Couples usually arrive with one of two things: a song and no idea what style suits it, or a style in mind and no idea if it'll work with their song. Either way, here's a straightforward run-through of the main styles we teach, and who each one tends to suit. The full breakdown, with more detail on each, lives on our Styles page.
Waltz & Foxtrot: the traditional choice
Timeless, graceful, and forgiving of nerves. A lot of the "wow" comes from the flowing movement rather than complex footwork. Suits classic ballads and songs in 3/4 time especially well, and couples who want a romantic, elegant feel on the floor rather than a big performance moment.
Latin & Salsa: trendy and energetic
Fun, sharp, and guaranteed to get your guests' attention. This suits couples with an upbeat song and a bit of an entertainer streak, and it tends to bring the whole room onto the floor once your first dance turns into everyone else's excuse to join in.
Contemporary: expressive and emotional
Flowing, lyrical movement built around the feeling of the song rather than a fixed set of traditional steps. This is the style I reach for most often with a genuinely meaningful, lyrical song. It lets the emotion of the track lead the choreography instead of the other way round.
Bespoke Routine: when your song doesn't fit a box
Some songs are simply their own thing: a mash-up, an unusual genre, a track with a structure that doesn't match any traditional style neatly. A bespoke routine takes the song as the starting point and builds movement specifically around it, borrowing from whichever styles actually fit each section.
Quickstep & Jive: fun and upbeat
High energy and genuinely entertaining to watch, this suits couples who want their first dance to finish on a standing ovation rather than a quiet moment. Works best with a fast, playful song and two people who are comfortable being a little bit silly together.
Cha Cha & Rumba: playful and romantic
A flirtatious middle ground between the elegance of ballroom and the energy of Latin. A lovely choice for couples with genuine chemistry they're happy to show off, set to a warm, romantic song with a clear, steady beat.
Flash Mob Style: the surprise reveal
Start with a simple, traditional first dance, then bring in the wedding party for a choreographed surprise as the song builds. This is a crowd favourite because nobody sees it coming. If you like the idea of your guests gasping partway through your first dance, this is the one.
Any Song, Any Style: when you're just not sure
Genuinely, this is the most common starting point. Bring us your song, and we'll find the movement style, or blend of styles, that actually suits it, rather than asking you to pick a category before you've even had a lesson.
Three quick questions to help you decide
- What's the energy of your song? Slow and steady points towards Waltz or Contemporary; upbeat points towards Latin, Quickstep or Jive.
- How much attention do you want? A quiet, elegant moment suggests Waltz or Rumba; a showstopping one suggests Flash Mob or a Bespoke Routine.
- What's your venue and floor like? Larger, open floors give more room for Latin and Jive footwork; smaller or more formal spaces often suit Waltz or Contemporary better. More on that in our venue walkthrough guide.
Still not sure? That's exactly what the free consultation is for. Bring your song and we'll figure it out together.