First Dance Nerves? How to Feel Confident on the Dance Floor
There’s no denying it — weddings come with a lot to plan. And with all eyes on you, it’s totally normal to feel jittery, especially during the big moments… like your vows and your first dance. How could you not be nervous? It’s your first dance as newlyweds. This sets the tone for your entire marriage!
Actually, it doesn’t. And it doesn’t have to be scary. With a few simple mindset shifts and tips, you can relax, let go, and actually enjoy stepping onto the dance floor for a moment you’ll remember forever.
Stay Connected
Picking a song that has significance can help calm those jitters. It can take you to a place that blocks out all of the eyes on you. Think of it like a scene in a romantic movie where the couple is caught up in a moment and everything else in the world falls away. If you pick a song that makes you and your partner feel closest to each other it will be easy to maintain eye contact and stay connected. This connection will help you both feel more at ease and less focused on the audience. It’s a moment to cherish together, so let go of any worries and enjoy the experience.
Consider the Length of the Song
Songs can range from 3 minutes to over 5. If you are feeling nervous already, you might want your DJ to fade out after the first or 2nd chorus. Of course, if it is choreographed, it won’t feel like you are just filing time with various dance moves. If it isn’t planned out by a professional, think about your comfort level. Try dancing to a couple of songs that you are deciding between and see how you feel dancing together through it. I always tell couples that it may feel longer than you think being in the spotlight, and if that’s the case, just give me a nod or give each other a hug and I’ll know to fade out and move things along. This goes double for the father-daughter and mother-son dances.
Decide on Hiring a Choreographer
Having your first dance choreographed has its perks and limits to think about. When all of your dance moves are planned out, you might feel less awkward on the dance floor knowing that you are putting on a show of dance. But if you (or your partner) struggle with two left feet and don’t want to think too hard, just the two of you dancing prom style is beautiful. Look into each other's eyes and have fun doing a few twirls and dips!
Don’t Practice too Much
So you decided to do a choreographed first dance? Love that. Here’s my biggest tip: practice… but don’t over-practice. When you drill it too much, it’s easy to get in your head and start stressing about hitting every move “perfectly.” And we all know how plans go sometimes — they don’t always unfold exactly the way we imagine. While it’s totally normal to want your first dance to be flawless, leaving room for a little spontaneity makes it feel more natural and way more fun. Trust me, your guests will think it’s perfect no matter what.
Plan It Out With Your DJ
Go over the exact timing of your first dance with your DJ ahead of time so you know exactly when things are happening and what to expect. When there are no surprises, there’s way less to stress about. A great DJ has your back — they’ll guide the flow, cue you in, and make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. That way, you don’t have to sit around worrying about when the moment is coming. Your DJ will be there to cue you, manage the moment, and keep things running smoothly — so you don’t have to. When you trust someone to handle the details, you’re free to relax and enjoy the experience.
Keep a Sense of Humor
Laughter is a great stress reliever. If something goes awry, laugh it off and continue dancing. Your guests will appreciate the spontaneity, and you'll have a memorable story to share.
At the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is the person you’re dancing with. These tips can guide you, but what people will remember most is how your first dance felt. Get ready to hear how amazing it was — all because of the love you shared in that moment.
