Make your first dance one to remember (for all the right reasons!) with these 5 expert tips for choreographing your own routine…
Any couple’s first dance is a beautiful, defining moment of their wedding day; an unmissable performance that shouldn’t be tarnished by misplaced steps or trodden toes!
However, with dance classes often feeling a little excessive, many excited couples are left winging their first dance, or desperately trying to create a routine themselves. With little-to-no dancing experience, this can be an overwhelming task for frazzled couples.
To help you create a performance that truly encompasses your relationship, dancer and choreographer to the stars Royston outlines his top tips. You’ll no longer have to worry that your reception will be anything but enchanting!
Choose your song carefully
When couples consider choreographing their own routine, they easily forget the importance of the music they’re performing to. For any dancer, it’s incredibly important to find harmony between the beat and your steps! When I work with artists, I help to develop a personal style that compliments their music, for if I didn’t their videos and performances would lack a certain finesse.
Think about what kind of dance you would like to perform, from a classic rendition of the waltz to a more modern street routine if you’d like to test your skills. Then, research songs that marry with this genre… you’re not the only couple that needs to work well together! Make sure it’s a tune that means something to you, as the more you become lost in the lyrics the less you’ll have to think about the movements you make! If you’re relaxed it’ll all happen a little more naturally.
Choose a song that really excites you, ensuring that you feel moved by the words and the story of the song.
Laura Holman Photography
Get inspired!
If I’m choreographing a routine, I inevitably spend time looking at old music videos and iconic shows for inspiration. Take the time to watch videos on YouTube, music videos on TV and think back to any performances you’ve seen that left a lasting impression.
I recommend that you pick three classic films or music videos that inspire you (Dirty Dancing is a beautiful movie, whilst Grease has some great moves) and pick up sections/steps from there! The easiest way to learn a dance is to watch and repeat, you needn’t overcomplicate it.
Make the most of your chemistry
It’s your wedding day, of course you and your partner are feeling loved up! Make the most of the chemistry that you share and feel more locked in to the performance than you ever could have expected.
Great eye contact is key to adding romance to a routine and this will certainly make your dance a moment that you won’t rush, if you feel connected with your partner you’ll enjoy the performance to its upmost.
Albert Palmer Photography
Count, count, count!
We’ve all heard dancers relentlessly repeat “one, two three, one two three…”, and there really is logic behind the repetition! Whilst some may joke that we’re unable to count beyond eight, counting in line with your steps will prevent you from forgetting any essential steps in front of your guests. This offers a little clarity and acts as a guide for your routine. You won’t feel like you’re going into the performance with a blindfold on, nor will you spend the entire dance racking your brain for what’s set to happen next! Plus, counting like this will help you to relax… always a bonus!
Remember, a smile speaks a thousand words…
The most important thing to remember both during preparation for your routine and the performance itself is to have fun! If you go wrong or step out of character, simply having fun will make it more enjoyable whilst entertaining your audience. On the biggest day of your life, you needn’t fret about the little things!
For more information about RnD Creatives, visit rndcreatives.com
Dreamlife Photography
