About us
We created The First Wedding Dance to help and support couples as they prepare for their very own first wedding dance.
The first dance is a key tradition on a wedding day, and with a little preparation, it can be among the most magical minutes you get to experience on the big day itself.
Your first wedding dance is…
… a chance to prepare something special for your guests
“Nothing is better than dancing with the love of your life”
We love taking couples on the journey of their first wedding dance – from the initial planning stages where you choose your music, to making the dance with you in the studio, all the way to the big day! Whether you are looking for a one-off lesson to have a few trusted moves to your favourite song, or you would like a complete, professionally choreographed dance, we will be delighted to help you. Please go to our Services page to read more about how we can create your first wedding dance.
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Planning a wedding can be both an exciting and nervy experience at the same time. There are so many decisions to make, so many factors to take into account – we learnt this as we ourselves got married in February 2020. However, the first dance is certainly one of the key traditions for the big day, that easily can be prepared in advance! We are here to help you, make you feel at ease and transform your first wedding dance to that truly special moment, you both will cherish forever.
Meet your instructors
Ben & Stefanie Taylor
The founders and owners of The First Wedding Dance are professional ballroom dancers
We started dancing together as teenagers and soon became one of the top ballroom couples in the UK. After a long competitive dance career of 14 years together (from 2008 to 2022) we accomplished many achievements in the UK and abroad, including:
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Being crowned English Champions in amateur ballroom;
Ranked #1 amateur ballroom couple in the UK;
Vice-Champions at the British National Championship;
World Finalists and World Cup winners;
Professional Rising Star finalists;
Professional World Championship quarter-finalists.
In 2022 once we decided to retire from the international competitive dance floor, and as the requests from wedding couples continuously increased, we decided to devote our time and energy to The First Wedding Dance. The remainder of our time is devoted to other dance services, which you can explore at www.benandstefanie.com.
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Off the dance floor, we have been a couple since 2008 and got married in February 2020. We experienced first-hand the excitement of planning a wedding, and in particular preparing our first wedding dance. You can read more about our own special day, and what we created for our very own first wedding dance and much much more all in the blog!
Recommended and trusted supplier for
Fennes – www.fennes.co.uk
Fennes is an incredibly elegant wedding venue in North Essex set in a Georgian manor estate with picturesque grounds and garden – including the iconic bridge. We are very proud to be part of the recommended suppliers at this stunning venue, helping the couples of Fennes to prepare their first wedding dance.
Gosfield Hall – www.gosfield-hall.co.uk
As a former royal residence, Gosfield Hall is a truly elegant and romantic wedding venue in rural Essex. The Georgian manor has stunning rooms and grounds overlooking Gosfield Lake.
As it is the venue we had our own winter wedding in February 2020, it is extra special for us to be a recommended and trusted supplier.
Down Hall – www.downhall.co.uk
Down Hall offers luxury and elegance for all their couples getting married at the historic mansion with extensive gardens. The Essex estate includes the hotel, a luxurious spa, restaurants and several ceremony and wedding breakfast options. We are very proud to be part of the trusted and recommended list of wedding suppliers for Down Hall.
The Rayleigh Club – www.therayleighclub.co.uk/weddings
The Rayleigh Club Wedding and Golf Resort is beautifully located in the Essex countryside and has a high-end country club feel. The venue can be tailored and transformed to each couple. The approach is personal, flexible, and bespoke – just like a first dance should be.
​Professional members of
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The Wedding Business Club
An industry leading club for wedding suppliers and businesses
UKA Dance
Professional dance society