Event Spaces
16th January 2018
How to nail your first dance
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Every day a new “Unforgettable First Dance” video or seven seems to pop up on YouTube, and more couples are feeling inspired/under pressure to make something of their first dance. We spoke to Rachel Sparks, a London based choreographer who specialises in teaching couples a first dance to remember. Or at the very least, a first dance not to be permanently haunted by. She answered your top questions on how to get started on your first dance:

What’s the best kind of dance to do?

Rachel Sparks first danceThe best kind of dance is something that’s unique and meaningful to you. It’s always fun spending a few months working with a couple on a routine so they feel really confident by the time the wedding comes around. Feeling comfortable with the routine is a big part of it – it doesn’t need to be in any way complicated, your guests will be most impressed if you look like you’re enjoying yourself!

Alex and Philippa love the film Back to the Future, so we recreated a high energy jive to Johnny B Goode for their special day. Then there was Niel and Dipti who love Strictly, and wanted an American Smooth with the full shebang – atmospheric smoke and lighting and everything!

Lots of my couples are way more low-key but just as heart-warming; they have a handful of lessons, and their aim is simply to look happy and comfortable in each other’s arms. It’s really touching and feels very special.

How do we get started?

Rachel Sparks first danceInspiration: have a look through YouTube and watch a couple of episodes of Strictly to get an idea of what style of dance you’d like to learn. It can be as simple as knowing whether you’d like to do a fast routine or a slow one, something fun and energetic or a romantic tear-jerker. Don’t worry about your skill level – we can choreograph a fast dance that’s nice and simple, or a slow routine that still has wow-factor.

Space: you don’t need an entire ballroom, but before you start thinking about choreography and what you’d like to do it’s a good idea to know how much space you have. Maybe you’d like something slow; if you’ve got lots of space, a waltz would be perfect, but if you’re a little bit limited then we can go for a rhumba. There’s always an option!

Attitude: all you need is a willingness to learn and a healthy sense of humour. You don’t need any dance experience, but if you’re feeling a bit nervous it’s a good idea to start early and build your confidence over time. I really enjoy working with couples with unique requirements too, but just make sure you let your dance teacher know if you have any access needs so they can make sure the lessons work well for you.

Do we need to have a first dance?

Rachel Sparks - first danceYou don’t need to do anything you don’t want to! It’s your special day, but it can be a really memorable moment and an opportunity to have a bit of fun. Some of my couples have said they just couldn’t stand the idea of doing the Awkward Shuffle in front of all their friends – so they bit the bullet and took some lessons, and ended up loving it!

A lot of couples – especially those who haven’t really danced before – just want to feel confident, so it’s more about learning to move together very simply in time to the music, so they can enjoy their special moment and they don’t feel like they’ve embarrassed themselves.

Then again, other couples have it all planned out before I even speak to them and really want to wow their guests with a big show number. Honestly – it takes all sorts.

Special Offer

boogiewithcanvasIf you’ve been inspired to get your dancing shoes on, book your first dance lessons with Rachel now and get 10% off! Just click on the image above, and make sure you quote BOOGIEWITHCANVAS when you check-out. But hurry – the offer runs out at the end of January.

Lesson times are subject to availability, and are available in London and Kent only.

Sascha Michel
Sascha co-founded Canvas with Antony in 2013. Prior to Canvas Sascha led a number of start-ups including one of the first online restaurant guides back in the days of 56k dial-up, and a first of its kind startup in sustainability, combating climate change by "greening" offices. With a background in organisational change and people development, Sascha brings a wealth of experience in team development, product, coaching, sales, management and operations. Sascha is dedicated to inner transformation and learning, and if he isn’t in London, he’s either on retreat or in Bali "conducting important research".
Why Canvas ?
Free to use, no commission, best price guaranteed - venues pay, so you don't have to
Know more
Logo image
5th Floor
55 Broadway
Westminster
London
SW1H 0BD
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2024 Canvas Events Ltd·
Canvas Events LTD is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 07590925) 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London, England, EC2A 4NE
Location Collective is the place to go if you are looking for a film location agency
Right arrow icon