Left Feet, Right Love: Why Being a ‘Bad Dancer’ Might Be Your Superpower

There’s a moment — maybe it’s on a quiet Tuesday night or halfway through folding the washing — where it hits you: we actually have to do a first dance in front of everyone.

Cue panic.

“I can’t dance.”

“My partner has two left feet.”

“What if we look ridiculous?”

“What if we fall?!”

Let’s take a breath, because here’s a little truth bomb: not being a “good dancer” might actually be the best thing for your first dance. Yep, even if you’ve never danced outside the living room.

The First Dance Panic – Sound Familiar?

Almost every couple we work with at SWAY starts with the same nervous energy: “We’re not dancers.” And honestly? We love hearing that. Because the magic doesn’t happen when everything is polished and perfect — it happens in the giggles, the stumbles, the little sideways glances when you both forget the move and improvise a spin anyway.

It’s not about being Beyoncé. It’s about being you two.

No One Remembers the Steps – They Remember the Feeling

Here’s the thing about weddings: people remember the way it felt far more than how it looked. Your friends aren’t watching to critique your footwork — they’re watching because they love you, and this is your moment.

I’ve seen couples do incredibly simple sways, barely moving, but holding each other in a way that made half the room cry. I’ve also seen some brilliantly chaotic “shuffle-hop-what-was-that” dances that brought the house down.

Neither was “technically correct.” Both were unforgettable.

The Science of Sway – Why Dancing Brings You Closer

This isn’t just my personal bias as a dance teacher — science agrees! Studies from the University of Oxford show that couples who dance together experience increased feelings of trust and bonding. There’s a chemical connection that happens when we move in sync with someone — a blend of rhythm, laughter, eye contact, and shared vulnerability.

In other words: the messier the moves, the better the bond.

True Love Isn’t Choreographed

We once had a couple come in and tell us they didn’t want to dance at all. “We’re not coordinated,” they said. But after a few sessions of relaxed, low-pressure movement and loads of laughs, they ended up dancing to an old 90s banger, complete with a silly twist in the middle. It brought the house down. Their guests roared.

And guess what? It felt exactly like them.

The Magic of Movement, Not Perfection

Dancing isn’t about mastering a routine. It’s about allowing yourselves to share something special — even if it looks a little wobbly. In fact, the “imperfect” dances are often the ones people talk about for years.

Because in a world of Insta-perfect weddings, your realness will stand out.

Shy Feet, Big Energy – Channel Your Inner Rom-Com

You know those movie moments where the awkward guy dances like a baby giraffe and wins over everyone’s heart? That can be you. Seriously. Think more Colin Firth, less Dancing With The Stars.

There’s a charming, cinematic quality to people just giving it a go. And trust me, no one wants to see a stressed-out, robotic couple forcing a paso doble. They want to see you having fun.

Simple Steps, Big Feels

One of my favourite things to say to couples is: keep it simple. Your first dance doesn’t need to be complicated — a few gentle steps, a twirl, and a shared smile is more than enough.

Simple can be elegant. Simple can be fun. Simple is usually more you.

Practice = Confidence (Not Perfection)

You don’t need hours of dance bootcamp. We’ve helped couples feel confident and connected with just two or three short lessons. The goal isn’t to be perfect — it’s to feel present.

And hey, if you want to add a little flair? That’s where I come in. We’ll find a flow that feels natural, not forced.

‘Bad’ Dancer? More Like Brave

It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and say, “Nah, not for me.” It takes guts to get up and try. Especially in front of your favourite people. So if you’re thinking, “I’m too awkward,” I say this with love: good. That’s your starting point. And from there? Magic happens.

Final Thought – Embrace the Wobble

Your wedding dance doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be yours. Whether you do a full routine or just a cosy little sway, it’s about celebrating your connection, your story, and your ability to laugh through the missteps.

So wobble proudly. Trip with charm. Laugh at the turns.

Because in the end, love isn’t a performance. It’s a dance we figure out together.

Planning your wedding in New Zealand?

Whether you're tying the knot in Tauranga, Rotorua, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa or Whakatāne — I’d love to help you feel relaxed, confident, and actually excited about your first dance.

No pressure, no judgement. Just a few joyful sessions and a dance that feels like you.

Book a free discovery session with me at SWAY — let’s make your wedding dance unforgettable (and fun).

Book a discovery call with SWAY