The snow has melted and the temperatures are getting warmer. To the general population this means Spring & Summer are near, but in the dance world this can mean only one thing…
WEDDING SEASON IS UPON US!
So many couples want their wedding day to be remarkably special… full of surprises and memories. Your first dance as husband and wife is one of many ways to create that magic. The first dance is a truly special moment that deserves careful attention & preparation to help build confidence, style, and exactly the vision you had in mind. Here are a few of Arthur Murray’s tips on preparing for your big moment.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
Your schedules will be crazy in those last few weeks leading up to the wedding day, so don’t try to “cram” one more thing in last minute. No one ever aced a final exam by attending one class, or learned to play the trumpet in only two days. Give yourself enough time for your dancing to feel practiced and easy. Most couples are happiest when they start 4-6 months before the wedding.
CHOOSING YOUR SONG
If you have a special song that defines you as a couple, your instructors will help you bring that magic to the dance floor. But don’t worry if you haven’t decided! We can help you find the perfect song for your big day.
CONSIDER THE RECEPTION AND HONEYMOON
So many couples think of just learning for the first dance, but most likely you will have music playing the whole night, right? I mean, that is why you hired a DJ… isn’t it?
Learning a few other popular dances, like Swing or Rumba, will allow you to really dance the night away with all your guests no matter what style of music is blasting. If you are going to the Caribbean for your honeymoon, consider learning a little Salsa or Merengue so you can dance on the beach under the moonlight. What could be more romantic than that?
MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR
Parents can get just as anxious about the dancing as the bride and groom, which is why we often see the whole family come in for lessons together. When you start to consider all the first dance combinations, it makes sense… father/daughter, mother/son, bridal party dance, dollar dance, generations dance. Get everyone involved! The more comfortable your family and bridal party feel with a few dance moves, the more energetic and fun your reception will be.
LISTEN TO THE PROFESSIONALS
Arthur Murray teachers not only dance, teach, and choreograph for a living, we bring our student’s visions and desires to life! In short, this isn’t our first rodeo.
Our best advice to don’t try to teach each other. Heed your teacher’s advice, warnings, recommendations, and compliments. We’ve seen it all, dealt with it all, and heard all the horror stories. So, if we say something will take time, we mean it. If we ask you to try your dance patterns at your next fitting, it’s because we don’t want you to trip or “pop out.” We will ask about the reception layout because we want to envision your whole dance from entrance to walking off the floor. We will recommend you to perform your dance in the studio in front of other students weeks before your wedding to help rid you of the wedding day jitters. If we ask you to attend our studio groups and parties, it’s because we want to prepare you as much as possible for your reception. We do all this because we want to make sure there are no unwelcome surprises on your big day. It’s your day, and you are trusting us with a big part of it.
ENJOY SOME QUALITY TIME TOGETHER
Get yourselves out of the hustle & bustle of wedding planning, and give yourselves the opportunity to spend some quality time together, learning something new, & embracing each other. The first dance is solely for your wedding… but DANCING is something that can last for your entire marriage. Taking lessons now will ensure that your first dance can indeed last a lifetime.
Arthur Murray’s has been teaching couples to dance since 1912 and is the premier leader in ballroom dance lessons for social, wedding, and competitive couples. Learn more about what we can do for you and your wedding day by visiting our Wedding Dance Program page.
The first dance will last a day, but learning to dance will last a marriage.
Cover photo provided by Alvin Mahmudov from Unsplash.com.