In an era when many wedding traditions are evolving or fading, the father-daughter dance remains a cherished ritual for many couples, with demand for personalized choreography on the rise. Alex Zsoldos, owner of First Dance Charlotte, a boutique dance studio based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has seen a notable increase in requests for father-daughter wedding dance sessions this year.

Since founding the business in 2014, Zsoldos has typically choreographed dances for five or six father-daughter pairs annually while working with about 150 couples overall. However, this year she has already developed routines for sixteen father-daughter partnerships. She attributes this surge to a mix of nostalgia and the influence of digital media, noting that more fathers want meaningful, connective moments with their daughters and are inspired by videos on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Zsoldos, who grew up in West Virginia and studied dance at Davidson College, began her professional career teaching ballroom dance in North Carolina. Although she spent only nine months at a local studio teaching wedding couples, the experience sparked her ongoing work creating tailored wedding dances, often expanding to include parents as clients.

Unlike the couple’s first dance, which is typically a romantic or energetic celebration lasting several minutes, the father-daughter dance is generally more intimate and reflects sentimental nostalgia. Typically about 90 seconds long, it provides a rare occasion for a father and daughter to share a dedicated moment together during a wedding celebration.

Her clientele primarily consists of local fathers ranging in age from their 60s to 70s, reflecting the trend of later marriages. Some fathers travel to participate in lessons, which may occur in person or virtually. The most frequently selected song remains “My Girl” by the Temptations, favored for its familiarity, tempo, and emotional resonance. Other popular choices fall into categories of advice, support, and unconditional love, including songs by Rod Stewart, the Jackson 5, the Beatles, Phil Collins, and James Taylor.

The choreography often begins with simple slow dancing or swaying to ease nerves and build a connection, progressing to twirls that highlight musical crescendos and showcase the bride’s dress. Additional steps can include classic box patterns and stylized swing moves such as bows or pretzel spins, combining accessibility with visual flair.

Zsoldos emphasizes that her role extends beyond teaching dance steps. She acts as a supportive coach, tailoring choreography to fit each chosen song, and provides guidance on how to create memorable photos and videos. Most clients receive online tutorials alongside private lessons to reinforce practice and build confidence. A typical private lesson costs $299 for an hour, with packages available for multiple sessions.

Beyond the dance itself, many fathers value the bonding experience that the lessons provide. Zsoldos notes that these sessions often provoke strong emotions, serving as meaningful opportunities for fathers to reflect on the evolving relationship with their daughters.

Current trends in father-daughter dances include mash-ups or surprise routines that string together several short songs from different eras, often with upbeat selections like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” or the Bee Gees’ “Stayin Alive.” These customized performances aim to energize wedding guests and add a celebratory tone to the event.

Overall, the father-daughter dance remains a poignant and evolving tradition, blending emotional significance with creative expression.