A wedding is a complex, multi-stage ceremony. The happiest, long-awaited day for lovers includes the official marriage at the registry office, various traditional rituals, and, of course, a festive feast with entertainment, music and pleasant surprises. Dancing at a wedding has a special meaning.
From time immemorial, a beautiful tradition that touches hearts and souls has reached our times to express one’s feelings and emotions in dance on this significant day. Typically, the program of a festive evening includes traditional, ritual numbers that have developed historically. These include:
- “first dance” of the bride and groom;
- dance of the bride and her father;
- “money dance of the bride”, adopted in Western and Eastern cultures;
- dancing of the bride with her bridesmaids and the groom with friends.
These performances alternate with numbers for guests, relatives, and favorite compositions of the newlyweds and invitees. Dancing turns a festive banquet into an exciting, delightful performance. A festive dance program is the best way to make a wedding celebration bright, unforgettable, full of sincere feelings and love.
Young people dancing at a wedding
When creating a selection of dance numbers for a wedding banquet, newlyweds and their families are guided, first of all, by their own preferences, skills and traditions. What should you consider when choosing?
- If the participants in the performances know how and love to dance, you can choose complex and lengthy compositions. For beginners, it is better to choose something simpler, for 2-3 minutes.
- The scenario of the festive event should be harmoniously combined with the selected dances. So, classics are appropriate for special ceremonies, but modern music is more suitable for youth or informal parties. For themed weddings and holidays in national traditions, the dance program is selected especially meticulously.
- If the bride and other representatives of the fair sex present at the wedding are dressed in long, fluffy or elegant dresses, it will be difficult for them to move at a fast pace with many complex steps. Waltz, calm, slow melodies, including folk ones, are perfect for such outfits.
- The spacious area allows you to perform complex tricks and figures, present group dances and round dances to the guests. A small dance floor seriously limits the choice of songs for a wedding evening.
- Don't delay numbers. For one performance, 3-5 minutes is enough.
In the West and in Russia, folk dances at weddings have long been replaced by slow classical and characteristic, fast Latin American ones:
- foxtrot, rumba;
- samba, salsa;
- Viennese and classical waltz,
- perky swing;
- tango, quickstep;
- paso doble, cha-cha-cha.
At youth weddings, dances such as flash mobs and mixed mashups are gaining popularity. Hip-hop with its fiery melodies is not inferior to its position.
How to choose music for parents?
Parents dance at their daughter's wedding.
There are several possible scenarios, by choosing which you can already decide on the musical composition. According to the first plan, an energetic and active dance is presented. In general, in the classical sense, such a performance does not look like this. It is chosen only by those families who are the most creative. You can even turn on a catchy melody that will appeal to both the newlyweds and the parents themselves.
This dance does not have to be somehow personal and touching. The bride and groom and parents on both sides can go on stage. After the music starts, you should start moving.
Of course, it will be much better if you can rehearse your production in advance. The movements must be identical and synchronous. Such a catchy musical composition will actually show how close-knit your family is and how easily your unification took place.
If the family still adheres to the classic version, then the most correct song will be a traditional waltz. It can be either a beautiful instrumental song or vocals performed live.
Please note that if the newlyweds and their parents have absolutely no time for rehearsal, then you should opt for a slow romantic composition. It does not require serious movements and staging. You just need to move smoothly to the beat of the music.
Here are some possible musical options that may suit your special event.
- Egor Creed - Bride
- Agutin Leonid - Father is next to you
- MakSim – Wedding
- Sergey Chumakov - Groom
- Alsou - Father's daughter
- Yulia Savicheva - Bride
- Flowers - We wish you happiness
- Nikolay Baskov - Wedding Waltz
- Karina Vartanyan - Bride
- Evgeniy Belyaev – Wedding
Beautiful dancing at a wedding
If the participants in the festive performance have no experience and have never performed in front of an audience, then the help of a professional choreographer will be required. There is no sadder sight than gorgeous looking newlyweds who absolutely cannot move to the music. Therefore, during the pre-wedding preparation period, it is imperative to set aside time for several rehearsals. How to act correctly?
- First of all, you need to find a mentor-choreographer with an excellent reputation. Under no circumstances should you wait until the last days. You need to start training at least a month before the wedding, so that there is time to hone the movements if mastering the composition causes difficulties.
- Be sure to voice the presence or absence of dancing skills, how much time is left before the wedding.
- You should choose a dance together with the choreographer, since a professional can give practical advice and better understand the time and skills of the students.
- Music for dancing at a wedding is selected taking into account its format and scenario, and the venue must correspond to the dance floor that will be at the venue of the festive banquet.
- At least one, or better yet, all rehearsals should take place in clothes whose style matches the outfits chosen for the wedding. Since learning a dance in trousers or a short skirt, and then performing in a fluffy floor-length robe and heels is a sure way to failure.
You should mentally prepare for the first failures and hard work on yourself. But what a joy the newlyweds will experience when they dance their first dance flawlessly, gracefully and beautifully! It would be a good idea to use the services of a choreographer for girlfriends and friends of the bride and groom participating in the performance, as well as parents and witnesses, so that their performances also make a pleasant impression on the guests.
Staging the first wedding dance
The first wedding dance of the newlyweds should be special so that it is remembered as a pleasant and sincere moment of the festive evening. That is why its organization should pay special attention and, above all, the choice of dance style.
Waltz
The classic wedding dance for newlyweds is the waltz, which even couples who have a limited amount of time can prepare. Newlyweds only need to learn a few steps to achieve a smooth and beautiful dance. The waltz is suitable for romantic and sensual people who dream of remembering the dance as a touching action.
Tango
Spectacular and ardent newlyweds can express their passion through hot tango, which is one of the most beautiful types of wedding dance. In its production, it is important to pay attention to technical aspects, which may seem quite complicated to beginners. Such a dance of newlyweds at a wedding will look beautiful if all movements are precise and synchronous.
Rumba
A sensual and emotional rumba is perfect for the first wedding dance, but staging it will require quite a lot of time and effort. It is best to start preparing a few months before the celebration so that your dance looks stylish and impressive. To choreograph a wedding dance, schedule at least 20 rehearsals into your schedule with a choreographer who can help even beginners achieve coordinated movements. At home, you can also practice your rumba while enjoying each other's company.
Salsa
If it is important for you to stage not just a beautiful wedding dance, but something unusual and stylish, try learning salsa, which will allow you to reveal your sensuality. Uninhibited movements and the passion that permeates the dance will allow you to prepare a beautiful number that can charm your guests.
Dance mix
For newlyweds who already have some dance experience, it is possible to stage a combined dance consisting of several different styles. Changing the music and rhythm will make your dance a real show. To create even more impact, you can order a light show or wedding fireworks that will decorate the dance.
First dance at a wedding
The first dance of the newlyweds at a wedding is full of romance and sensuality. It personifies their mutual love, loyalty, and respect for each other. This is the culmination, the pinnacle of the holiday, and at this moment everyone’s closest attention is directed at the bride and groom. Staying on track and performing with maximum dedication, expressing the emotions overwhelming them in their movements, is a difficult task that requires preliminary preparation. It is very good if the rehearsals are led by a good master choreographer. In this case, he will be able to turn even the most ordinary, short waltz into an extravaganza of feelings and expressive gestures.
The first dance usually takes place in the middle of the banquet, after opening words and congratulations, but before the presentation of gifts and the main program with competitions and tests.
Dancing from parents
Parents mostly dance a calm, slow dance, but to add creativity and zest to the celebration of the wedding of their beloved children, the father and mother of both parties can perform a cheerful, catchy, cool dance. An energetic dance from the parents of the newlyweds will fit perfectly into the atmosphere of fun at the wedding and will delight the groom, bride, guests and videographer.
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Parents of young people can give their children this dance:
https://youtu.be/1PbSpHJAyns
Father and daughter dance at a wedding
The father-daughter dance at a wedding is an obligatory ritual in many cultures. Thus, the girl said goodbye to her stepfather’s shelter and her family. It was believed that she, her soul, dies for her relatives and is reborn again in her husband’s family. Now not everyone remembers the true meaning of this dance, but the beauty and symbolism of this performance is so touching that it is willingly included in the evening program.
Music for dancing at a wedding
It is important to choose suitable music for this dance so that it looks harmonious, because representatives of different generations will perform. In addition, it is worth expressing a special mood when a father transfers responsibility for his grown-up daughter into the hands of her husband. What are the selection criteria?
- There are no strict restrictions on the type of music. Both serious works, for example a waltz, and fiery, comic modern dances are allowed. It all depends on the relationships in the family and the mood of both dancers.
- If the father feels insecure on the dance floor or his health condition does not allow liberties, it is worth focusing on simple melodies that do not require special acrobatics or physical effort.
The performance of the bride and her father is traditionally staged after the “First Dance” of the young couple. Slow classical dancing is perfect for him. However, if the father wishes, you can choose a rhythmic rumba, twist or other compositions.
Dance of the Witnesses
The faithful assistants of the newlyweds, who bear the lion's share of organizational issues and hassles during wedding celebrations, are, of course, witnesses. It is not for nothing that, according to folk traditions, experienced, family people have always been appointed to this responsible role. In modern terms, they conduct a master class for young spouses on how to conduct a wedding according to all the canons, in addition, they instruct them in family life and give practical advice.
They are nearby throughout the day:
- help the bride and groom look perfect;
- monitor compliance with the developed script;
- extinguish possible conflicts and unpleasant situations;
- morally support tired newlyweds and monitor their physical condition.
An original wedding gift from witnesses could be an exclusive dance or a whole performance with the participation of a group of guests or invited artists especially for the newlyweds. Choosing a theme for the upcoming musical congratulation is quite simple: it must correspond to the style of the wedding, the age and personal skills of the witnesses.
For example, this could be a performance in the style of “A Thousand and One Nights”, when the witness, playing the role of the Shah, will invite his numerous “wives” to compete in oriental dances with the bride, and determine which of them is the best. The palm, of course, should be given to the unrivaled bride.
You can stage a Russian folk dance or something fiery, originally from Spain or Latin America. Since the performance is intended as a gift, it is worth taking into account the preferences of the newlyweds - what they like best.
Grandparents' wedding dance
Grandparents of the newlyweds on both sides are the most honorable and respected guests at the wedding. In many cultures, they are the ones who hold power in the family clan and are treated with all respect. Regardless of the chosen wedding scenario, the older generation of relatives of the bride and groom require increased attention and comfort.
A special attitude can be emphasized with a separate table and a balanced menu. And also - invite them to a joint dance with the young spouses. Grandparents will be extremely pleased with such attention from their grandchildren. The composition should be chosen to be slow and not too long, so that older people can keep up with the rhythm and not get tired in the process.
Parents with guests and children
For even more variety, parents can invite both small children and other guests to dance. But what is best perceived is the mischievous dance from the parents alone.
You can find many examples of fun dances on YouTube, and learn the moves from the videos. There, parents themselves or videographers post videos of beautiful and funny dances, but there are also options with non-funny dances. Therefore, you need to look carefully.
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You just need to start rehearsals not a couple of days before the celebration, but at least a couple of months in order for the dance to be effective and clear. If the movements are not well rehearsed, then the dance will look “scattered” and will not give the desired effect and impressions on guests and young people, so parents of young people must make a lot of effort and take this matter seriously!
It will also be unusual if the dance is performed by one of the parents and one of the young people, but not by mother and son or father and daughter, but by father-in-law and daughter-in-law, or mother-in-law and groom! And don’t forget about the mobility of the dance, because calm dances are poorly perceived by the audience. The dance should ignite the guests and attract attention!
It will be interesting if the dance starts slowly and ends with fast, fiery movements.
Musical greetings from guests
Boring sitting at the wedding table, eating delicacies and rare verbal congratulations, has long been out of fashion. After all, you can congratulate the newlyweds on their wedding in a variety of original ways! And one of them is the dance of guests in the “flash mob” format, which translates as “instant crowd”.
Participants gather on the dance floor and collectively, to the music, perform the chosen dance or present an exciting, fantastic or funny scene with songs, movements, poetry or prose. If the room includes a costume performance, then you must first change clothes. It’s great if dance rehearsals are conducted under the guidance of a specialist.
Dance from friends.
Dancing for children
If there are children among the invited guests or relatives, you can present several performances with their participation. In this way, children will feel involved in what is happening, and adults will not rack their brains about what to do with their little fidgets. There are many ideas for presentation:
- romantic whirling of angels, snowflakes or white swans;
- modern rhythmic compositions, if children learn the appropriate style;
- “rivulet” or round dance in folk style;
- congratulation song with dance accompaniment;
- costume scene with poems, songs, dances.
It should be remembered that children may become confused in the presence of spectators. Therefore, for the main roles it is worth choosing the most active children who can communicate freely and naturally with adults and peers.
For all countries and peoples, dancing at a wedding is an integral attribute of the solemn day of uniting two loving hearts and forming a new family. With the help of ritual dances, our ancestors pacified the guardian spirits of the clan, drove away evil forces and asked for prosperity and harmony in the family, for healthy and numerous children. Today, wedding performances are perceived as a magnificent element of the festive program, which creates the right atmosphere - romance and tenderness, solemnity and slight sadness, unbridled fun.
Dance of the groom with the mother of the bride
Wedding dance from parents.
It is very important for the groom to dance at the wedding banquet not only with his own mother, but also with his new relative. She is the mother-in-law. It is necessary to establish contact with her in order to live a happy family life. The mother-in-law will be very pleased if her son-in-law invites her to his parents’ slow dance at the wedding. This will be a kind of gesture of respect for a relative.
It is best not to warn your mother-in-law about the upcoming number in advance. She will be much more pleased if this happens at the banquet itself. All you have to do is call her for a slow, romantic number. Let there be a melody included that does not oblige you to complex dynamic dances.
You shouldn’t overdo it with emotions in your room either. On the one hand, you praise your mother-in-law, but on the other hand, she is still not your mother, so you should not use unnecessary warm words and expressions.
No matter how complex the number is in terms of choreography, what is more important here is the warm feelings and relationship that the groom shows towards his new relative. They should be warm and respectful. The groom should give his hand to the woman and also carefully guide her to her place, sit her on a chair at the very end of the musical composition. It will look very elegant and beautiful.
