Wedding Dance Truths: Choreographed vs. Freestyle

Wedding Dance: Choreographed vs. Freestyling

Your first dance as a married couple is a moment to cherish forever. Whether you choose a choreographed routine or non choreographed dance the aim is to not look stiff, awkward or look like robots. But to look natural, poised, having fun and effortless. Each option can make you we got you covered at Dance Amor Weddings, we make sure you look natural and effortless on the dance floor.

Both require a bit of time and dedication, but the results will be worth it. We have had couples coming well in advance maimum we had is 3 years before their wedding day, we have a couple right now that they came 2 years before their dance. To the late comers who left it till the week of their wedding day. like seriously 3 days before getting married. 

Things for you to consider: How long does it take to boil and egg? How long does it take you to get ready in the morning before heading to work? How long does it take to get from home to work. The answer is a set amount of time. With some time leeway for any mishaps and unknowns that are out of your control. 

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you decide the best fit for your special day.

Choreographed Dance

Pros:

1. Show-Stopping Performance:
   • Imagine your guests captivated, eyes glued to the dance floor, as you and your partner deliver a stunning, well-rehearsed routine.
   • Engagement: A choreographed dance keeps your guests entertained and focused, preventing them from drifting into conversations or grabbing another drink. Remember that they should be paying attention to you both dancing together. We know people attention span is getting worst due to social media. Remember when you looked at facebook, instagram, tiktok stories less than 2 senconds and you swiping left!
2. Confidence Booster:
   • Learning a choreographed routine helps you feel more confident and less anxious. Knowing exactly what steps to take eliminates the fear of making mistakes, and uncertainty.
   • It's like going to the accountant or lawyer—they do the heavy lifting, preparing you for success. We are your personal dance genies or you could say we are your wedding dance stylist!
3. Professional Touch:
   • Think of your favorite actors, movies, or music artists. Everything is choreographed to appear spontaneous and authentic be that at the movie cineam, theater, concert. Why leave your dance to chance? Make it look natural by hiring the experts. We got you at Dance Amor.
   • Even makeup artists, surgeons, and dentist use their expertise to make that make up, body modification and those pearly whites look natural. Our team of wedding dance choreographers will add natural hip rhythm, posture, sway, and poise to your dance to make you feel confident and natural dancing together, showcasing your love.
4. Personalized Expression:
   • Your dance can be tailored to your song choice, skill level, and personalities, making it a true reflection of your relationship.
   • Incorporate meaningful movements or styles that are significant to you as a couple.
5. Enjoyable Journey:
   • A good choreographed routine includes all these elements, turning the preparation into a memorable and pressure-free journey leading up to your wedding day.
6. Authentic Appearance:
   • A well-choreographed dance can look spontaneous and authentic to your guests, showcasing your willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
7. Minimal Behind-the-Scenes Work:
   • A choreographed dance doesn’t require a lot of behind-the-scenes work because your dance choreographer takes care of this. They make it easy for you to practice the moves and enjoy the process. It’s only overwhelming if you don’t give yourself enough time, but the results are magical.
8. Talking Point:
   • Having a dance gives your guests a talking point. We’ve even been to weddings where the dance was so memorable that it was impromptu added to speeches by the father, mother, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.

Cons:

1. Time Commitment:
   • Preparing for a choreographed dance requires about 45 minutes a week. Multiple practice sessions are needed to perfect the routine until you both feel comfortable. Starting six months before your wedding day is advisable.
   • This can be challenging, especially with a busy pre-wedding schedule. To avoid this challenge, start as soon as you get engaged. You book your wedding venue years in advance, so why not spend that time learning together and being in each other's arms?
2. Performance Pressure:
   • The pressure to get every step right can be stressful, but don’t worry—this is only stressful if you are a perfectionist. If dancing isn't your forte, let the pressure disappear by letting professionals handle the stressing for you, so you can just enjoy and practice together what they customize for you.
   • Feeling overwhelmed if things don’t go perfectly can be a downside, but this can be counteracted with preparation. The more time you give yourselves, the less overwhelming it will be.
3. Cost:
   • Hiring a professional choreographer and taking dance lessons can add to your wedding budget. Remember, there are three things people remember from a wedding: the dance, the venue, and how they felt with the overall vibe of the dance.
   • While this might not be feasible for everyone financially, think of it as an investment. Many wedding purchases are used only once, but dance lessons are a gift that keeps on giving, allowing you to dance confidently at every event for years to come.

Freestyle Dance

Pros:

1. Authentic and Spontaneous:
   • Freestyle dancing can feel more genuine for the couple, showcasing your natural connection and chemistry.
   • It allows for spontaneous moments that can be incredibly touching and memorable.
2. Less Pressure:
   • Without the need to remember a specific routine, you can dance freely and enjoy the moment without worrying about making mistakes.
   • This can make the experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
3. Budget-Friendly:
   • Freestyle dancing doesn’t require professional lessons or choreography expenses, making it a budget-friendly option. However, to make the most of it, you can still get dance lessons but spread them out over time. Some couples start a year or even two years in advance and have fortnightly or monthly lessons. This allows you to practice at home and progress at a comfortable pace, making the experience enjoyable and less stressful.
   • A dance choreographer can also help keep you both from arguing when things don’t go right, ensuring a smoother experience.

Cons:

❌ Lack of Structure & Coordination
Without a planned routine, your movements may look uncoordinated or out of sync, making your dance appear unpolished instead of effortless.

❌ Risk of Awkwardness
If you and your partner aren’t naturally confident dancers, freestyling can lead to stiff movements, awkward pauses, or even stepping on each other’s feet.

❌ Missed Emotional Impact
A well-rehearsed dance tells a story and captivates your guests. Freestyling may not have the same “wow” factor, making it less memorable.

❌ Nerves Can Take Over
Dancing in front of an audience without a plan can feel overwhelming. If nerves kick in, you might freeze, shuffle awkwardly, or resort to simple swaying instead of truly enjoying the moment.

❌ Limited Guest Engagement
Guests tend to lose interest more quickly when there’s no structured performance. A freestyle dance may not hold their attention as well as a choreographed routine.

❌ Potential for Disagreements
Without a clear plan, you and your partner might not be on the same page, leading to confusion or last-minute frustrations. A few structured moves can prevent any dance floor disagreements.

Choose the Best Wedding Dance for You

Whether you choose a choreographed routine or a freestyle approach, the goal is to look natural, confident, and connected as a couple. A well-prepared dance ensures you’ll enjoy the moment without stress, impress your guests, and create a beautiful memory to cherish forever.

At Dance Amor, we specialise in making wedding dances effortless, fun, and uniquely yours. Whether you want a fully choreographed routine or just a few private lessons to polish your moves, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t leave your first dance to chance! Book a private wedding dance lesson today and let us help you shine on your big day. Check out our wedding dance lessons here.