20/11/2024
TOP 5 TIPS TO GO FROM 'FIRST DANCE STRESS' TO 'FIRST DANCE YES!'
When speaking to couples on their consultation call about their first dance, I have realised that people are often overwhelmed with all the wedding planning tasks that need done, and in regards to their dance, the pressure of 'looking good' or 'not being able to dance'. Over time I've realised I end up sharing the following tips with everyone, so though it would be useful to 'put pen to paper' as it were and share them for the world to see... here goes!
1. Choose music that you love, but that also has a nice tempo dance to. We suggest around 100bpm- this means to dance ‘slow’ feels natural, but for those more confident or wanting to add variety, moving at a ’double time’ pace is very achievable. (You can google the BPM of your chosen song and give it a go- you’ll see what we mean).
2. Keep it simple. Unless you’re a professional ballroom dancer, no one is expecting you to look like one! This is simply about you two having your first dance as a married couple. Everyone in the room (hopefully) loves you! Avoid the ‘awkward 2 minute sway’ by throwing in simple but effective things. Favourite go to’s are a ‘dip’, an easy spin out- spin in, stepping across one another, and a good old ‘stand and present’ the bride. You can then awkwardly sway between and no one will notice! Haha!
3. Struggle to learn a lot of steps? No problem- do a verse and chorus, then gesture to your loved ones to get up and join you on the dance floor! (You can even pre- ask people to join when you do this, or put your bridesmaids and groomsmen to work by telling them when in your song you want this to happen, and getting them to get everyone up).
4. See this as an opportunity to do a fun activity as an engaged couple- dates if you will! not as a scary thing you have to do. Life can be so busy in this modern 24 hour fast paced society, and even while wedding planning we can forget to show our loved ones attention. Just give all your attention to your partner in your dance, and enjoy the moment <3
5. Hire someone to help! We have lots of experience in first dances and make sure to make you comfortable and confident in what you’re doing, no matter what your ability or experience is. We have an eye for what moves are going to look good on you within a few minutes of practice, have so many tips to help, and will send you tutorial videos and be on the other end of the phone to support you on this mission for a lovely first dance!
Check back for next month's blog! (Very much intending to make this a regular thing now I'm into it!)
24/12/2024
HEELS V FLATS FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE & WEDDING DAY
We always say it boils down to what reflects your personality, but often people who do feel comfy wearing heels don’t often do too much dancing, and especially partner dancing in them.
A great option we've seen many brides find successful (and more comfortable) is to start the day in heels, do their first dance, and change into flats at some point as they head into the evening celebration where more dancing and meandering around happens!
This way, you get the benefit of your dress looking it's finest (most are cut in a way that look great with heels), you've likely had the bulk of your professional photos taken in your special shoes, and you've done your first dance, but also don't get sore feet from an entire day. (Wedding days are glorious, but let's not lie- they're long!)
Whether you decide on flats, heels, or a combination of both, a professional dancer can certainly help you with tips, tricks and techniques on how to use and work your feet and legs to look, and most importantly feel comfortable in your choice of footwear and style of dance. Another element to consider is physical safety! Even those who wear heels for a quick pose and wander around may not have the ankle strength to pull off sophisticated moves without risk of injury to themselves (or even the shoe haha). The truth is, a lot of it is about 'placement' of the weight in the feet and ankles.
Having said all that, there is absolutely no reason to fear, and this is not a mammoth task! 'Practice makes perfectly prepared goodness' and all it takes to get your feet and legs ready for dancing in heels is a) some short and simple preparatory exercises, and b) practice dancing in your actual intended shoes (or as close to them in style as possible).
We have created a video of some extremely simple, achievable and easy to follow foot exercises you can access for completely free- simply email us at info@westhendanceparties.co.uk or head over to our instagram and check out our latest reel where the exercises feature. https://www.instagram.com/p/DD9jPGmox5J/
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We can't wait to see all the newly engaged couples who (half of them) don't even know are going to pop up! Xxx