The “first dance” of a married couple is a popular component at wedding receptions or post-wedding celebrations, in modern European and American traditions. Just like an old-fashioned ball, the idea is that the married couple, as the guests of honor at a dance, open the dancing. The style of dance is a personal choice. Some couples elect for a pre-rehearsed choreographed dance, whereas some sources feel that performing a choreographed duet for spectators is unsuitable. Sometimes, to further the old-style gender roles of father-daughter relationships in weddings (similar to ‘giving away’) the bride may share a dance with her father.
In the past, the first dance was usually a waltz, as ballroom dancing was a widespread skill. However in the present times, ballroom dance is not a skill that is common within society. Therefore, modern couples either ‘slow dance’ or learn a dance, whether it be a ballroom dance style or a choreographed dance routine. The past decade has seen a rise in popularity of engaged couples actively seeking dance instruction. So teaching and practicing the “first dance” is now a service offered by dance studios, independent dance instructors and specialist wedding dance tuition companies. Some couples have been known to introduce a surprise into their dance to shock and humour their audience, by starting the dance to a slow, romantic song, when the music suddenly changes to an unanticipated and upbeat tune, often dancing in a mock disco style.
First dance is like the first impression of the couple to many relatives and friends. This dance should be about love, the time when the couple needs to enjoy the romance of the first dance as a married couple. The “bear hug sway” may work but will not always do the trick.
Many couples take dance lessons and many times hire dance instructors to choreograph their first dance which is an excellent way to make the wedding day extra special.
When it comes to choosing what to dance to, here is the current top 55 from Spotify:
1) At Last, Etta James
2) First Day Of My Life, Bright Eyes
3) It Had To Be You, Harry Connick Jr.
4) Iris, The Goo Goo Dolls
5) Marry You, Bruno Mars
6) Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
7) All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
8) Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Andy Williams
9) These Arms Of Mine, Otis Redding
10) Can’t Help Falling In Love, Elvis Presley
11) Make You Feel My Love, Adele
12) I’m Yours, Jason Mraz
13) Let’s Stay Together, Al Green
14) Greatest Day, Take That
15) Amazed, Lonestar
16) Unforgettable, Nat King Cole
17) Stand By Me, Ben E. King
18) Turn Your Lights Down Low, Bob Marley & The Wailers
19) The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Roberta Flack
20) You Got The Love, Candi Staton
21) I’ll Be There, Jackson 5
22) You Make My Dreams, Hall & Oates
23) Such Great Heights, The Postal Service
24) Dog Days Are Over, Florence + The Machine
25) One Day Like This, Elbow
26) Heroes, David Bowie
27) I Will Wait, Mumford & Sons
28) For Once In My Life, Stevie Wonder
29) You Do Something To Me, Paul Weller
30) Closing Time, Semisonic
31) She’s So Lovely, Scouting For Girls
32) Crazy In Love, Beyoncé & Jay-Z
33) Something, The Beatles
34) Tiny Dancer, Elton John
35) Loving You, Paolo Nutini
36) Turn Me On, Norah Jones
37) I Say A Little Prayer, Aretha Franklin
38) Reet Petite, Jackie Wilson
39) My Baby Just Cares For Me, Nina Simone
40) I Believe In A Thing Called Love, The Darkness
41) The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
42) Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, Van Morrison
43) You Are The Best Thing, Ray LaMontagne
44) My Lady’s House, Iron & Wine
45) Fidelity, Regina Spektor
46) I Only Have Eyes For You, The Flamingoes
47) Keep Your Heart, TV On The Radio
48) For Lovers, Wolfman & Pete Doherty
49) You Turn Me On I’m A Radio, Joni Mitchell
50) God Only Knows, The Beach Boys
51) Waterloo Sunset, The Kinks
52) I Was Made For You, She & Him
53) Dance Me To The End Of Love, Leonard Cohen
54) (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, UB40
55) Accidentally In Love, Counting Crows
56) Straight To Love, Nick Cave
57) So Beautiful, Darren Hayes
58) Somebody Loved, The Weepies
59) You And Me Song, The Wannadies
60) What A Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
