The First Dance - Wedding Reception

With the popularity of such shows as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, ballroom dancing is quickly becoming a hobby for people of all ages. Imagine stepping onto the dance floor at your wedding, your gown flowing behind you. As the music rises, you and your new husband begin to glide effortlessly across the floor. Imagine the reaction you'll get! If you're looking for something special to do with your significant other, consider signing up for ballroom dance lessons. It will be fun, romantic, and a great way to get in shape for the wedding. Ask friends to join you and make lesson night a fun couples evening out.

Your First Dance as husband and wife should be memorable and emotionally touching. Historically, the First Dance is symbolic of the consummation of the wedding vows. This Dance is the wedding couples' first cooperative engagement and joint endeavor. The newlyweds are placed on the road of life together to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, more importantly, to complete each other as a human being.

When the Bride accepts her dance with the Groom, she accepts it for the rest of her life. The frame and posture of the Groom when he proposes the dance to the Bride, speak of the source of strength, love, companionship, and guidance he offers his Bride. It is no wonder that the tradition of the First Dance has continued through history as one of the most important facets of the Wedding Day. Make these moments as meaningful and memorable as possible.

Additional Information on Learning to Dance!

Dancin' Arounds' methods provide a fun, effective, and easy way to introduce you to partner dancing! You will learn the necessary skills for proper dance development along with the 'Steps' for a lifetime of successful dancing and enjoyment. Weddings, parties, cruises, vacations, or events will be more fun than ever before! Your First Wedding Dance will be the most memorable part of your wedding reception.

If you do not have a special song.................
............. how do you go about picking one that is perfect?

The song or lyrics of a song define the moment when a couple knows they have fallen deeply in love. When you hear this song you can think of nothing else but spending the rest of your life with that special person. Now we must decide if it is danceable. The couple must learn what type of dance they must perform the day of their wedding. If you are prepared, your first dance can be as memorable as your choice of song. It would always be my preference to direct a couple's choice to a song whose tempo incorporates one of the named dances. In the case of a, "First Dance," I would lean toward the Waltz, Foxtrot or NightClub (slow romantic dance). These narrow the selections down for the couple but more importantly, when people learn a named dance they have learned a life skill as opposed to learning something just for a milestone date. They have afforded themselves the opportunity to dance with a broader spectrum of people over a wider range of time and circumstances. In keeping with this line of thought at your wedding both the Brides & Grooms will dance with a parent or surrogate. This dance partner will be twenty or more years older than either the Bride or Groom. It is my observation they are more comfortable dancing a basic Waltz or Foxtrot with a standardized dance frame rather than in a romantic dance position.

What to Look for in a studio:
1. A full time Dance Instructor with a minimum 8 years experience. (Preferably a Professional Competitor)

2. An independent who charges one at a time at around $65.00/hour. So you don't have to deal with contract and "sales bologna" that only gives our profession a black eye.

3. Be very leery of FREE and "too good to be true" offers - they are setting you up and really are only marketing ploys. Real and concerned teaching begins after you sign on the bottom line!

4. At many studios as a beginner you'll get the teacher who is low man on the totem pole (not the ideal situation). Find a studio where you can work with the top teachers, you want a good foundation. This does not mean you'll be a pro - it means you'll be able to execute with the least amount of lessons!
That will save money.

Of all the wedding day rituals, one of the most cherished after saying, "I do", is the first dance as a married couple. This is a special moment where the bride and groom can get lost in each other without giving much thought to the people around them. For this reason, the wedding dance should be something you take extra time in organizing. You want this event to be extra special. Therefore, it would be a good idea for the two of you to practice once you have chosen the song you will have played for your first dance. Although there is no reason to be nervous, you should keep in mind that everyone would be watching you. You want the dance to be elegant and graceful.

The first thing you need to do is determine the song that will be played. Consider the type of music that will allow you to dance in a way in which you are comfortable. The classic dance would be a waltz or even a nice foxtrot. If you want to have a second dance, a swing dance or Tango would be wonderful, and entertaining. Just remember that some dance styles are easier to learn that others are.

Next, will the song be played by a live band, or DJ? This decision is something that will influence the exact song you choose. Some of the more popular choices that you cannot go wrong with include, "It had to be you", "Time after Time", and "Our Love is here to Stay." Work with the band or DJ to choose a song that has the right tempo and length. If you found a song on one of your personal CD's, be sure to make a copy for the band or DJ so they have the same version of what you have been practicing. Keep in mind that one song can be played in a multitude of ways, depending on the artists. Be sure that everyone is working with the same song by the same artist.

Some people are just not comfortable with dancing. In this case, you can take a few dance lessons that will perfect your first dance. Remember, you are not performing for your guests, but it would be nice if the bride and groom were not tripping over each other. Lessons are easy to find and reasonably priced, especially if you are only learning how to dance to the one song. You never know, after one lesson, the two of you may have discovered a new interest and something you can expand on after the wedding.

The bandleader or DJ will call the bride and groom to the dance floor, and announce "the first dance." Traditionally, the bride's father cuts in about two-thirds of the way through the dance. At this point, the groom walks over to his mother and asks her to dance. The first dance is a beautiful memory and something you will cherish forever.