“Both of us agree it was our favourite part of the pre-wedding planning and activity”
Beth & Tom had a May wedding surrounded by loved ones and the beautiful scenery of The Dorset Museum. Afterwards, they moved to Charlton Down Village Hall to continue their celebrations but before we continue, we must go back to a few months before they tied the knot…all the way back to planning their First Dance.
I received a message from Beth at the beginning of 2025 saying they wanted some dance lessons to prepare for their First Dance. They chose a full package which is 5 hours worth of lessons and they travelled just over an hour each time to see me. I’m always flattered when people are willing to travel that far to me! After speaking further to Beth about her dress and giving them extra details about their lessons, we got started. They began in February, giving them plenty of time to relax and enjoy the experience!
The song this wonderful couple chose wasn’t one I had heard before. The first time I listened to it, I knew it would be a little challenge for me to choreograph to but I’ll always welcome a challenge- especially when the song is so meaningful to the couple. Their choice was Sweet Thing by The Waterboys and when emailing me, Beth described it as “potentially a bit unusual”. Within a few minutes of choreographing, I had the key moments set down and was excited to get into the room with them! The song grew on me so much as I got to know it and now I know every word.
Onto the dance-floor:
Everyone’s always nervous when stepping into a new environment and I felt that from Beth and Tom on their first session (as I do with most couples as they enter the studio for the first time). I noticed a few re-assuring squeezes being shared and some nervous giggles but after a some runs of their first few moves, I felt tensions ease and they were simply just dancing together. I was there too as their third wheel and new best friend, of course! During lessons, I do whatever I can to make each couple feel relaxed and comfortable and help them connect and bond with one another.
At the end of each session, I film my couple’s progress so that they’re able to see it from another perspective and to help for reference if they’re practising between sessions. After receiving their video after their second lesson, Beth replied saying “we’re having a great time learning, will get practising” and that they did! Every time they turned up to lessons, no matter what had happened in-between (and a lot had happened in-between), it all flowed so easily and they were ready for more! The next message I received was “thanks for being so encouraging, we’re really enjoying the choreography and your teaching”. These messages are always SO lovely to receive, I’m always so grateful to hear such positive feedback.
Saying goodbye to these ‘Sweet Things’!
The time then came to say goodbye, I felt like a proud Mumma bird watching her babies fly the nest. Sounds dramatic but after 5 hours of laughing and bonding with a couple, it’s so bittersweet watching them dance their last first dance practise. I was really proud of this choreography and how Beth & Tom had put their own flares on it too to really make it theirs.
Skipping forward again to their day, their First Dance looked like a movie through the photos and videos. Have a little here if you’d like to see more! The amazing Becky from Thompson Wedding Films captured it all so beautifully. Make sure to have your tissues ready for Tom’s words!
Congratulations Beth & Tom, wishing you all the happiness and cosy kitchen dancing that you deserve!
Your turn to dance!
If you’re looking for someone to help you with your First Dance, to boost your confidence and to give you an enjoyable experience you can have together in the lead up to your wedding, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch!
Best wishes,
Maisie, MRC DANCE 💃
PS: I couldn’t not post Beth & Tom’s full review…
“My partner Tom and I had first dance lessons with Maisie leading up to our wedding, both of us agree it was our favourite part of the pre-wedding planning and activity. Maisie choreographed a lovely routine to our chosen song (which was a less common choice!) while taking our ability into account. Maisie is an extremely competent and patient teacher, and is also a kind and fun person which made lessons with her a delight. We loved every second and both felt so happy at our wedding dancing the routine ❤️
Also as an extra note, both Tom and I have danced before in some capacity but I’ve not danced since I was a teenager (I’m now 29) and the lessons with Maisie reminded me of how much I love it. So thank you Maisie, not only for the wonderful fun lessons, but also for bringing me back to a childhood love of dance and encouraging me to pick it up again 😊”
