Safely Incorporating Lifts and Dips into Your First Dance

Your first dance as a married couple is a magical moment. To make your first dance truly unforgettable, you might choose to incorporate effortless lifts and dips into your routine. However, it's essential to do so safely in order to avoid any mishaps or potential injury. In this blog post, we'll explore how to safely add lifts and dips to your first dance.

1. Choose the Right Instructor

Before diving into lifts and tricks, you must find a qualified dance teacher who specializes in wedding dances. Youtube isn't going to cut it! A professional dance teacher will not only teach you the right technique but also ensure that you and your partner can safely execute these moves. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this step. A dance teacher's expertise is critical. 

​2. Start Simple

Start with simpler moves and work your way up to more complex lifts and dips as you become more comfortable. Whenever I teach students who are preparing for their first dance, we focus on twirls and other feet-firmly-on-the-ground moves for the first few classes. Only after my students have a strong foundation of dance technique and communication do I introduce weight-sharing moves like dips or lifts. 

3. ​Practice Makes Perfect

Repetition and practice are key to mastering any dance move, but especially lifts and dips. If you're looking for a show-stopping routine, book more classes than you initially think you need. My students typically do between 8 and 12 classes for a routine incorporating multiple dips and lifts. The more time you can spend rehearsing with and without your instructor, the more you'll be able to build strength, coordination, and trust with your partner. Make sure you both understand the mechanics of each move and can execute them smoothly.

4. ​Focus on Communication

Effective communication between you and your partner will make these moves feel easy. Non-verbal cues (what we call preps) are essential for a smooth transition into lifts and dips. How you place your hand on your partner's back or spin your partner in will indicate when you're ready to do a particular move. 

5. ​Practice on the Actual Dance Floor

If possible, it's ideal to do a practice run of your first dance on same dance floor where you'll be performing. Becoming familiar with the space and its dimensions can help you avoid any surprises on the day of your wedding. At the very least, you should visualize your dance floor and the layout of tables/audience as you practice for any moves that would look better facing a particular direction. You don't want to dip with your back to all your guests! 

​6. Trust in Yourself

Once you have the foundation, confidence is the key to pulling these off. Trust in yourself and your partner, and the hours of practice you've put in. You've got this.

Wrapping Up

I've choreographed hundreds of first dances that incorporate dips, lifts, and other tricks. It's always incredible to watch people's confidence grow over the course of our lessons together. Some people come in thinking they wouldn't be able to achieve something like this, but after building a strong foundation together, they find the confidence to try a simple lift.

My advice is always to find a dance teacher you trust, work your way up as you build confidence, practice regularly, nail those preps, and at least visualize your dance floor. Follow those steps, and your first dance is sure to be something special.