The First Dance
The bride and groom's first dance together is symbolic as their first joint act. All eyes will be on you as you walk out to the dance floor, and the last thing you want is for all those eyes to turn away, bored, or even worse, widen as you stumble awkwardly around the floor.Most couples stick to a simple, romantic dance, but some like to use the first dance as an opportunity to show off a choreographed routine. If you're up for the work it will take to plan and memorize a routine, go for it, but keep in mind that it's stressful trying to remember a whole routine, and that stress might bleed through into the rest of your wedding ceremony. Only plan a routine if you're entirely comfortable with it.
The song you choose for your first dance is important as well; a song that's too slow or too fast will be hard to dance to, a song with lyrics that might offend some guests is inadvisable, and a really trendy song might sound very silly when you're watching your wedding video in twenty years. Finally, songs that are too long will bore your audience; stick with songs that are an average of two minutes long.
After the bride and groom's dance is over, other traditional spotlight dances include the, the bride and father's dance, the groom and mother's dance, and the parents' dances. Make sure when you're learning dance moves that you'll be able to handle yourself during these dances as well.
Overall, the important thing is not that you get every move right or create a fabulous routine, but that you feel comfortable and confident.
How to Pick a Dance Instructor
You have a few options when it comes to dance instructors. You can hire an instructor for a private lesson (often out of a dance studio), attend a group class at a dance studio, join a class at your local community center or even rely on instructional books and videos or a dancer friend.Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your dance instructor:
- You need time to learn the dances, so schedule your classes at least a month in advance, if not more. Keep in mind also that dance studios will be swamped in the wedding-heavy months of spring and summer.
- You can find instructors and studios online and in the phone book, but it's best to get referrals.
- Ask your potential instructor if you can sit in on a class before joining.
- Talk to your instructor about the type of music you're planning for your reception. If you can, bring your first dance song with you on CD with you to the studio.
- After your lesson, practice dancing at clubs or other weddings.
North Carolina Dance Instructors and Studios
American Ballroom Dance Club: Charlotte-based dance studio that offers introductory dance lessons and online video instruction, as well as other wedding services such as ballroom rental, officiants and catering.Arthur Murray Dance Studio: An international chain with locations in Raleigh, Charlotte and Cornelius; specializes in lessons for completely inexperienced dancers.
Dawn's Ballroom Dance: Jacksonville-based dance studio offering private and group lessons in social dance.
Asheville Ballroom and Dance Centre: Group and private lessons and workshops for all levels of ballroom dance in Asheville.