are here to tell you that you can nip those jitters in the bud. During your choreography, you'll actually build the confidence you need to overcome the anxiety of getting out on the dance floor. Don't take it from us, even theknot.com agrees:

Taking dance lessons before the wedding is the number one way to make you less anxious about the first dance.

Think of it this way. Would you rather try something new without any instruction? Or, would you rather practice, practice, and practice until you simply can't get it wrong? You'll find the support you need to overcome your fear of dancing by working with a professional dance instructor on a consistent basis leading up to the dance.

Image by Jennifer from Pixabay

7. Wedding Dance Lessons Can Be Surprisingly Affordable.

Most dance instructors and choreographers run specials throughout the year for wedding customers. Sometimes it depends on the season. Often, these are packaged as a bundle of lessons that will include a progressive dance that you learn over the course of several weeks.

You might see prices ranging from $50 - $150 per lesson, depending on the location, the expertise of the instructor, and the type of package you purchase.

Expert Tip: Ask your dance choreographer for a discount on bundled lessons or coupons for the entire wedding party to participate in a first dance of their own.

Out of all the many components of the wedding, you can make your dance one of the most memorable. We've never heard of anyone who regretted investing in their first dance. While the food, the color of the dresses, and the cuteness of the flower girl are all equally important, the dance is what conjures tears of joy many years down the road.

8. Hiring a Wedding Dance Choreographer Makes Life Easier.

It can be challenging for beginners to piece together a choreographed dance. YouTube videos about wedding dances abound on the internet. But how to break those dances down (no pun intended) into practical progressions is no easy task.

Seasoned dance choreographers should help you with all the necessary steps to plan your perfect first dance. Here is a short list of what you can expect from your wedding dance choreographer:

  • Wedding dance song selection and editing
  • Multiple dance styles to choose from (Tango, Waltz, Salsa, Rumba, etc.)
  • Lead-in choreography
  • Dances tailored to the size of the venue's dance floor (dancing area)
  • Father-daughter dances
  • Mother-son dances
  • Bridesmaids and groomsmen choreography
  • Professional dancer cameo appearances

According to Brides.com, less is often more when it comes to choreographing your big day:

“Make sure to create choreography that suits your personal style and is not overly complex or daunting.”

How to Get Started with Your First Dance Choreography

The benefits of choreographing your special dance are many. Whether you decide to go it alone or go all out, we sincerely hope it's the best dance of your life.

If you do decide to choreograph your dance, we'd love to share in your joy.

Our wedding dance packages are competitive and our lead choreographer Sanda Lungu would love to work with you to bring your wedding dance ideas to life. We're conveniently located in the Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas but also travel far and wide for choreography sessions.

Contact us!