Since your first dance won’t be the only dance you’ll have together at your wedding, we thought we’d give you some tips that can carry over to any wedding slow dance or any slow dance anywhere! Feel free to pass these tips along to any of your guests who may be a little nervous about getting out on the dance floor for a slow dance at your wedding.
There are many occasions where we find ourselves having to slow dance- proms, parties, weddings...and if it’s not something you’re comfortable with, these events can be quite intimidating! We’ve put together a guide that you and your partner can use to practice your slow dancing skills at home.
Before you start, make sure you’re both in the mood to dance and pick a song that you both like and feel comfortable with. (Bonus points if the song actually makes you feel like you want to dance!)
Now you’re ready to get to it.
Step 1: Stand facing each other. Listen to the song and clap or tap the beat together to make sure you’re both on the same page. Sometimes this can be the hardest part! If you’re having trouble or you feel like you’re out of sync, try closing your eyes.
Step 2: Remember this is a partner dance- there is a lead and follow dynamic here. Traditionally, men are the leaders and women are the followers, but choose the lead and follow however you want! This is your dance.
Lead- Place your right hand behind your partner’s left shoulder blade (cupping
the shoulder blade). Make sure your right elbow is up and parallel to the floor.
The tip of your elbow should be pointed out to your right side.
Follow- Wrap your left arm around your partner’s lifted arm and place your
hand around their shoulder.
Bring the other arm up and clasp your hands together. Keep those arms soft!
As much as you may want to, avoid interlacing your fingers- this will make it
harder later when we add turns. :)
Step 3: Sway to the beat! Try to switch your weight from one foot to the other. The lead should initiate the movement and the follow should, well, follow.
Step 4: As you’re swaying, try to change directions- aim for going around in a slow circle to start. (Hint: Going counterclockwise or to the left is usually easier.)
And that’s it! Your slow dance basics. As much as you can, try to be aware of your partner and really concentrate on your connection with each other. Notice both the physical connection points of your bodies and also how you feel more emotionally connected to them. If you’re feeling ambitious, the lead can even throw a turn in! Have fun with this connection and try dancing to a couple different songs. Practice makes perfect- the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel when they pressure is on for your slow dance at a wedding or even your first dance at your own wedding!