Dancing The Night Away: Are Dance Lessons Right For You?

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

When you first met, you practically fell all over yourself trying to impress your now soon to be spouse. In fact, your relationship is probably full of memorable bumbles and stumbles, but the one time and place you don’t want to bumble, stumble, or trip all over yourself is on your wedding day, out on the dance floor, and especially not during your first dance. Remember, all eyes will be on you. Nervous? Don’t be. Even those with two left feet can achieve all the right moves by following a few simple steps.

You’ll want to start by planning ahead, choosing the song you want to dance to and deciding on if you’re comfortable “winging it” or if you’d prefer to look like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire when you assume your position as Mr. & Mrs. on the dance floor.

Many modern couples understand and appreciate the allure of orchestrated and organized dancing, something our generation was far removed from and has little concept of, unless we’ve been to a few family functions along the way. While many a future Mr. may be content with an improvisation of “Dirty Dancing”, most future Mrs. and guests are generally not. So, experts suggest that couples learn what most of their grandparents and parents already know, the “art” of dancing, including tango, waltz, cha-cha, polka etc. Besides giving you a cutting edge on cutting the rug, it’s also a great way to get in shape, and pay tribute to past generations and often times (as with the polka) to your heritage as well.

Dance lessons are available privately (in studio or via in-home instruction video or internet displays), or as part of a group. As you begin your search, remember to not only make sure you are comfortable with the facility, and the instructor(s), but also with their credentials, and “teaching” style. You may even want to check out your local YMCA or adult education courses at area colleges.

Ask (already married) friends and family for their advice, referrals, and recommendations. You may even ask to sit in on a session or two and even inquire about a potentially complimentary lesson to two before you make your decision.

Try to learn as many dances as you can. Remember, the more you know, the more confidence you’ll have (on the dance floor), the more fun you’ll have, and the more encouraging you’ll be to your friends, family and guests to get up and “get down”. Some couples even offer members of their bridal party complimentary dance lessons as gifts. Besides keeping them light on their toes, it’s a great way for your wedding party to get comfortable with their partner and dancing with him/her.

Some couples, especially those who may enjoy dancing, and even be quite good at it, may also choose to choreograph their first dance (and maybe a few others) and give their family and friends a little bit of an extra special treat. And, besides the traditional dances, many couples have the professionals work with them to develop a special dance to the song of their choice, making it even more meaningful and personal. Plus, they can (later) incorporate what they’ve learned on their honeymoon, and into their social life.

With so much emphasis on making this day “magical” and unique, the added attention to ensuring having all the right moves to get their marriage off on the right foot, is not so surprising, say experts. And, it doesn’t have too be too time consuming or costly. Couples can opt to focus on the first dance “only”, which may only require just a few lessons (depending on their ability and determination).

And while “mastering” your first dance should signal a huge accomplishment, professionals point out the need to understand the difference between dancing in the studio and tripping the light fantastic at your hall. Factors to take into account include size of the room, type of floor (wood, marble, carpet, etc), shoes (you’ll be wearing) type and style of tux and gown, which can all affect your dance style. You may even consider pre-creating the circumstances as you practice so that you are familiar with pending situations and are comfortable with them.

And don’t forget to practice, practice, practice, step out on that dance floor with assurance and have a ball.