wedding dance

Wedding Dance Lessons

Make your wedding Dance your Best Dance...Ever!


We are interested in:

ONLINE COURSE

No experience required.

Fast and Convenient: 1 single session in our studio (about 3 hours long), the rest is online at your own convenience!

Wedding Dance Lessons

Impress your Guests!


We will give you a wide range of dance options to match the song you picked and together we will create a choreography that suits your style.

We will make it easy, fun and rewarding!

So go ahead and wow your guests with a special wedding dance routine!

It will certainly give them something to talk about!

From Simple & Elegant

To More complex & Impressive...

It's Your Choice....

Kevin & Jena learned their routine entirely from our Online Tutorial

Kevin & Jena learned their choreography entirely from our Online Tutorial

our wedding dancers

Wedding Dance Choreographers 


We provide private lessons, classes and workshops to help Brides and Grooms throughout Ireland.

"Hi Anthony, 

The dance went really well! Fiona was very nervous (so was I) but we held it together and remembered most of the moves. No one noticed the bits we didn't remember perfectly and we got plenty of compliments on the dancing. Looking back on the videos is great and we sometimes still practice some of the moves in the kitchen while we're cooking dinner! 

Thanks a million for the lessons & the recording. It was really helpful during practice and allowed us to have the confidence to do the dance when the time came. 

We crushed it ;)

Unfortunately we don't have Facebook, but I've left you a 5 start review on Google and feel free to use this email wherever you want. 

Regards,
Ronan"

Choose 1 of the Following 2 Packages:


You can learn to dance in a private class with just you and your choreographer, in a small group or in an online course lead by a choreographer.

All options come with full access to our online Wedding Dance Tutorial.

Pick the option that suits you best!

NOTE: The choreography will be based on your chosen song, regardless of which option you choose below.

In-Studio Wedding DanceLessons

tailored to you

A 2.5-hour Private Tuition + Online Tutorial.


A week or so before your class we will send you our video catalog and ask you to pick a few moves and patterns that you like.


During the class in our studio, we will choreograph a tailor made routine based on these patterns.


After the lesson you will use our online tutorial to practice and make sure you don't forget anything. 

Online Course Wedding Dance Lessons

CONVENIENT

Led by a Choreographer - 4 to 6 Weeks Course.


This course comes with a guarantee: Money back if you are not satisfied. 


You will learn exactly the same thing as with the other 2 options.

You won't meet your teacher face to face, however, he or she will follow you up for the entire course, offering advise, guidance and feedback through video analysis and chats.


You will be asked to send videos of your progress on regular bases.

LOCATIONS: Dublin - Cork


95% of our clients have never attended a dance class before..

NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

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Neil and Sadhbh

Patrick was brilliant! He put us at ease right from the beginning, breaking down all the movements for someone like me who is a complete beginner whilst making it thoroughly enjoyable!! We are confident that our dance will be memorable for all the right reasons now! Would highly recommend Patrick's private classes! It was great fun too!

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Emma and Colin

Jen was amazing! She put us at ease straight away, by being so friendly and high energy. We had great craic throughout the session and have ended up with a far better routine than we ever could have hoped for, even including a lift! Loved the way it was broken down into stages and built upon in a personalised way to the couple. The online Tutorial provided is also excellent! We would love to continue dancing after the wedding after this experience! So so good, thanks Jen!

Love Your Wedding Dance!


At First Dance Academy, we recognise the stress that often accompany performing in front of friends and family. 


Our mission is to turn this potentially intimidating experience into an enjoyable one that you'll cherish forever.


Our highly skilled instructors and our are dedicated to helping you feel confident and at ease on the floor. They will work with you to help you choose a special song and style, or help you refine a routine to your preferred song. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, our services cater to all skill levels and can help you achieve your desired level of mastery.


We will also provide you with full access to our Online Tutorial. It's an excellent tool to prepare you before for your  1 to1  in-studio tuition. It will also be an invaluable help to your practice sessions!


With our specialised package, you can rest assured that you'll shine on your magical day.

We offer Wedding Dance Lessons in:

Athlone, Cork, Dublin.

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Triona Gallagher

Absolutely brilliant teaching from Anthony, very good at explaining and demonstrating, and gives great advice. He had lots of enthusiasm and made us feel so comfortable.

Also love the online tutorial that we have access to in the lead up to the big day.

We just wanted to say, thanks so much to Anthony. We would highly recommend taking dance classes with him!

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Joanna

Highly recommend First Dance Academy! We were dreading our first dance as we’re both very uncoordinated and so signed up for the one-day workshop. First we received a fantastic online course that went through the basics with us ahead of time and then met Jen for our workshop. She put together a gorgeous routine on our favourite song for us which looked a lot harder than it was. I was amazed we managed it but she was so patient with us and we left feeling confident we could do it on the day. Jen is a gifted dance teacher. Thank you so much for giving us that moment to remember, we thoroughly enjoyed it!

About

Anthony Auffret


Anthony Auffret

Anthony is the owner of First Dance Academy and the lead choreographer.

He is French and now lives in West Cork with his wife and their 3 young children.

Anthony started dancing at a young age. While he enjoys dancing many styles he favours Latin dances such as Salsa, Cha Cha, Tango...

In 2002, Anthony and his then partner Coral Perez Garcia, were finalists in the Salsa World Championships.

In 2004, he created Dance Nation, the company behind Salsa Nation, Dancing Hen and First Dance Academy.

He has taught classes and workshops throughout Europe, the U.S.A, South and Central America, Asia and Africa and collected many awards along the way.

Private Wedding Dance Lessons: What to Expect and How to Prepare


Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want every moment to be perfect, including your first dance as a married couple. Private first dance lessons have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer you the opportunity to create a memorable and beautiful dance that reflects your love story. In this article, we'll walk you through what you can expect, ensuring you're well-prepared to dazzle your loved ones on the dance floor.


  1. Song/Music Suitability:

The journey to a perfect first dance begins with selecting the right song. And hopefully it's extra special one!

As soon as you reach out to us, our expert instructors will assess the suitability of your chosen song. They will consider factors such as the time signature, tempo, and style to ensure it aligns with your goals and skill level. If adjustments are needed, they'll help you find the ideal track that sets the tone for your performance.


  1. Rough Choreography:

Once your song is deemed suitable, our experienced choreographers will start crafting a rough composition that complements the music. This is a foundation that will be refined with your input during your lessons. It serves as the starting point for your dance journey, laying out the steps, moves, and transitions that will make your dance unique and unforgettable.


We do know what the choice of song can be difficult so we would recommend taking your time with it. Check out our link below if you need help.


  1. Preparation:

Before you meet with your teacher, we'll provide you with short instructional videos to watch. These videos will help you familiarise yourself with the basic dance steps and concepts, making your in-studio lessons more productive and enjoyable. This preparation ensures that you come to your lesson ready to make the most of your time.

As soon as  you have confirmed your booking, we will send you all the necessary material, including instruction videos to help you get ready.

 

  1. In-Studio Lesson:

The heart of your wedding dance preparation lies in the in-studio lesson. During this 2.5-hour private session, you will meet with your dedicated specialised  wedding dance choreographer at our studio. Here, you'll learn and practice step by step. Your choreographer will guide you and your partner through the dance, ensuring that you are comfortable with every move. This personal attention allows for customisation, making sure your dance reflects your personalities and style.


  1. Practice:

After your in-studio session, practice is key. We will provide you with access to our online tutorial. This resource enables you to revisit the routine, practice at your own pace, and ensure that you remember all the steps and nuances you learned with us. Regular practice is essential to feeling confident and poised.


  1. Video Feedback:

We understand that perfection can be a process, and sometimes, you may want additional feedback and guidance. That's why we offer the option for you to send us videos of your practice sessions. Our instructors will provide constructive feedback, helping you refine your technique and make you look even more spectacular.



In conclusion, learning your wedding first dance should be an important part of your preparations.

But it should also be a delight.

And remember it will be one of your first act as a married couple.


So from assessing song suitability to creating a tailored choreography and providing resources for practice, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Your wedding dance should be a reflection of your love story, and with our expert instructors and personalised approach, you can make it a breathtaking moment that you, your partner, and your family and friends will cherish forever. Get ready to shine and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Quick Tips for an Elegant First Dance


Tip No 1: Keep your dance to under 3 minutes. 


Choreographing a 2.5-minute dance routine is a lot easier and a lot more manageable than a 5-minute song. 

Don't worry if the song you picked is longer than 3 minutes (most of them are ), they are a couple of ways you can deal with that.


You could for example cut the music using a free tool like Audacity if you are using a D.J.

With a band, simply tell them exactly what you are looking for.


A better option in our opinion is to get your bridal party to join you on the dance floor at a specific time. It's easy to organise, gives a smooth transition to the next phase of the evening, it's fun and it looks great.

Tip No 2: Make a plan.


We are not talking about the dance per se yet, but more about the overall plan:

Before your wedding, it's essential to plan and coordinate the timing of your first dance and entrance onto the floor.

 

Communicate with your partner and all relevant parties, such as musicians and wedding party members, to ensure everyone is clear on their role and responsibilities.


Make sure the music will start at the right time, either before or after the couple's entrance.


After the first dance, have a plan in place for your next move. If your wedding party is joining you, make sure everyone is aware and ready.


Consider assigning a designated person, maybe a bridesmaid or groomsman to ensure a smooth transition.


To perfect these little moments, it's crucial to pay attention to details and be well-informed about your venue.


When visiting the venue, focus on the ballroom and the layout of the room, such as the placement of spectators, to ensure that your routine takes these factors into account.

Tip No 3: Maintaining  Good Posture and a Smile.


Maintaining good posture and a smile during a dance is crucial for creating a positive impression, even though it might seem simple in theory.


Your body language and facial expression play a significant role in how you appear on the dance floor.

 

If you slouch or have a worried look on your face, it can detract from your dancing abilities, regardless of how skilled you are.

However, by standing tall and smiling, you exude confidence and radiate positivity, making you look good and feel good about your performance.

Tip No 4: Enhance Your Skills with Professional First Dance Lessons.


If you're preparing for your big day, wedding dance lessons can make a remarkable difference in your performance on the day.

Even if you have no prior experience, a few hours with a professional choreographer can help you feel confident and comfortable as you take centre stage.


While some may feel intimidated by the idea of a choreographed dance, it's a small investment in making your special day even more magical!


Don't let the fear of feeling embarrassed in front of a crowd hold you back. Instead, embrace the opportunity to learn new skills and improve your dance moves.


At the end of the day, learning to dance is a decision you won't regret. Too many couples have made that mistake!

So go ahead and enjoy every moment of it!


Semi private wedding dance classes are also available and they are better value than the 1 to 1 lessons. 

Tip No 5: The Importance of Practice.


After you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in dance, it's essential to put them into practice.

Regular practice will not only enhance your dance abilities, but it will also boost your self-confidence and make the learning process enjoyable.

The more you practice, the better you'll get, so make sure to set aside time for this important step in your dance journey.

So to help you with your practice we created an Online Tutorial. It contains dozen of patterns and hundreds of moves! 

We had a great time. Jen was so lovely, made us both feel at ease and our dance went so well, I think she’s made us look like pros!! Thanks so much!

Caroline Gray

Need help picking that special song?


If you are looking for a little inspiration to chose your First Dance song, check our Top 10 First Dance Songs

Wedding Dance Academy

Copyright text 2024 by First Dance Academy | Ireland

Ardfield, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

tel: 087 9799671

Ardfield, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

087 9799671

wedding dance lessons
wedding dance choreography