Frequently Asked Questions
The First Dance & Our Instructors
What is The First Dance?
The First Dance is Canada’s leading wedding dance company, specializing in First Dances for wedding couples, Parent Dances (like Father-Daughter or Mother-Son), and Bridal Party/Group dances. We offer fully customized choreography, music editing, and both in-person and online lessons across Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Montreal, and Calgary. We’re your one stop shop for anything wedding dance.
What makes The First Dance unique?
The First Dance is Canada’s leading wedding dance company and your one-stop shop for First Dances, Parent Dances, and Bridal Party routines. We teach in person and online in Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Montreal, and Calgary. There are no cookie-cutter routines. Every dance is built from the ground up to fit your song, your style, and your comfort level. We make sure you feel confident, relaxed, and proud of what you’ve created together.
Do you offer services other than lessons?
Yes! In addition to lessons, we offer professional music editing, curated wedding song lists, digital products like practice guides, and online choreography videos.
Where do you offer lessons?
We provide in-person lessons in Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Montreal, and Calgary. Online lessons are available throughout Canada and internationally.
Are your services beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Most of our clients are complete beginners. We specialize in teaching couples with no prior experience and making the process relaxed, fun, and empowering.
Are The First Dance instructors experienced and certified?
Yes. Our team has taught hundreds of couples and includes certified ballroom instructors, trained performers, and experienced choreographers. They are skilled in technique, musicality, and making each lesson approachable and effective.
Can we choose our own instructor?
You’re welcome to request someone! Otherwise, we match you based on your goals, song, and availability.
Do instructors choreograph from scratch?
Yes. Every routine is built from scratch to reflect your music, personality, and comfort level.
Do all instructors teach in-person and online?
Most do, depending on city and schedule. We have dedicated instructors for both formats.
Do your instructors only teach wedding dances?
They specialize in weddings but have experience in Latin, ballroom, contemporary, hip hop, and more.
Can we see instructor reviews?
Yes! Many of our 5-star reviews mention instructors by name. Click here to see testimonials and more.
Is the free consultation with the instructor?
Yes. All consultations are held directly with your matched instructor. Click here to book your free consultation.
Packages & Pricing
How much do private lessons cost?
Our pricing is consistent across cities and online:
- Pay-As-You-Go Lesson (45 min): $120 + tax
- Silver Package (6 lessons): $625 + tax (Save $95)
- Gold Package (10 lessons): $999 + tax (Most Popular, Save $201)
- Platinum Package (20 lessons): $1955 + tax (Best Value, Save $445)
How much are group dance lessons?
Pricing depends on group size:
- Small Groups (4–5 people): $35 + tax per person, per lesson
Large Groups (6+ people): $30 + tax per person, per lesson
How much do online lessons cost?
Online lessons are priced the same as our in-person sessions, so you can choose what works best for you:
- Pay-As-You-Go Lesson (45 min): $120 + tax
- Silver Package (6 lessons): $625 + tax (Save $95)
- Gold Package (10 lessons): $999 + tax (Most Popular, Save $201)
- Platinum Package (20 lessons): $1,955 + tax (Best Value, Save $445)
Do you offer a video-only choreography package?
Yes! If you’d rather learn on your own time, we can create a custom choreography video tailored to your song and vision. Learn more here about online lessons.
What package do you recommend for a First Dance?
Most couples choose the Silver (6 lessons) or Gold (10 lessons) package. Silver is great for simple, elegant routines. Gold is perfect for couples who want more time to rehearse, add flair, or feel ultra-confident — not just for the First Dance, but for dancing comfortably all night long.
What package do you recommend for Parent Dances?
Silver (6 lessons) is a great choice for creating a polished, meaningful routine that feels special without being overwhelming. Gold (10 lessons) is perfect if you want more time to make it really memorable, whether that means adding creative touches, building confidence, or enjoying the experience together.
Do you offer group lesson packages?
At the moment, no fixed packages for group/bridal party dances. Each session is booked individually and tailored to your group’s schedule and complexity.
Can you help edit or mash up our dance song?
Yes. We offer three professional editing options:
- Basic Edit: $40 + tax (trimming and fading)
- Standard Edit: $60 + tax (tempo changes, mashups, transitions)
- Premium Edit: $75 + tax (includes three or more songs with full customization. Great for a creative mix or a more dynamic soundtrack)
All edits are handled in-house with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Digital gift cards can be used for lessons, editing, or any product in our store. Great for engagements, weddings, and anniversaries.
Do you offer digital products or bundles?
Yes! Our popular items include:
- Date Night Practice Guide
- Wedding Song List
- Ultimate Wedding Dance Bundle (with discounts)
Can I gift a digital product to someone else?
Absolutely. You can either send the file or buy a gift card and let them choose.
Do packages or lessons expire?
Yes. All lessons are valid for 18 months from the purchase date.
Can I get a refund if I don’t use all my lessons?
We don’t offer refunds, but unused credits can be applied toward future lessons, other services (like music editing), or even transferred to someone else.
Do you offer returns or refunds on digital products?
No. All digital product sales are final.
Scheduling, Locations & Policies
How does scheduling work for lessons?
We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends. Your instructor will work with you to create a consistent plan that fits your timeline.
Can we schedule lessons around shift work or unusual hours?
Yes. Just let us know your schedule and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.
When should we start wedding or parent dance lessons?
Ideally 3 to 6 months before your wedding. That gives you time to learn at a comfortable pace, build confidence, and enjoy the process. We can also work with shorter timelines if needed.
Can we try one lesson before committing to a package?
Yes. Book a single pay-as-you-go lesson. If you continue, you can apply that payment to a package.
Is the consultation required to be in person?
No. All consultations are virtual and free, so you can meet your instructor and discuss your goals from anywhere.
Where do you offer in-person lessons?
Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Montreal, and Calgary. Virtual lessons are available Canada-wide and internationally.
Do you offer at-home or on-location dance lessons?
Yes. In select cities, we can come to your home or wedding venue (if permitted) as an add-on service.
Can we start online and switch to in-person later?
Yes. Your progress and lesson credits carry over seamlessly.
Do you offer bilingual instruction?
Yes. In Montreal, we offer instruction in both English and French.
Are your services accessible for people with mobility or physical limitations?
Yes. We customize choreography and lesson plans to suit your needs. Everyone deserves to feel great on the dance floor.
How soon can we get booked in?
Often within a week! For last-minute bookings, reach out early to secure your spot.
How long does it take to get a reply?
We respond within 24 hours. Your assigned instructor will also reach out directly.
What’s the best way to contact you?
Feel free to reach out by contact form, email at alex@www.thefirstdance.ca, or text us at 519-980-8091. We’re quick to reply and happy to help however we can.
Dance Lessons
Do we need any dance experience?
Not at all! Most of our clients are total beginners. We make the process fun, relaxed, and beginner-friendly from day one.
How long is each lesson?
Each private or group lesson is 45 minutes. You can also book back-to-back sessions for a full 90-minute experience.
What should we wear to dance lessons?
Wear something comfortable that you can move in, like leggings, athletic wear, or stretchy pants. For shoes, smooth soles work best such as leather or ballroom shoes. Avoid sneakers or anything with rubber soles. It’s also a good idea to practice at least once in your wedding or event shoes.
What kind of dance can our First Dance be?
Anything you want – waltz, rumba, foxtrot, salsa, swing, freestyle, or even hip hop. We tailor it to your vibe and music.
How long should our First Dance be?
2 to 2.5 minutes is ideal. We can edit your song to the perfect length.
Can we include dips, spins, or lifts?
Absolutely – if it’s safe and comfortable for both of you, we’ll help you incorporate these moves with confidence.
Can we do a mashup or use more than one song?
Yes, we offer professional mashup editing as an add-on.
What’s the best style for a Parent Dance?
It’s completely up to you. Some go for something light and heartfelt, others prefer a fun and upbeat vibe. We’ll tailor the style to match your relationship and the energy you want to bring to the moment.
How long should a Parent Dance be?
We recommend 1.5 to 2 minutes. We can trim your song if needed.
Can we learn together if we live in different cities?
Yes. Online lessons make it easy to connect and learn together from anywhere.
What types of group dances do you offer?
We choreograph bridal party entrances, flash mobs, surprise reception dances, TikTok routines, sibling tributes, and more. Whether you’re into pop hits, country, salsa, disco, or something totally unexpected, we’ll tailor the routine to fit your vision and group.
How many lessons will our group need?
Most groups take 5 to 10 lessons depending on complexity and size.
What if we don’t have a song picked yet?
No problem at all. We can help you choose a song that fits your style, energy, and vision. If you want more ideas, you can also check out our curated Wedding Song List.
How do online dance lessons work?
Lessons take place live on Zoom with your instructor, and you’ll get a private link for each session. If live sessions don’t fit your schedule, we also offer custom video choreography. Your instructor will design your dance and send a personalized video so you can learn on your own time, at your own pace.
Do you offer online lessons for all dance types?
Yes. First Dances, Parent Dances, and Group routines can all be taught online.
Do you offer choreography videos instead of live lessons?
Yes. We can create a custom instructional video tailored to your music, style, and timeline.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Testimonials
From the first step to the final spin, our couples share how dance lessons made their wedding day even more special. Here’s what they had to say about their experience with us.
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