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Most couples intend to dance the traditional first
dance, but most of them also know nothing at all
about dancing! So as the big day approaches their
sense of panic increases. Avoid anxiety by following
a few easy tips.
1. Plan ahead: You're planning everything else associated
with your wedding, why not your first dance? Ideally
you should begin practicing 6 to 12 months ahead
of time.
2. Turn to professionals: Learning to dance is surprisingly
painless. If you can't afford private lessons at
a local studio, look around for group classes (high
schools, colleges and community centers often offer
courses). Or, buy an instructional videotape -learn
at home and avoid the worry of looking awkward in
front of others.
3. Have options: If you are undecided about your
first song, or can't pick one, check the list of
wedding dance songs available on this site. Try practicing
to two or three different songs that both of you
like, and choose the one that feels most comfortable.
4. Less is more: You need not dance to the entire
song (remember, dance professionals don't). Your
DJ can cut the song or your band can play a shortened
version…..or you can even just have it fade
out. Bottom line: you'll look better dancing for
two minutes and doing five terrific moves, than dancing
for five minutes and doing twelve poorly executed
moves.
5. Decide on a song version: Once you've picked
a song, make sure your DJ or band knows how you want
to hear it. For instance, don't assume your band
will play the song just like the Frank Sinatra CD
you've been practicing to. It's a good idea to give
them a copy of the version you like, or to get a
recording of their version, so that you are practicing
to "the real deal."
6. Think about where you're dancing: If your wedding
will be outdoors, install a dance floor - it's pretty
hard to spin in mud. Or on grass. If the dance floor
at your reception hall is smaller than your bathroom,
maybe you'd better rethink that waltz - it takes
up lots of space. Try to practice in a space that's
similar in size to your reception hall.
7. Think about what you're wearing: If you have
a mermaid dress you'll look terrific. You'll also
be taking very tiny steps…. bear that in mind
when you plan the first dance. Similarly, if you
have an off-the-shoulder gown you won't be able to
lift your arms over your head………consider
that before you put in all those spins.
8. And speaking of what you're wearing: practice
your dancing as if it's the big day. Grooms: wear
a jacket and dress shoes. Brides: wear a long skirt,
(unless you're planning that mini-wedding dress!)
and your actual wedding shoes. This will accomplish
two things: it'll break your shoes in, and it will
give you a sense of security about your ability to
manage them come the actual reception. If you're
worried about getting them dirty, protect them with
an old pair of athletic socks.
9. Don't expect perfection: Nobody at your reception
is anticipating that the two of you will put on a
show. You're not a professional dance team - and
if you are, why are you reading this?! While the
two of you are learning and practicing, you are bound
to make the occasional mistake. Just stop, talk it
out, and try again.
10. Express yourself: Know your own comfort level,
and that of your groom. If you don't like a song,
don't dance to it! If you don't like a certain move
your instructor shows you, say so. (Be polite, though!)
It is, after all, your day and your dance. If you
are happy and comfortable you will look wonderful,
so that should be your goal.
Meredith Stead is co-owner of Shall We Dance Studios
in New York City. She and her husband and partner,
John Knapp, released the instructional video "Preparing
for Your Wedding Dance" in January 2002. In
addition to holding several competitive titles, they
served as choreographic consultants for Broadway's
Original Swing and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Dance
Party of the Century.
©
Meredith Stead
Shall We Dance, Inc
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