Out of all the many wedding traditions, the first dance can be the most nerve-wracking.

Thats because dancing in front of other people is a uniquely vulnerable moment.

All eyes are on you, without the distractions of speeches or vows to pay attention to.

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So what can you do to calm those first dance nerves?

Most often, they wont tell me but I can see it, she says.

We chat about it so theyre not hiding their feelings.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

Kim Sakren is a wedding dance choreographer and certified ballroom Latin swing dance instructor.

When people say choreography, thats where some couples get fearful, says Sakren.

So maybe Ill create a beginning, then leave the body of the dance loose.

Theres always the option for a simple, swaying slow dance.

Woman doing hip exercises

Once youve chosen, listen to it as often as possible, especially if you go the choreographed route.

(Which, sorry to say, is just a microcosm of the rest of your wedding day.)

verify you know how youre going to recover.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

Remember: No one else knows what your dance is supposed to look like, says Sakren.

Just keep smiling and dancing.

(Muscle memoryis a real thing!)

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

Kim Sakren is a wedding dance choreographer and certified ballroom Latin swing dance instructor.

Sakren suggests making it fun: Get your groove on for a more active take on date night.

(Dont be afraid to have a glass of wine first.)

Watch it on your phone

Sakren films her students dancing so she can help them perfect their form.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

Another option is to practice in a free room at the gym, or outside at a park.

Make it your own

Theres no rule book that says you cant change the tradition.

Maybe you only do 30 seconds of a first dance after a grand entrance.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles

Maybe you invite the kids at the reception to dance with you.

Heck, maybe you inviteeveryoneto the dance floor so youre not up there all by yourselves.

Dont lock eyes with anybody elseif youre looking out, look above their heads.

Be in your dance bubble together, stay focused on each other.

Thats what people want to see anywayyou dancing your romance.

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