The First Dance

This is when the fun begins and the party gets going! The song that you choose for your first dance is usually one that has special meaning for the both of you. As the stars of the celebration, you will be watched by everyone when you share your first dance together. It might be worth practicing this before show time.

• Traditionally, while the Bride and Groom are dancing and before the song is almost over, the father of the Bride breaks in to dance with his daughter. The Groom then dances with his mother-in-law.

• The Bride then dances with her father-in-law and the Groom dances with his mother.

• The Bride then dances with the Best Man, and the Groom with the Maid of Honor.

• The DJ or master of ceremonies then invites the other members of the wedding party onto the dance floor, followed by the guests.

• During the course of the reception, the Bride usually dances with each Groomsman and the Ring Bearer, if there is one; and the Groom with each bridesmaids and the Flower Girl, if there is one.

Practice. Practice. Practice
You and your fiancé have taken the time to select "your song" to be played for your first dance and the first dance with your father.

If either of you or members of your family are shy about dancing in front of your guests, there are ballroom dance studios listed in the yellow pages where you can learn how to dance to the songs you have selected. You can learn the basic steps that cover everything from waltzing, rumbas, rock 'n roll to reggae! If you are going to take lessons, give yourself time to practice them - and go dancing as much as you can before your wedding!

Dancing at Your Wedding

Lisa Bordieri in her custom-made ball skirt and dancing shoes, dancing a foxtrot with husband Frank to Harry Connick Jr.’s version of It Had to be You at their wedding reception on October 23, 2004 at Spirelli’s in Toronto. The couple learned their moves at Dancing at Twilight.

Lynne Gordon
Entertainment Editor

A well known studio in Toronto called Dancing at Twilight lives up to its romantic name with a dance promotion called the Wedding Song Special. They promise that they will make your first dance one that you will remember for the rest of your lives. I decided to interview Ramona Klink, the owner, to get some of the details.

When I first arrived, Ramona also introduced me to her partner and dance director, Don Mallais. Then we sat down to talk about The Wedding Song Special. She said it included five hours of instruction, one hour of private practice time, two hours of practice party time, and a bonus of five private lessons. Ramona shows you how to move beautifully around the floor to your special song, or she can help you select one. All this can include the rest of your wedding party if you wish, and covers the basics of the rumba, cha-cha, waltz, foxtrot and swing. I happily suggested that I would be willing to dance with the guests if I was invited.

Having made this offer, I thought it might be time for me to brush up on my skills. Ramona agreed to be my partner. She seemed sceptical at first, but I must admit we were both surprised. She liked my sense of rhythm and how I felt the beat. But she told me that it would be important to take some lessons to be confident dancing with more experienced male partners who knew all the intricate turns and movements.

Ramona is one of the best teachers I have had in a long time. She is so precise about explaining the structure of all the different parts of each dance. She talked to me rather than saying, “Just watch me.” Even the smallest detail was important: she suggested I loosen my grip on my partner’s hand when I was swung around so I didn’t tighten my grasp as my partner guided me through the steps.

The best thing to do is to call Ramona Klink and arrange a time for a free consultation so she can discuss your wedding dance requirements and the packages available to fit into your schedule. Don’t forget to ask for the Father of the Bride’s Dance as well. Call 416.406.4222 or visit www.dancingattwilight.com.
 

Lynne Gordon is a journalist, author, consumer advocate, radio and TV host, travel reporter and a professional member of The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto. E-mail: lynne_gordon@rogers.com.

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | December 30, 2007