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.
TOP best slow songs for the first dance
You can ask any professional musician for a list of the most popular slow compositions. They are most often ordered at wedding banquets because they fit a variety of characteristics perfectly. This includes mood, tempo, melody, and words. Therefore, one cannot help but evaluate the top best slow music compositions for a wedding.
If a husband and wife just can’t decide on a suitable melody, then a kind of top list will definitely help them. As advice, many wedding planners suggest a simple solution. Future spouses are advised to play several similar tracks from a prepared list at their leisure. Whichever song has more soul is worth stopping at.
Basically, wedding songs are usually divided into Russian and foreign. If we talk about the general playlist, then it is worth diversifying it with both tracks. However, when it comes to a wedding dance, then you only need to choose one song. Choose the one that will be closer to your couple.
Russian sluggards
Popular Russian slow dances are known to people of all generations. These songs are played at children's camps, adult discos and corporate events. We love these songs so much because we understand all the words perfectly and can identify the heroes of the musical composition with ourselves.
- Bi-2 – Prayer.
- Katya Chekhova - In your eyes.
- Mr. Credo - White Dance.
- Mister Credo - Wonderful Valley.
- Oksana Buramenskaya - Cloud of hair.
- Stas Mikhailov - Who Created You Like This.
- Murat Nasyrov - I am you.
- Bi-2 and Diana Arbenina - Slow.
- Guests from the future - Break the souls of your windows.
- Ariana - Somewhere under the Spanish sky.
Medlyak for a Russian wedding.
Beautiful foreign compositions
For people who prefer more stylized wedding celebrations, foreign musical compositions are better suited. They are incredibly melodic and melodious.
Therefore, they are perfect for the first dance as husband and wife. Read the lyrics to the song you choose to make sure they fit your situation.
- The Cardigans - Carnival.
- Sting - Shape of my heart.
- Carlos Alberto Cals - Verdes.
- Kristin - Bad weather.
- Anaïs Vila - I Avui.
- Lara Fabian - Je T'aime.
- Manuel Molina - Todo es de Color.
- Katy Perry - Miss You More.
- Demi Lovato - Tell Me You Love Me.
- Christina Aguilera & Andrea Bocelli - Somos Novios.
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.
General information
It is very impressive if the newlywed is wearing a transformable dress, and during the dance you can demonstrate to the guests a new image in different versions. When creating a dance, you should take into account the dancing inclinations, temperament and fantasies of each of the newlyweds.
Choosing the right production on your own is not easy; it is better to turn to a professional choreographer.
You shouldn’t skimp on this issue; a specialist can discover talents in you that you didn’t even suspect. It is easier for a specialist to understand your weaknesses and suggest easier movements, which in the end will look majestic and graceful in your performance. A very important point is the choice of musical accompaniment - it is music that will help make your performance frank, beautiful and memorable. Dancing to slow music is the choice of most couples.
It is touching, romantic and matches the wedding atmosphere. It seems that it is no longer possible to surprise anyone with such a dance, but this is not so. An experienced choreographer can choreograph a dance to romantic slow music, which guests will admire in one breath. Dance with a joke . It all depends on the wishes and fantasies of the newlyweds; such a dance can combine various elements and capabilities of the performers. Often, newlyweds choose an intriguing masquerade ball as their first dance. Luxurious outfits are complemented by masks; the dance immerses those present in the times of past centuries.
Dance-story. This production is a kind of extraordinary story of lovers that will surprise and intrigue those present. This choice will be an excellent solution for newlyweds who do not have special dancing abilities.
Dance show . This is an ideal idea for dance lovers who can also be supported by equally talented friends. A joint performance will be a bright episode of the wedding celebration, which is impossible not to appreciate. To maintain intrigue, you should not involve guests in choreographing the dance. Such a surprise will pleasantly surprise others.
An interesting solution would be a surprise dance for the bride and groom . Such a joint dance can surprise not only guests, but also the young spouse. Sometimes, grooms are not averse to surprising their beloved and present guests. For this, as a rule, loyal comrades are involved. These are very incendiary numbers that carry a lot of positive emotions and a positive mood. A surprise dance with guests could be a very original idea . It’s not difficult to prepare, but how many impressions all participants in this action will receive!
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.
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.
Foreign compositions
Popular romantic songs:
- Enrique Iglesias' "Hero", in which the singer promises in a soulful voice to "always be your hero", evokes romantic moods even among the most strict guests of the holiday;
- Robbie Williams' "Feel" is one of the singer's famous hits;
- Darren Hayes “Instiable” is a melodic composition that should please everyone;
- Frank Sinatra “Strangers in the night” is a classic song that will allow you to be a little sad and release your emotions at a gala evening;
- Eros Ramazzotti in a duet with Cher “Piu Che Puoi”, although it has a slightly sad meaning, will make you feel the importance of today for the life of a newly created family;
- Whitney Houston “I will always love you” is a super popular composition over the past 20 years;
- Mariah Carey "My all";
Editor's choice: Problems of a young family and solutions to them
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.
How to organize - ideas
Of course, the success of the enterprise depends directly on the couple’s dancing skills, as well as the charm and artistry of both partners. If at least one of them is tight and embarrassed, the musical number will turn into some kind of pitiful spectacle, reminiscent of the dance of puppets whose puppeteers pull the strings.
Here are some useful tips on how to prepare a surprise wedding dance:
- There is no need to be afraid of looking funny or ridiculous. In fact, the secret of a cool, enchanting performance is the ability to relax under the gaze of numerous spectators and the ability to dance fieryly, surrendering entirely to the power of the music, receiving great pleasure from what is happening;
- the original script is already half the success. You can find on the Internet an idea for the so-called highlight of the program, or you can turn on your own imagination and create an exclusive dance number that is not similar to others;
- The performance will be even more colorful and fun if you ask the bridesmaids or groomsmen for help. Moreover, this option will be a real salvation in the event of a young spouse’s categorical refusal to participate in such a show, for example, due to shyness or simple reluctance.
If you have doubts about your ability to prepare a great performance on your own, then you can call for help from a dance teacher who specializes in such performances.
The services of a choreographer will definitely cost a pretty penny, but the unprecedented spectacle and admiring compliments from the guests will more than recoup all the money spent on rehearsals.
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.
Purpose and importance of the moment
The first dance of newlyweds has become a wonderful tradition that dates back several centuries, because it is the culminating moment that makes the celebration memorable. Since the time they began to shoot a video at a wedding and turn it into a film that can be reviewed throughout your life, the dance that the young people perform is the most exciting part of the film. Women remember their own wedding dance, the parents of the newlyweds can hardly hold back tears of joy and pride, and the newlyweds, performing their first dance together as a married couple, experience emotions that they will never have to experience again. Joy and happiness, love and jubilation, admiration and slight sadness from the uniqueness of the moment.
The wedding dance of the young toastmaster is announced at the height of the fun, when the guests are busy with a feast and noisy communication, heated up by dancing and alcohol, and have even forgotten a little why they have gathered in this hall. The newlyweds perform their first dance together in front of the audience, who are already tired of watching and shouting “Bitter”. Therefore, the first wedding dance performed by the newlyweds is given priority attention in the preparation and rehearsals of the upcoming holiday. This is the most exciting and most discussed stage of the wedding, a subject of heated debate and excited discussions, in which everything needs to be taken into account:
- how to announce to instantly attract attention (if there is no host, one of the guests should do it);
- what song to choose - fast, slow, with a simple or complex rhythm, exciting or fun;
- when it should be (there are also options for this if the wedding is being prepared according to a script written by a professional);
- how to dance, choose a simpler song, rely on your own skills, or choose a complex composition and take lessons so that the dance looks great on video;
- whether it will be a Russian song with lyrics suitable for the occasion, an incendiary foreign hit, or a good old classic.
In the advice that professionals give to future young people, there are several important points on which the choice of song depends. If you listen to them, young people will be able to avoid most disputes.
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.