Posts Tagged ‘our dance’

The Wedding Dance  – the next big question.

After popping “THE” question, you get a simple answer. “YES!”  Once wedding planning starts, there are lots of questions.  Many of them answered by the bride and her tribe of helpful workers.  But the big question I see come between couples is the question of the First Wedding Dance.

What song?  What dance? I don’t like that one. Pick another one. Really? Try again.

Truth be told, my husband and I were still working out what song and dance were going to be “our dance” at the wedding reception.  Our DJ told us we had a few minutes to figure it out, or he was going to pick the song we would dance to.   Trust me, you don’t want the DJ to pick “your song” for you.  We settled on (I talked Jason into it),  “I Wanna Be With You” by Mandy Moore and danced a lovely lead and follow Nightclub Two-Step.

Women dream about the wedding dance…
Men dream about getting out of the wedding dance and heading to the bar…

 Okay men.  I know that many of you are intimidated by the thought of dancing with your new bride with everyone watching you.  But the best defense is a good offense.  So let’s get out there and get prepared so this 3 minute dance doesn’t scare the pants off you and drive you to drink.  Believe me, she does not want her wedding dance memory to be of her holding your drunk body upright for the entire song.

What dance do we do to “Our Song”?

Once you have picked your song – narrowing down the dance becomes easy.  Most music only gives you a few choices of dances that match it.  Here is quick guide to help you.

Nightclub Merengue/4 Count Hustle

This covers a wide range of pop and rock songs.  In a pinch, it can stand in for contemporary Cha cha.  With it’s easy footwork and timing, it is quick to learn and very handy when dancing places other than the wedding reception.  Examples of popular songs are:
“Love is in the Air” – H. Vanda & G. Young
“First Kiss” – International Five
“I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby” – Barry White

East Coast Swing/Single Time Swing

This also covers a wide range of pop and rock songs not to mention more traditional swing and blues music.  Swing dancing is very popular and you may find yourself enjoying these dances late into the night and for the rest of your lives together.  Examples of popular songs are:
“The Way You Make Me Feel” – Michael Jackson
“Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows
“Your Body is a Wonderland” – John Mayer

Foxtrot

This old standard will have you floating across the dance floor.  Young and old enjoy a good Foxtrot.  This style of music is making a comeback  and has become very popular again.  Examples of great old and new Foxtrots are:
“The Best is Yet to Come” – Michael Buble’
“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
“It Had to be You” – Harry Connick, Jr.

Nightclub Two-Step

This dance was developed by Buddy and Linda Schwimmer (yes, they are Benji’s and Lacey’s parents) to go with all those great ballads and love songs you hear on the radio.  As a beginner, you will dance this as a stationary dance – think of it as fancy version of Prom Dancing.  With a little time and practice, you can make this dance move around the room, gliding the entire time.  Nightclub Two-Steps you may know:
“From This Moment” – Shania Twain
“By Your Side” – Sade
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Still lost?

You can learn to dance with us in the Asheville NC, area.  A new class is starting soon!!!  The focus of this class it to help people prepare for dancing at spring and summer weddings.  Come join us and learn the 4 dances mentioned above.

Wedding Dance Lessons – at The Farm

Or you can learn to swing dance in the comfort of your own home.  Try our Learn the East Coast Swing DVD and you will be ready to hit the dance floor in a short period of time!

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method