First Dance Company is a ballroom dance instructor working from St James Hall in Islington, north London. It specialises in preparing couples for their wedding first dance, teaching routines built around each couple's song and comfort level. Reviewers speak highly of the tuition, particularly for putting self-conscious non-dancers at ease.
Feedback describes a teacher, Sandy, who calms nerves straight away and helps even complete beginners learn a great deal in a short run of lessons. It suits couples who feel apprehensive about being the centre of attention and want a routine that genuinely works for them and their music.
The focus is on wedding dance lessons in London, though it also offers broader dance lessons in London for those wanting to learn as a couple. Ballroom dancing in London and Latin dance classes in London can form the basis of a first-dance routine, with steps and timing broken down patiently for beginners. Adult dance classes in London here are structured so a self-conscious couple can build a polished, performable dance across a handful of sessions.
Non-dancers are exactly who these lessons are designed for, and nerves are expected and quickly settled. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can move and turn in, and come with your chosen song or an idea of the feel you want.
Lessons take place at a hall in the Islington area of north London, well served by public transport.
Sandy took us for a series of 5 dance lessons in the lead up to our wedding. We are both non-dancers, and pretty self conscious when on the dancefloor at the best of times, let alone when having to be the centre of everyone’s attention. However, Sandy put us at ease straightaway and we found ourselves really looking forward to our dance lessons each week, and coming away from them with a massive smile on our faces! Sandy put together a lovely first dance routine for us that was exactly what we wanted – nothing too flashy or comedic, but still with some spins, dips, leans and so forth. It went — Edmund and Rebecca Wrigley
Great experience with Sandy taking dance lessons before our wedding. We left it very late and only had about 3.5 lessons but were impressed how much we could learn in that time. Sandy taught us a really lovely routine that worked very well for us and the song. Each lesson was good fun but very focused. Convenient location as well.— Theresa Pfeifle
Excellent lessons.had a fabulous teacher 👍— Linda D
Begin with an introductory lesson where the frame and basic steps are taught slowly and clearly. No experience is needed; get in touch to arrange a first session that suits you.
The waltz is a popular starting dance thanks to its steady three-count rhythm. For a wedding, the best first dance often depends on the tempo and mood of your chosen song.
The rumba is a common first Latin dance because it is slow and expressive, making the timing easier to feel. The cha-cha is another approachable option with a clear rhythm.
Yes, Latin styles suit beginners well because the basic patterns repeat and build logically. They are also lively and enjoyable, which keeps practice motivating.
A couple of months allows comfortable time to learn and rehearse without rushing. Reviewers note, however, that a great deal can be achieved in just a few lessons if time is tight.
Most couples perform one first dance, though some add another later in the evening or a group number. It is entirely down to what you feel like preparing.