There’s a good chance it was sitting somewhere at the bottom of your to-do list. Or maybe it wasn’t even on there at all.
Until someone asked about it. Or until you suddenly thought:
“Are we actually doing anything for our first dance?” (read more about whether or not to have a first dance here)
And just like that, it became real.
Because yes, you do want it. It’s part of the day. It’s a beautiful moment together.
But at the same time, your schedule is already packed. Work, the wedding itself, maybe kids… and honestly, your head is just full.
Planning a series of dance lessons? That quickly starts to feel like too much.
This is exactly the point where many couples come to me. They do want a first dance, but without it turning into another project that takes weeks of time and energy.
Fotograaf Alex Heuvink
There’s a persistent idea that a first dance always has to be a fully choreographed routine, with fixed steps, precise moments in the music, and lots of practice.
That’s possible. But it’s not always the best choice.
Especially if you’re short on time.
What often works much better is a dance that’s built in a logical way. One where you know what you’re doing, but that’s flexible enough to keep things relaxed.
That’s exactly why I started offering a two-hour first dance crash course at Slowfeet Studio.
For couples who are deciding last minute, have limited time, or simply want to create something simple yet beautiful.
Instead of a fixed choreography, we build a dance together that truly fits you—and that you can actually remember.
We start at the very beginning. Literally. How do you walk onto the dance floor? How do you start? That first moment immediately sets the tone and helps take away the nerves.
Then we work on a basic movement—something you can always fall back on. It sounds simple, but it’s probably the most important part of the entire dance. It ensures you never come to a standstill and can always keep going, even if you lose track for a moment.
From there, we build on that foundation with two or three short dance blocks. These are small combinations of moves that you can use at different moments. The advantage is that you’re not tied to one exact timing in the music. You decide when to start a block, which makes the dance much less stressful and a lot more flexible.
Finally, we look at an ending that fits your song and your style. Something that truly finishes the dance, so it doesn’t just “fade out,” but feels like a moment.
We don’t create a full choreography from start to finish.
Not because it’s not possible, but because in most cases it’s not the best approach when you’re short on time. A choreography requires repetition, precision, and practice. Without that time, it can quickly become stressful instead of enjoyable.
The goal of this session is different: to make sure you step onto the dance floor feeling relaxed, confident, and actually enjoying the moment.
The only thing you really need to do beforehand is choose a song.
It can be something classic, but just as easily something personal or playful. The music largely sets the tone for the dance.
If you have no idea where to start, you can always get inspiration from my Spotify playlist with songs other couples have used. That often helps you make a decision more quickly.
What I probably enjoy most about creating a first dance is that no two couples are the same. And that means no two dances should be either.
Some couples step onto the floor feeling relaxed right away and naturally pick up the rhythm. Others feel a bit nervous and need a moment to settle in. One couple might want something romantic and calm, while another prefers something playful or unexpected. That’s exactly what I pay attention to.
Not just what you can do, but what truly suits you. How do you move together? What feels comfortable? And what do you want to express in that moment? From there, we build your dance.
And yes, inspiration is always welcome. Have you seen something on Instagram or YouTube that you love? Feel free to share it. We can often translate elements of that into something that works for you, without making it complicated.
Because in the end, that’s what matters.
Not perfect steps or a rehearsed routine, but a dance that reflects who you are.
Then I honestly recommend taking multiple lessons.
In a two-hour last-minute session, we can create something you’ll genuinely feel good about. But with more time, the dance becomes smoother, more confident, and more refined. We can focus on the details, and it will feel even more natural in the end.
So see the crash course as a strong foundation—and if time allows, you can build on it from there.
The crash course lasts two hours and costs €170.
Lessons are primarily held at Studio Swing in Rhythm on Willem Buytewechstraat in Rotterdam. This is also the preferred location, as it offers the space and setting that work best for your dance.
If the studio isn’t available and your wedding date is approaching quickly, a home session can be an alternative—but only under certain conditions.
We can hold the lesson at your home, provided that:
If that’s not an option, we can also do the session at my home on Beukelsweg.
Home sessions are therefore a practical solution when time is limited, not the standard. In the studio, we simply get the most out of the lesson.
My name is Deirdre, owner of Slowfeet Studio.
For over ten years, I’ve been helping couples create their first dance, across all kinds of styles and experience levels.
What keeps this work interesting for me is that every dance starts with the couple’s choice of music.
“It’s always a surprise what song a couple chooses. That’s where the challenge begins for me: creating a dance that fits the music, but also truly suits the couple—even if I’ve only just met them. The best moment is when everything comes together, and we’ve genuinely enjoyed the process of learning it together.”
A first dance doesn’t have to be an extra source of stress.
With the right approach, you can create something in a short amount of time that:
Without endless practice. And sometimes, that’s exactly enough.