A helpful guide to creating your perfect Wedding Dance
A helpful guide to creating your perfect Wedding Dance
Song Choice
When choosing the perfect song for your first dance, the most important factor is that you both love the song and that it speaks to your relationship, love and commitment to each other.
Before coming in for your first free private lesson, we recommend you take some time and listen to lots of different pieces of music, and we strongly encourage you to have a few favourites up your sleeve. A song is just like a wedding gown or tux – you need to try it on for size before making any final decisions. Some songs can be beautiful to listen to but challenging to dance to, especially for newcomers learning how to dance. 99% of our wedding couples have never taken partnership dance lessons before, so having a few songs to choose from will allow you and your instructor to make the perfect selection.
Dance Floor Size
Once you’ve locked in your song choice, the next step is determining the dance style/genre and the size of your dance floor will influence this decision. Certain dances, like the elegant Waltz or the dramatic Tango require a decent amount of space to execute comfortably. If space is limited, there are other styles such as rhythm, latin or club style dances that may be better choices. Your instructor will consider this information when guiding you to the best choice of dance style.
The Wedding Gown
Are you wearing a mermaid style gown? Or maybe a relaxed fit-and-flare? Whatever you choose, this can be a factor in the final choice of song and dance style. For example, if a bride is wearing something very fitted, the size of the steps that can be taken will be reduced and picking a dance that uses smaller footwork, such as the Rumba, Cha Cha or Nightclub 2 Step may be more comfortable and suitable. No matter the type of gown you’re wearing, rest assured your instructor will guide you every step of the way in designing your personalised program for your wedding dance.
Ceremony Style & Theme
Do you have a set style or theme in mind for the big day? Some weddings are a traditional affair, and this style may lend itself to a soft, romantic approach for your first dance as husband and wife. Ballroom and Smooth dances such as the Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot tend to be very popular choices for the traditional style wedding, allowing the bride and groom to create a WOW effect on the floor. And on the flip side, smaller, more intimate affairs are becoming increasingly popular with couples opting for a fun and upbeat approach to their first dance. Instead of having your audience swell up with emotion from the elegant Waltz, you might love to see them laugh and sing along as you create a more energetic, fun dance such as the Swing, Rock n Roll, Dirty Dancing, Salsa, Bachata… and that’s just to name a few!
Free Wedding Dance Lesson
No matter the style you’re going for, at Arthur Murray Crows Nest we can help you achieve the perfect first dance for you and your partner. And, your first lesson is 100% free, so there’s no obligation or commitment - just see if we’re the right fit for you. Click here to book in today.
If you’re having difficulties getting started with song choices, below is a Top 50 list of some of our couple’s favourites – from what’s hot right now, to age-old favourites!
We’ve also created a Spotify Playlist which you can find here!
Top 50 Song Choices From Our Students
Perfect, Ed Sheeran
Consider Me, Allen Stone
Holiday, KSI
Titanic Theme song, Celine Dion
At Last, Etta James
Your Song, Elton John
Just the Way You Are, Bruno Mars
Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Queen
Endless Love, Dianna Ross/Lionel Richie
Wild, John Legend
Better Together, Jack Johnson
Love Me Tender, Elvis Presley
In Case You Don't Live Forever, Ben Platt
Everything, Michael Buble
To Die For, Sam Smith
Pretty Woman, Roy Orbison
Crazy Days, The Shires
All Of Me, John Legend
All You Need is Love, The Beatles
Book of Love, Peter Gabriel
Gentle Heart, Joshua Hyslop
No Judgement (Acoustic Version), Niall Horan
Nothing’s Going To Stop Us Now, Starship
Come Away With Me, Norah Jones
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), Natalie Cole
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Aerosmith
Baby I Need Your Loving, The Four Tops
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Frankie Valli
Cardigan, Taylor Swift
My Heart Will Go On, James Horner
The Time of My Life, Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
When You Say Nothing At All, Ronan Keating
Around the World, Nat King Cole
Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Elton John
Crazy in Love, Beyonce
Livin’ on a Prayer, Bon Jovi
I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Whitney Houston
My Love, Justin Timberlake
Sweet Creatures, Harry Styles
I’m Yours, Jason Mraz
I Do, Colbie Caillat
Let’s Stay Together, Al Green
Love & Marriage, Frank Sinatra
It Had to Be You, Harry Connick Jr
Stand by Me, Ben E.King
Fly Me to the Moon, Frank Sinatra
She’s the One, Robbie Williams
Islands in the Stream, Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers
Everything, Michael Buble
Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran
About Author: Arthur Murray Crows Nest has been teaching couples how to dance for over 50 years on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.