How To Dance At A Wedding
Dancing at a wedding is a time-honored tradition that adds color and fun to the event. Whether you're the bride, groom, wedding party member, or a guest, dancing at a wedding is a great way to let loose and have some fun. But if you're not used to dancing in front of large groups of people, it can be a bit daunting.
What Dances Can You Expect To Find At A Wedding
Wedding dances and their choreography can vary depending on the type of wedding and the culture involved. Here are some of the most popular wedding dances:
The wedding march
Also called the grand march, this is a traditional wedding dance often done at the beginning of the reception. This dance style involves all the guests lining up and marching into the reception hall behind the wedding party.
The first dance
This is a special dance between the bride and groom and the first dance of the reception. The bride and groom take the dance floor and dance to a slow song. The first dance is a romantic moment for the couple, and it is often captured on video or in photos.
The father-daughter dance
The father-daughter dance is another classic wedding dance. In this dance, the father of the bride dances with his daughter. This is a sweet moment between father and daughter, and it is usually done after the first dance.
The mother-son dance
This is a traditional dance routine between the mother of the groom and the groom. It usually takes place after the father-daughter dance.
The wedding party dance
An energetic dance set to an upbeat song, the wedding party dance is pretty self-explanatory as it takes place among the wedding party members (maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.). In this dance, the members of the wedding party take the dance floor and dance together. This is a great way for the wedding party to let loose and have some fun.
The dollar dance
The dollar dance is a wedding tradition in which guests line up to dance with the bride or groom for a dollar or more. The money is then used to help pay for the wedding.
The cha-cha slide
The cha-cha slide is a popular party dance. It is a fun, easy dance that everyone can do. The guests take the dance floor and dance in a line. The cha-cha slide is a great way to get everyone up and dancing at the wedding.
As you can see, there are many different types of dances you may find at a wedding. But don't worry, you don't need to know all of them! Just pick one or two you want to learn, and practice before the big day.
Tips To Be The Dancing Queen Or King
Now that you know what kind of dances you might find at a wedding, let's learn how to dance. Here are some tips:
Practice at home
Practice makes it better, especially when it comes to dancing. If you're not used to dancing in front of a crowd, it can be helpful to practice at home before the wedding. This way, you'll be more comfortable when the time comes to dance at the wedding. If you really want to be the king or the queen of the dance floor, start practicing in your living room or backyard. You don't need to skip work or invest all your time into this, but one hour or so a day will do wonders for your performance and stamina.
Ask for help
If you're not sure how to do a certain dance, ask a friend or family member for help. They will be more than happy to teach you. Of course, if you're the groom and bride, it's best to let a professional dance instructor teach you how to move on the dance floor and enjoy these special moments. The first dance is la piece de resistance of your wedding! You don't have to dance like pros, but it wouldn't hurt to take a few ballroom dance lessons before the wedding so you can avoid stepping on each other's toes and can keep up with the dance song.
Find a partner who knows what they're doing
If you feel like you have two left feet, transfer the burden to someone else's shoulders (feet!). Find someone who is comfortable dancing and let them lead the way. This way, you'll be more comfortable on the dance floor and enjoy the moment without counting steps or visualizing the routine. It is easier to seize the day when you don't have to do the math. And once you get the hang of it, you can try dancing with someone you don't know as well.
Take a few dance lessons
A couple of dance lessons are the shortest and fastest way to learn how to dance. These lessons can ease your dance jitters and, more importantly, give you a boost of self-confidence. If you are interested in taking dance lessons for your wedding, you can choose from a variety of classes:
Private wedding dance lessons: Ideal for the engaged couple, they can help the bride and groom learn their wedding dance steps without an audience. You can schedule these lessons around your wedding day so you can master your dance moves like a pro.
Group wedding dance lessons: If you want to learn how to dance with other people, this is a great option. You can take group wedding dance lessons at our dance studio or even online.
Wedding dance classes: These are perfect if you want to learn how to dance in a group. Just try an introductory dance lesson and take it from there.
Private dance parties: If you want to learn how to dance in a fun and festive atmosphere, go to a party. You can find wedding dance parties at your local community center or online.
Don't be afraid to have fun
Probably the most important tip of all: have fun! Dancing at a wedding is supposed to be fun. So don't be afraid to let loose. If you feel like the robot dance is the best way to capture Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On message, do it! Dance like no one is watching because most likely no one is! Everyone is there to enjoy the day and exude positivity.
Just Have Fun: It's A Wedding
Wedding dances tend to be fairly structured, so it's helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the basic steps beforehand. However, don't feel like you have to be a master of all the moves. Just do what you can and have fun with it.
People love to dance and weddings are the perfect excuse for showing off their dancing skills regardless if they have them or not. The great part about a wedding is that no one is there to evaluate your dance floor performance. For this, you have the jury at Dancing WithThe Stars. When you're at a wedding, just let go of your inhibitions and move around.
And if you still feel dancing in front of other people is too stressful for you or you simply don't want to dance, that is OK too. There are other ways to enjoy wedding receptions. You can sit back, relax, and people watch. It can be just as fun!
Or if you want to get up and do something fun, wedding receptions usually have other activities going on as well. For example, they may have a photo booth set up where you can take fun pictures with your friends or family. Or, they may have a game room set up with wedding-themed games like pin the veil on the bride.
No matter what you do, wedding receptions are meant to be enjoyed by all. So don't be afraid to get out there and have the best time!
