Okay, so you're getting married. Maybe this is your first wedding, maybe it's your second. Maybe you're Elisabeth Taylor, and it's your eighth. Regardless, it's a special occasion, and most likely, you're paying attention to every detail--the venue, the decorations, the food, the cake. (Cake!) You've thought of everything, and it's all going to be perfect. But there's one itsy, bitsy, tiny detail that perhaps you've overlooked--the first dance. Like, Oh no, you mean we have to dance together? Well, of course you don't HAVE to, but it is a longstanding tradition, and most brides and grooms do. I mean, it's a big moment--your FIRST DANCE as a married couple--just the two of you. It's kind of special.
Here at The Savoy, we're kind of biased about dancing, so let's get that out of the way. My husband and I met in a dance class, and when we're not renting out The Savoy for weddings and other events, we're teaching dance through our other business, Dance With Me. Since dancing has added so much to our lives, of course we think you should learn to dance too, especially for your big day. Far too many couples do the "awkward prom dance" and end up waddling around each other like penguins. (Don't let this be you.) So here are 6 reasons why you should learn to dance (like, really learn to dance) for your big day.
1. You Probably Don't Already Know How
Unfortunately, most of haven't grown up in a dancing family or society. When the "first dance" tradition started, this wasn't the case--everyone knew how to dance. But trends and styles have changed, and partner-style dance clubs aren't as common as they used to be. But you gotta do it for your wedding. (You just gotta.) Unfortunately, dancing with someone else isn't something you can really fake. It takes a lot of skill and talent, more than people realize. Well, if you don't know how to do something, what do you do? That's right, take lessons--talk to someone who has experience with the thing you don't.
Our advice? Start early. Dancing isn't difficult, per say, but learning anything new takes time.
2. You Want to Look As Good As Possible
You probably have something you're really good at--baking cakes, fixing cars, investing in stocks. Whatever it is, my guess is that it didn't happen overnight. You're good at whatever that thing is because you've put time, effort, and practice into it. It's the same with dancing. The couples that look the best are the ones who have worked at it the hardest. I'm not saying you have take lessons for a year before your big day. Granted, it wouldn't hurt, but even if you don't, trust that you can make progress with what time you decide to invest in learning. Ultimately, it comes down to what your goals are. Some couples are satisfied with a few moves--others want more.
3. It's Not Just about Your Big Day
Dancing isn't something you just something that happens on your wedding day. (Surprise.) Many couples who learn to dance for their wedding and reception keep it up for years to come. Think about it--once you know how to dance, that's just another thing you can do with both each other and your friends. Think of the social opportunities--other weddings, parties, "going out." Dancing is great for getting you out of the house and connecting with your spouse and other people.
4. It's Not As Terrible As You Might Think
A lot of people, especially guys, are afraid to dance. This is completely normal. Dancing is a vulnerable thing, and most of us are afraid of looking silly, trying something new, or being embarrassed in front of someone else, like our partner. But that being said, we dance instructors do this every day. And whereas we teach a lot of group lessons, most of our "wedding couples" take classes by themselves. With years of experience, and having been there ourselves, we know how to make even something complex like dancing easy. Quite literally, we'll go step-by-step with both patience and understanding.
5. It's Actually Fun
We humans were made to move, and most of us LOVE music, so there's something about moving TO music. Throw the person you love into the mix, and we're seriously talking about a good time. Dancing with the person you love is absolutely magical. It's pretty much the gift that keeps on giving.
6. It'll Be Good for Your Marriage
Okay, I'm not going to lie. Sometimes learning to dance can be frustrating. I mean, it's not the easiest thing in the world to learn to move your body in an organized manner, with the music, with another person. If it were, everyone would do it. So sometimes couples get impatient with each other when learning to dance, especially if their expectations are high. BUT--this is exactly why you SHOULD learn to dance. Dancing is the perfect way for you to extend patience and kindness to each other, to learn to communicate better both verbally and nonverbally, and to grow together as a couple. Also, it's great exercise and cheaper than therapy.
Of course, if we can be of any help, we want to be. For more information about learning to dance, click here to check out our website.
Happy dancing,
Anne