I’m Getting Married: Should Our First Dance Be Salsa or Bachata, and How Easy Is It?

Your first dance is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day. The song starts, the spotlight is on you, and all eyes are waiting to see that special moment between you and your partner.

But here’s the big question couples often ask us at LA Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy: “Should we dance salsa or bachata for our first dance?”

Both are beautiful choices, and the right one for you depends on the atmosphere you want to create, your personalities, and how much time you have to prepare.

Let’s break it down.

Why Choose Salsa for Your First Dance

If you imagine your first dance as a burst of joy and celebration, salsa delivers that in every beat. With its fast-paced rhythm and vibrant energy, it’s a style that instantly grabs attention and gets your guests smiling, clapping, and maybe even dancing along.

Vibe: Energetic, vibrant, and full of flair. Salsa is perfect if you want to wow your guests with something upbeat and fun.

Pros:

• Brings instant energy and excitement to the reception

• A great option if you love lively Latin music and want a high-energy performance

• Impressive spins and dips can be incorporated, even for beginners, with proper guidance

Considerations:

• Salsa is faster-paced, so it requires a bit more practice to look smooth and confident

• Best suited if you have at least 4–6 weeks to learn and practice

Why Choose Bachata for Your First Dance

If you see your first dance as a tender, heartfelt moment between you and your partner, bachata brings that intimacy to life. Its smooth movements and romantic flow make it perfect for creating a deeply personal connection that everyone in the room can feel.

Vibe: Romantic, intimate, and smooth. Bachata is the go-to if you want a heartfelt, close connection in your first dance.

Pros:

• Slower tempo makes it easier to learn quickly

• Allows for more emotional expression and connection with your partner

• Works beautifully with both traditional and modern songs

Considerations:

• The focus is more on emotion and body movement than big tricks

• If you want high-energy crowd-pleasing moves, you may need to blend in some performance-style elements

Considering the Music

The choice between salsa and bachata often starts with the music.

Ask yourselves:

• Do you already have “your song”? If so, is it upbeat and lively or slow and romantic?

• Salsa songs usually have a faster tempo, perfect for couples who want a fun, dynamic energy on the dance floor.

• Bachata songs often feel more intimate and emotional, ideal for creating a romantic, tear-jerking moment.

If you’re undecided, we can help you pick a track that matches both your personalities and your dance ability. Some couples even choose two songs, starting with a slow bachata and transitioning into an upbeat salsa to surprise the crowd.

Which Is Easier to Learn?

If you are short on time before the wedding, bachata usually feels more accessible for beginners because of its slower pace and simpler step patterns. That said, we have taught countless couples to pull off an amazing salsa first dance in just a few weeks, as long as they commit to regular lessons.

Our approach at LA Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy is to make any style achievable for you. We simplify the patterns, match them to your song, and ensure you look natural and confident without overcomplicating the choreography.

How Far in Advance Should We Prepare?

The earlier, the better. Ideally, you should start preparing at least 8–12 weeks before your wedding. This allows time to:

• Learn the foundational steps and timing

• Build confidence dancing together

• Personalize the choreography to fit your song and style

• Practice enough so you can focus on enjoying the moment, not remembering steps

If your wedding is sooner, don’t worry! We have fast-track options that can get you performance-ready in as little as 3–4 weeks. The key is consistency and making time for short, focused practice between lessons.

Can You Combine Both?

Absolutely. Many couples choose to start their first dance slow and romantic with bachata, then surprise their guests by switching to an upbeat salsa track. This “two-in-one” style keeps your guests engaged and gives you the best of both worlds.

The Los Angeles Advantage

Getting married in or near Los Angeles means you have access to some of the best Latin dance instructors in the world. Here, salsa and bachata aren’t just lessons, they’re part of the culture.

Our Santa Monica studio specializes in wedding choreography that is:

• Camera-friendly so it looks amazing in photos and videos

• Crowd-pleasing with moves that fit your comfort level

• Personalized to your personalities and chosen song

Start Your First Dance Journey

Whether you want a romantic bachata, a high-energy salsa, or a creative blend of both, our private wedding dance lessons will guide you step-by-step.

Even if you’ve never danced before, you’ll be surprised how natural and confident you can feel after just a few sessions.

✨ Book your wedding dance package today and create a first dance that you, and your guests, will never forget.