Learning choreography is not an easy task. It’s a process, and it takes time and lots of practice. The more you practice, the easier it gets! But, don’t worry, you don’t need years of experience to memorize your wedding dance choreography, and your dance instructor will help you every step of the way, even if you’re convinced you have two left feet...
To start, your wedding dance choreographer (or dance instructor) will break down what you need to do. They will explain the whole process in detail and tell you every step on the path to your dream wedding dance. Of course you’ll have plenty of time with your choreographer/instructor, but it’s also important that you practice on your own, too.
If you’re nervous about forgetting the choreography or you’re having trouble picking it up as you’re going along, here are a few pro tips to make sure you have it down pat.
1. Listen to your song A MILLION times
Ok, maybe not a million, but get as close as you can. Knowing your music inside out and backwards will help jog your memory if you feel like you’re forgetting what step comes next. Your song is like a road map that can help you if you get lost.
2. Practice your steps without the music first
This one is especially helpful if you’re having trouble just doing the steps in the first place. Go over them slowly and make your body do them over, and over, and over again until your brain doesn’t even have to think...once you practice the choreography enough, your muscle memory will take over and it will feel like your body is dancing the steps without you even knowing what’s happening!
3. Visualize!
Put your song on repeat and visualize yourself dancing all the steps with your partner. You don’t even have to be up and dancing! Visualization is a powerful tool, and you can do it anywhere. As you’re imagining yourself dancing the choreography, make sure there are no major blank spots. If there’s a specific section you always seem to forget, go over just that section a bunch of times. And if there’s something you really can’t remember, this will make it obvious so you can work on it the next time you see your instructor.
4. Record and watch the choreography
Record yourself or your instructor dancing the choreography the way it’s supposed to be done. (And to the music!) It’s great to do this after you learn each new section. Then, watch your video over and over again. Take note of any trouble spots and any places your instructor may have highlighted that have very specific movements.
5. Dance!
The most important thing you can do is DANCE! Actually dance the dance. Do the thing. And then do it again. And again. And again, and again, and again… Eventually it will feel as second nature as walking.
And there you have it! Our top 5 tips for remembering choreography. These tips come straight from professional dancers who have been dancing for years. If it worked for them, it will work for you! Now get out there and get dancing!