Your first dance doesn’t have to look like the Olympics or a scene from Dirty Dancing (unless you want it to, of course). These four simple wedding dance lifts are beginner-friendly, totally crowd-pleasing, and designed to make you look like you know what you’re doing—even if you don’t. 

Plus, we’ll let you in on a secret: The right shoes make all the difference. LunaSol’s wedding dance shoes combine the comfort of professional dance shoes with the elegance of bridal heels, so you can lift, spin, and float without worrying about your feet.

Why Add a Lift to Your First Dance?

• Make a Statement: A simple lift can take your first dance from "sweet" to "showstopper." 
• Get Memorable Photos: Your photographer will love snapping these dramatic moments.
• It’s Easier Than It Looks: These beginner lifts are simple enough for any couple, regardless of experience.

1. The Hug & Spin

How It Works: Begin with a small open break, where the leader and follower face each other, holding hands and taking a gentle rock step away from each other. Then, walk back into a hug as the follower wraps their arms around the leader’s shoulders. The leader lowers into a slight squat, lifting the follower (holding the follower under their seat), and spinning them gently in place.

Why It Works: It’s simple, romantic, and feels natural—no choreography required.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of charm, followers can bend one leg back and point that extended foot—it’s an effortlessly sweet moment that looks amazing on video! Shoes with flexible soles and straps, like LunaSol’s, let you point your feet, which elongates your leg and looks way better in photos.

2. The Lifted Spiral

How It Works:
The follower faces the leader at a 90 degree angle and places one of their arms around the leader's shoulders, while lifting one leg. The leader holds the follower's waist, and takes the lifted leg. The leader slowly walks in a circle while the follower lifts their legs slightly, creating the illusion of “flying.”

Why It Works:
This lift is playful and dynamic, adding energy to your first dance.

Pro Tip: The leader can slightly plie (squat) before lifting. Comfortable heels are a must for this one! LunaSol’s wedding dance shoes are designed for stability and support, so you can glide without a hitch. 

3. The Floating Embrace

How It Works:
The couple embraces, with the follower wrapping their arms around the leader's shoulders while the leader wraps their arms around the follower's waist. The leader walks around in a small circle, catching momentum so that the follower can point their toes outwards and create the illusion of floating.

Why It Works:
It’s fun and romantic, and looks dynamic; who doesn't want to float?

Pro Tip: LunaSol’s comfortable heels have straps that keep your shoes attached to your feet, so you can point your toes and stay in the moment without worrying about your shoes flying off!

4. The Lift & Sit

How It Works:
Similar to the lifted spiral, the follower stands at a 90-degree angle to the leader and places one arm around the leader's shoulders. The leader supports the follower’s waist with one arm while holding their hand with the other. This time, the leader bends their knees as the follower jumps lightly, lifting one leg and crossing the other over, creating a seated position on the leader.

Why It Works:
It’s visually stunning but surprisingly easy to execute. Plus, it’s perfect as an ending.

Pro Tip:
Practice makes perfect—and the right shoes make it even easier. LunaSol’s supportive soles and cushioned insoles help you focus on confidently executing the lift without worrying about balance. For followers, think of the motion as jumping up lightly, rather than landing down, to create a smooth and graceful lift.

Tips for Pulling Off First Dance Lifts

1. Practice in Advance: Start with small lifts and work your way up to avoid wedding-day surprises.
2. Wear Comfortable Heels: Shoes that are flexible, supportive, and stable—like LunaSol—are key to executing lifts confidently. Practice in the shoes you'll wear, in advance. 
3. Watch the Entry and Exit: Practice transitioning smoothly into and out of the lift for a polished and graceful look.

Why LunaSol Shoes Are Perfect for Your First Dance

LunaSol shoes are handcrafted in Portugal with professional ballroom dance shoe features, making them perfect for wedding day moves. 

• Flexible soles let you bend and point your feet (trust us, pointed toes look way better than a clumsy flex)
• Secure straps ensure your shoes stay put during lifts
• Stable heels provide balance for seamless entries and exits
• Glide-ready soles are perfect for smooth spins.