My Wedding Dance

What inspired the creation of My Wedding Dance, and how did the idea of focusing on personalized wedding choreographies come about?

I usually say that My Wedding Dance was born from the heart, from a truly beautiful place. It was back in 2019 when I was first challenged by a very dear couple to choreograph their first dance. Although I had always been connected to the world of dance, I initially hesitated. I even remember asking them if they wouldn’t rather hire someone more experienced in this specific niche. I’m deeply grateful they said no. After that first couple, it was truly love at first choreography, and I knew I wanted to do it many more times.

The idea of personalized choreographies has everything to do with the uniqueness of each couple, and of each partner individually. We all have different personalities and comfort zones, and this thoughtful, attentive approach is what I believe creates the best learning process. After all, most people fear what they don’t yet master, my goal is always to show them that, step by step, and within their own rhythm, it’s entirely possible to succeed.

What factors are essential to ensure that the dance truly reflects the couple’s personality?

Above all, active listening, and a lot of sensitivity. It’s incredibly important to listen to both partners, capture their individual traits, understand whether they share musical tastes or not, and see if they’re drawn to specific dance styles or movements.

How do you approach creating a choreography when the couple has completely different preferences?

This is often one of the first concerns couples share with me, that they like completely different styles. I always approach it almost like a relationship itself: seeking balance between both sides, allowing each partner to feel that a part of who they are is represented in that special moment. After all, those who know them best will instantly recognize that both personalities are present in the dance.

Do you think wedding dance traditions in Portugal have evolved? If so, how?

Absolutely! In the past, when there was a first dance, it was usually quite classic and traditional. Nowadays, it’s often one of the most anticipated moments of the day, a true highlight that also entertains the guests. Couples are increasingly choosing songs that hold real meaning for them, whether they’re unconventional or not, and often create dances that take everyone on an emotional journey, full of surprises and truly impactful moments.

What are the main challenges when working with couples who have no dance experience?

I often say that we tend to fear what we don’t yet know. That’s usually the biggest challenge: breaking that initial belief and helping them realize that, with the right guidance, everything is possible. I’m proud to say that by the end of the process, that fear is completely gone, and we receive the most heartwarming feedback about how confident and comfortable they felt.

Has there been a performance that deeply moved you or stood out in a special way?

At the risk of sounding cliché, I get emotional every single time I see the final result, no matter how many couples come through My Wedding Dance. But two couples, in particular, come to mind: Inês and Marco, who got married in 2021, because of their beautiful love story and the deep emotional connection they shared throughout the choreography. They embodied exactly what I had envisioned when creating their dance.
Then there’s my dear friends Sónia and Rui, who married in 2024. I was there on their wedding day, and the dance moment was so emotionally powerful that I couldn’t stop crying. Feeling the happiness of these stories come alive through dance is endlessly moving.

What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever received from a couple, and how did you handle it?

I wouldn’t call it unusual, but earlier this year a young couple booked with My Wedding Dance, and a few months later, the bride sadly told me she wouldn’t be able to dance because she had torn her meniscus and was waiting for surgery. It broke my heart, it was clear how much this moment meant to her.
Before giving up, I asked about her medical condition, she was in physiotherapy and feeling a bit better, though the surgery would happen only after the wedding due to the long recovery. Fortunately, we found professionals who helped her regain strength and be pain-free enough to enjoy the dance. She came to class using crutches, and we adapted the entire choreography creatively. We used a bench as a prop in the opening section, allowing her to stay safe while still having a magical, emotional moment.

What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve received from a couple after their dance?

It’s impossible to choose just one. I’m deeply grateful for the love and trust my couples give me. Their heartfelt messages and ongoing support, even long after their wedding, fill me with pride and joy.

How can dance strengthen the connection between couples during wedding preparations?

Wedding planning can be quite stressful, especially for those without a wedding planner. Dance offers a moment of relaxation, a shared experience that releases happiness hormones, reduces stress, and reminds couples that they’re building something beautiful together. It becomes a space of intimacy, laughter, and teamwork, creating memories they’ll cherish forever.

Have you ever considered working with international couples online?

That’s already a reality for My Wedding Dance since 2021. Initially, online lessons were for couples living far from our location in Portugal, in the North or on the islands. But that same year, we started receiving international couples from across Europe. Over the past seven years, we’ve worked with couples from Spain, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Switzerland, Belgium, and even the United States.

What are your future projects and dreams for My Wedding Dance?

I’m definitely a dreamer, always full of new ideas and beautiful plans to bring to life. My biggest goal, the one I’m steadily working toward, is to open my own studio, designed entirely in the spirit of My Wedding Dance. A space where couples can live a truly immersive and meaningful experience, unlike anything else in the market.