FIRST WEDDING DANCE FOR THE FULLER FIGURE

Strictly first dance inspiration for plus size brides

We are loving Lisa Riley's performances on Strictly Come Dancing! Not because she is step perfect with amazing timing and the gorgeous Robin Windsor on her arm, but because she's living proof that women can dance even when their body shape is a fabulously fuller figure.

Image credit: BBC

We've always championed that ethos that dance is for everyone, regardless of ability or size, but the media portrayal of the 'perfect' body is hard to disregard, especially in the wedding industry. In the fairy tale world of weddings brides are demure, graceful beings, with effortless glamour and sophistication. We all like a bit of a day dream, but it's just not reality.

Here at Wedding Day Dance UK we aim to portray an image that wedding dance is for everyone. We try our best to use images that don't show body size or shape. 

Lisa Riley is the most wonderful example to plus size brides-to-be. She's the first female we've seen on prime time tv who can move her fuller figure with the best of them and she's a joy to watch. She's smashing the leader board and she's our favourite to win that glitter-ball trophy. When Lisa dances she lights up the dance floor with her theatrical razzle dazzle facial expressions, lightness of foot and enthusiasm. The judges love her, the audience love her, the public love her. 

For all the plus size brides-to-be out there who have first dance worries over their fuller figures, just take a look at Lisa. She's a larger lady with marvelous moves. She's sexy, she's graceful, she's got energy and she's fit. Her quick dance routines are packed full of content, yet when she goes over to Bruce to see what the judges have to say, she's less breathless than many of the slimmer contestants. Don't brush aside your first wedding dance dreams because of your curves, embrace them and love them. Your first dance as husband and wife is a very special moment, so do the best job you can. Book some wedding dance lessons, choose a great first dance song and own the dance floor, if Lisa can do it, so can you. 

WEEK 1 - Lisa & Robin did a Cha Cha Cha to 'Think' by Aretha Franklin

WEEK 2 - Lisa & Robin did a Vienesse Waltz to 'Never Tear Us Apart' by Paloma Faith

WEEK 3 - Lisa & Robin did a Jive to 'Hanky Panky' by Madonna

HOW TO DO A GREAT FIRST DANCE

FIRST WEDDING DANCE ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Every bride and groom should enjoy dancing together for the first time as husband and wife, but it isn’t always the case as the thought of the wedding guests watching your every move can be a nerve wracking prospect. Here is some help and advice to avoid a first dance nightmare...

HAVE A GO!

One evening at home grab your partner and pretend it's your first dance. Get used to dancing together, make up some moves and get to know your song really well.

YOUR SONG

Your first dance song should mean something to both of you. Double check the lyrics in case your song is about breaking up, it's surprising how many songs seem romantic but lyrically they aren't! A song with a clear, steady beat will make dancing together much easier for you. 

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

The ideal length for a first dance is 2-3 minutes, any longer and your guests will get distracted. A brilliant short dance is much better than a mediocre long dance, it's got more impact and you'll look more confident as you'll know the steps better as there are less of them to remember. If your song is longer than 2-3 minutes, ask your DJ to fade the music or invite your guests to join you on the dance floor for the rest of the song.  

READY, CAMERA, ACTION!

Film your dance lessons and/or practice sessions so you can watch back and ensure you're doing it correctly... you'll be surprised how good you look!  

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

The more you practice, the greater your confidence and smoother your movements will be. Knowing your dance really well will make it look more comfortable and natural on the day. Plus you'll have much more fun knowing you can relax and not worry about your first dance. Also, if you can, practice in shoes that are similar to the ones you'll be wearing on your wedding day.  

HEY MR DJ.....

If you're doing a choreographed first dance let your DJ know so they play your track in full from the start, rather than fading it in. Copy your track onto a blank cd and label it to avoid any confusion, ask someone trustworthy to give it to the DJ on the day. 

PICTURE PERFECT

Don't forget to let your photographer know a few details about your first dance so they can be ready to get some great shots of key moments, such as dips, twirls and for brave couples maybe even a lift!

DON'T STOP MOVING

If you make a mistake, keep dancing! The chances are that only you will know it happened. Just relax, breath and recover as you want to have fun and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience that is your first dance on your wedding day. 

IF YOU'VE NO IDEA & TWO LEFT FEET, GET HELP!

It's quite normal these days for couple take some lessons to learn how to dance together in preparation for their first dance, to find out more click wedding dance lessons.

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We specialise in wedding dance lessons, providing dance lessons for a couple’s first dance at their wedding. Our lessons are private, professional and available in all UK locations, one of our experts will even teach you in the comfort of your own home. You don’t need any previous dance experience and lessons are scheduled for dates and times that suit you. 



HOW TO DO A PERFECT FIRST WEDDING DANCE

HOW TO DO A PERFECT FIRST WEDDING DANCE

Choosing a first wedding dance song

You'll remember your first dance for the rest of your life so it's really important that you love your first dance song. Make sure you listen to the lyrics, as some some songs are surprisingly unsuitable, for example Angels by Robbie Williams features the lyrics "and I feel that love is dead, I'm loving angels instead".

How long should be first dance be?

The most common first dance disaster is dancing for too long. Whether you've had a dance professionally choreographed or are winging it with a cuddle and a sway, your guests attention will only last so long, as will your ability to remember the dance steps. Therefore the ideal length is no longer than 3 minutes, it's much better to have a fabulous short dance than a long mediocre one. Most songs last more than 3 minutes so why not finish off your first dance by asking the DJ or singer to invite the guests to join you on the dance floor for the rest of your song.

Why take first dance lessons?

Your first dance is the last moment of your wedding day when all eyes are upon you, so it's a shame to shuffle about in circles looking embarrassed when you could be dancing with confidence and style, putting on a great show for your guests and getting the party started. Learning to dance with the person you love is so romantic and dance lessons are a great way to get some time together away from all the stress of wedding planning. Having your dance professionally choreographed means you will know exactly what to do on the dance floor and the dance will suit your ability and natural style, making you look your very best in front of all your family and friends.

How to make your first dance 'you'

Your wedding day is so personal and many couples like to put an individual stamp on their day. Music is a great way to add a personal touch. For example, you can refer to hobbies, interests, heritage, culture and family traditions through your choice of song. We once choreographed a couple who love to play hockey, so we incorporated their hockey sticks into the dance, they even did lifts using the sticks! You can also show your personality via the mood of your song, by going for uplifting, serious or happy songs.

Wedding Day Dance UK offer professional, private dance lessons in all UK areas, their choreographer will even teach you in the comfort of your own home on days and times that suit you. For more information on their wedding dance lessons visit http://www.weddingdaydanceuk.co.uk/



Wedding dances to wow your guests

Impress your guests with an amazing first wedding dance

Your first dance on your wedding day is such a personal moment and the most important part of your dance is that it’s ‘you’. Confidence is the key to a great first dance and you won’t feel or look happy if you’re not comfortable your dance. Luckily we're on hand to and full of advice on the different types of first dance, which one is ‘you’? 

MOVIE MAGIC

Recreate the magic of the big screen by taking inspiration from your favourite movie. 
Being familiar with the song and dance steps avoids starting from scratch which makes learning the dance a little easier. Once your guests hear the music and see your moves they will recognise what you are doing and be hugely entertained, the atmosphere will hit the roof!

Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire  – Watch our clients Kate & Duncan bollywood style first dance

TIMELESS

A classic, sophisticated dance is perfect for couples who don’t want a big showy number but something elegant and romantic. Ideal dances for this are foxtrot, rumba and waltz. As not all styles can be danced to all songs, we recommend that couples choose their song foremost and then their choreographer can teach the appropriate style. It’s best to avoid the disappointment of choosing a style, only to learn that there aren’t any songs you love with an appropriate beat! Traditionally a first dance is a waltz, but unfortunately there are very few modern popular songs with a waltz beat.

Watch our video of a classic first dance waltz

PROP-TASTIC

Using props is a great way to add personality to your first dance. Consider sports equipment, hats, masks and musical instruments. We once choreographed a dance for a couple who loved to play hockey. We used hockey sticks as dance canes for a ‘Fred Astaire on Broadway’ flavour. The groom even used his hockey stick as a seat for his bride to lift her and twirl her around.

Watch the video of our clients Rob & Dion get their party started with the ingenious use of glowsticks!

FIRST DANCE WITH A TWIST

Your first wedding dance is a great opportunity to get your wedding guests into the party mood and choosing an upbeat song is a great way to encourage everyone onto the dance floor. You can twist, swing or jive, get funky with hip hop or flirt with Latin styles. This sort of dance can be strenuous and isn’t suited to restrictive wedding gowns, so a costume change is the ideal solution and a great reason to chose another beautiful dress for your special day!

Watch our clients Julia & Craig rock and roll first dance and check out Julia’s gorgeous first dance dress

SURPRISE!

A first dance surprise makes your wedding very memorable indeed! Mash up your wedding dance by starting with a slow romantic song, a rumba is ideal, lulling your guests into the idea that you are just doing a standard first dance. All of a sudden disaster strikes when your cd screeches to a halt.... But then SURPRISE! Suddenly the bride and groom break out a crazy dance routine to a song the guests would never imagine being used for a first dance! This type of first dance works best when the two songs completely clash, for ideas on great songs for this type of dance check out Wedding Day Dance UK's funny wedding dance songs page.

There are many great examples of first dance surprise dances on YouTube and in our opinion this is the best as it shows the three essential ingredients for a great first dance, being effective choreography and a well rehearsed dance, which in turn results in the most important aspect – confidence! 

Wedding Day Dance UK specialise in first dance lessons, providing dance lessons for a couple’s first dance at their wedding. Our lessons are private, professional and available in all UK locations, one of our experts will even teach you in the comfort of your own home. You don’t need any previous dance experience and lessons are scheduled for dates and times that suit you. For more details visit our website www.weddingdaydanceuk.co.uk or call us on 0845 130 9726.