Tips For An Awesome First Dance

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Amongst the chaos that often consumes your Big Day planning, we know that certain details—such as the traditional first dance—sometime drift to the bottom of the priority list. You may give it a passing thought when explaining to your beau why your song choice is much more wedding appropriate, but besides that, your mind is often too busy sifting through cake flavors and flower arrangements.

The fact of the matter is, even if you and your groom immediately agree on a song, your first dance as a married couple can go downhill real fast—we’ve heard the stories. So, we enlisted the help of Shana Vitoff, a professional dancer and owner of the Society Hill Dance Academy, who can train even the most rhythm-less bride and groom—no matter what level of skill they’re hoping to achieve—for their ultimate dancing debut. “We have couples come in who just want to look and feel natural during their first dance,” she says, “While others want an entire Fred and Ginger number to wow the crowd.”

If you’re thinking that those two left feet of yours may need a little assistance in the first-dance department, check out Vitoff’s tips to making sure your moves are on point and call to set up your complimentary first lesson.

• It’s best to begin your dance lessons six months before you walk down the aisle. “Dancing takes time—it’s a sport,” says Vitoff, who often encounters couples who think a few quick steps are all they need. Dancing is not a matter of memorization or choreography, she says; it’s about coordinating your movements and looking comfortable while doing it.

• Pick a song that’s easy to dance to. “Lucky” by Jason Mraz, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” by Frankie Valli, Michael Bublé’s “Everything,” and “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra are great suggestions that have worked beautifully for Vitoff’s couples. Try to choose a song that will please your entire audience—and avoid any surprise lyrics that will have Grandpa and Grandma covering their ears.

• Don’t forget to share the details of your dress with your dance instructor. Whether you’ll be rocking strapless and would rather not risk a dip or your gown is too tight for a fancy lift, Vitoff will tailor the dance accordingly.

And, just in case you and your groom aren’t the only ones in need of a little Dancing 101, Vitoff also offers lessons for parents (hello, Father/Daughter dance!) and Ice Breaker parties for your closest friends and family to enjoy after your rehearsal dinner.

Sign up for lessons at Society Hill Dance Academy’s Center City or Manayunk locations; 215-574-3574; societyhilldance.com.

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