Your wedding day is filled with picture perfect moments, but few are as anticipated (or as memorable) as that magical first dance. Whether you’re dreaming of a timeless waltz, a sultry rumba or a showstopping routine with lifts and flair, Phoenix Dance Company knows how to help couples shine! With IDTA-qualified instructors and years of experience, they don’t just teach steps; they craft personalised experiences that bring love, fun, and confidence to the dance floor! We sat down with the Phoenix team to get their best advice for couples preparing to take that unforgettable first step.
“Nerves are normal, but the secret is to focus on each other, not the crowd” the team explains. Lessons at Phoenix aren’t just about memorising steps; they’re about creating a safe space to connect, laugh and share love. By the time the big day comes, couples feel less pressure and more joy, because they know they’re in expert hands. It becomes more than a dance, it’s an intimate experience that deepens their bond.
While the classic waltz will always have its place, today’s couples are embracing bolder choices. “Breaking away from tradition is on the rise,” say the instructors. Think lifts, dramatic choreography and styles like the rumba - elegant, romantic and easy to learn, even with a flowing wedding gown or limited floor space. Modern venues often don’t have the sprawling ballrooms of old, which makes more intimate, showstopping routines the perfect fit!
Phoenix doesn’t just prepare couples; they also choreograph unforgettable moments for bridal parties and father-daughter dances. These are usually more playful and funky, designed to get guests laughing, cheering and clapping along. Hello vibes!! It’s a chance for the wedding party to let loose and “live their best lives” on the dance floor. How cool?
Every couple’s story is different and so is their first dance. The instructors spend time chatting with couples about everything. From their song choice and floor space to the wedding dress and its limitations. For some, the routine is romantic and intimate; for others, it’s more fun and energetic. Many choose a mix, starting with a slow, classic style before surprising guests with an upbeat routine filled with laughter and lifts. Whatever the vision, Phoenix ensures the choreography is both practical and personal, highlighting who the couple really is!
The Phoenix team’s golden rule: start sooner rather than later. Even a single early lesson can ease nerves and give couples a clear sense of how quickly they learn.
Another pro tip? Bring more than one song option to your first lesson. Sometimes the track you’ve always imagined doesn’t match the flow of your dance abilities or the vibe you’re going for. Having options allows your instructor to help you find the perfect fit.
When it comes to footwear, skip the heels at first. “It’s better to learn in flats, pumps or even socks,” advises the instructors. “Once you’re confident with your routine, you can gradually work your way into your wedding shoes.” Brides with gowns that include a train can also benefit from using a finger loop to lift and control the dress, but even if that’s not possible, the choreography is always adapted to suit the dress design.
And above all, keep it fun. Laugh through the mistakes, encourage each other and focus on the joy of sharing an intimate journey together. “Your first dance is about more than impressing your guests,” they explain. “It’s about celebrating your love, step by step and enjoying every moment along the way.”
With Phoenix Dance Company guiding the way, your first dance won’t just be another wedding tradition...it will be a heartfelt highlight your guests talk about for years to come. Ready to get started? Meet the dream team below!!
*Images provided by Phoenix Dance Company
Let Phoenix Dance Company assist in making your special day the most beautiful of all with a wonderful wedding dance.
