When planning your first dance, you probably imagined a moment of romance, connection and calm — just the two of you. But what if you’re also bringing little ones into the picture? Whether you have children of your own or want to involve nieces, nephews or stepchildren, it’s absolutely possible (and beautiful!) to include them.
Dancing with kids can be joyful, bonding, and meaningful — and it doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right approach, you can make your wedding dance with kids work smoothly, feel special, and become one of the most heartwarming parts of your celebration.
At Wedding Dance Sydney, we love helping families design inclusive, easy-to-learn routines that bring everyone together. Here’s how to do it right.
Why Include Kids in Your First Dance?
Involving children in your wedding dance is about more than cute moments. It’s a powerful way to:
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Acknowledge and honour your blended family
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Create shared memories that last a lifetime
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Give shy or anxious children a role in the celebration
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Break the ice and bring extra smiles to your reception
Whether they’re dancing for 10 seconds or the entire routine, children love being part of the action — especially when it’s with the people they love most.
1. Choose a Kid-Friendly Song
The music sets the tone — and makes all the difference when kids are involved.
Choose songs that are:
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Easy to move to
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Emotionally meaningful
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Appropriate and familiar to little ones
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Not too long (keep it under 2.5 minutes if possible)
Great options for dancing with kids include:
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“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman
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“Better Together” – Jack Johnson
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“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
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“Forever Young” – Rod Stewart
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“Count on Me” – Bruno Mars
You can also mash up part of a romantic song with a fun family-friendly tune to keep things dynamic.
2. Plan a Simple and Flexible Routine
Choreography with kids should be:
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Fun and repetitive
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Not too long or complicated
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Filled with simple moves (like spins, claps, hugs or walk-ins)
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Flexible, so it doesn’t fall apart if a little one forgets a step or gets shy
At Wedding Dance Sydney, our instructors design custom routines that flow naturally — so even if a child freezes or gets distracted, the dance keeps going beautifully.
3. Practise in Short Bursts
Kids don’t learn the same way adults do — and they definitely don’t sit through hour-long lessons.
Instead:
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Keep practices under 20 minutes
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Use games and praise to keep them engaged
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Repeat small sections over time
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Practise at home, in familiar settings
Bonus: include a favourite toy or reward after each rehearsal to build positive associations with dancing.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
Let’s be honest: kids are unpredictable. One day they’re twirling happily — the next they’re hiding under a table.
Be prepared for:
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Shyness on the day
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Missed steps or improvisation
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Sudden refusals to participate
That’s okay! Build your routine so it’s not reliant on perfect execution from the kids. As long as everyone is having fun, it will still look and feel beautiful.
5. Have a Backup Plan
For younger children (under 5), it’s smart to:
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Rehearse with or without them, so you’re prepared either way
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Choose music transitions that can work with or without their part
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Allow for spontaneous participation — or safe exits if needed
We’ve seen kids jump in and out of routines, wave from the sidelines, or steal the show mid-dip. Whatever happens, it’ll be magical.
6. Make It Meaningful — Not Perfect
Your wedding dance doesn’t need to look like a music video. If you’re dancing with your children, it’s already something special.
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Hold hands
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Spin them around
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Let them lead a few moves
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Include a cuddle or a bow
These moments aren’t about choreography — they’re about love, joy, and showing the whole room how strong your family connection really is.
Real Family Story: Sarah, Matt & Oliver
“We weren’t sure if our 6-year-old would feel comfortable joining us, but our instructor at Dream Wedding Dance made it fun and low-pressure. Oliver ended up being the star of our dance! He twirled, bowed, and even added his own freestyle moment. It’s our favourite memory from the day.”
– Sarah & Matt, Sydney
Conclusion
Sharing your wedding dance with your children adds depth, joy and meaning to your big day — and it’s easier than you might think. With the right preparation, song choice, and a flexible approach, you can create a moment that everyone in your family will treasure forever.
Ready to create your perfect wedding dance with kids? At Wedding Dance Sydney, we’ll help you choreograph a routine that works for your unique family dynamic — simple, joyful and full of heart.
FAQ
Yes, absolutely. Including kids in your first dance is a beautiful way to involve family and create a meaningful moment. With the right choreography, even very young children can participate in simple, joyful moves.
Children as young as 3 or 4 can be part of the routine — especially with short, fun steps like clapping or twirling. Older children (6+) can usually follow basic choreography with a bit of practice. The key is to keep it short and flexible for their age and attention span.
That’s perfectly normal. At Wedding Dance Sydney, we choreograph routines that work with or without the kids — so you’re never relying on their participation for the dance to succeed. If they join, it’s a bonus!
Choose lighthearted, meaningful songs with a steady tempo and child-friendly lyrics. Options like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” or “Count on Me” are popular, or you can mash up part of your first dance with a more upbeat track that kids enjoy.
Yes. Kids learn best in short, playful bursts. Rehearsals should be under 20 minutes and filled with praise, games and simple repetition. It’s more about enjoyment than memorisation.
Either works! Some families prefer structured routines with clear sections, while others go for relaxed, interactive dances. Your instructor can guide you based on your child’s personality and the feel of your wedding.
Practise regularly at home and involve them in the excitement. Play the song often, use positive reinforcement, and keep it pressure-free. On the day, have someone familiar nearby to support them emotionally if needed.
Embrace it! Most guests find it adorable when kids add their own twist. Build your choreography to be flexible so it still flows — no matter what the kids do. The key is to smile and enjoy the moment together.
Yes. Our instructors are experienced in working with families of all ages. We customise lessons to your dynamic, making them fun, stress-free and inclusive. Whether it’s two or six people on the floor, we’ll choreograph something magical.
Usually yes — one or two extra sessions helps your child feel more confident. It gives time to practise transitions, build comfort, and ensure they know what to expect on the day.