Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dances: Creating Magical Wedding Moments
How to prepare for one of the most emotional moments of your wedding day.
⚡ Quick Answer
How should we prepare? Most parent-child dances only need 2-4 lessons. Choose a song that means something to your relationship, practice a few basic moves, and focus on enjoying the moment—not perfection.
After the first dance, the parent-child dances are often the most photographed and most emotional moments of a wedding. Whether you're preparing for a father-daughter or mother-son dance, the goal isn't to perform—it's to share a meaningful moment that celebrates your relationship. After 19 years of preparing families for this moment, I can tell you: there won't be a dry eye in the room, including yours.
Why This Dance Matters
The parent-child dance is a symbol of transition—a parent literally handing off their child to their partner's arms. It's a moment of gratitude, love, and letting go. Parents often tell me it's the one wedding moment they're most nervous about, but also the one they treasure most afterward. The dance doesn't need to be flashy. What matters is that you're present, together, sharing a few minutes of genuine connection.
Choosing Your Song
The best parent-child dance songs reflect your unique relationship:
- For father-daughter: "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle, "My Girl" by The Temptations, "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, "Daughters" by John Mayer
- For mother-son: "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban, "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
- For fun mashups: Start with a sentimental song, then surprise everyone by transitioning into something upbeat—perfect for parents with a playful sense of humour
Don't overthink the choice. The song that makes you both smile (or cry) when you hear it is the right one.
Simple Dance Steps That Work
You don't need complex choreography. In fact, over-choreographing a parent-child dance can make it feel rehearsed rather than natural. Here's what works beautifully:
- The slow sway: Simple weight shifts side to side with small movements. It looks natural and allows you to talk during the dance.
- The box step: A basic waltz box gives structure without being complicated. Most parents can learn it in one lesson.
- One or two turns: A single underarm turn or spin adds a polished moment without requiring hours of practice.
- The dip (optional): A gentle dip at the end of the song creates a memorable photo moment. We'll teach you how to do it safely.
Tips for the Big Moment
Expect emotions. Nearly every parent I've worked with cries during this dance. That's beautiful, not embarrassing. Keep tissues in your pocket if you need to.
Keep it short. 90 seconds to 2 minutes is perfect. Any longer and the emotional weight becomes heavy for everyone. We can edit your song to the ideal length.
Look at each other. The most touching photos capture eye contact between parent and child. Don't look at your feet or at the crowd.
Practice in your event shoes. Parents sometimes overlook this. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in before the wedding.
Our Parent-Child Dance Package
At Quartier Latin, we offer special packages for parent-child dances that include:
- 2-4 private lessons tailored to your chosen song
- Simple choreography that looks polished but feels natural
- Practice videos for home rehearsal between lessons
- Tips for managing emotions on the day
- Flexible scheduling, classes available in English, French, and Russian
We can also coordinate your parent-child dance with the couple's first dance for a seamless flow through all your wedding dances.
Create a Moment You'll Treasure Forever
Prepare for your parent-child dance with expert guidance.
Book Your Lessons— Alina Litvak, Founder of Quartier Latin Dance Studio
Two-time Canadian Champion • 19 Years Teaching Experience
