Emerging Trends: Dance Performance/Lessons at the Reception

Hello, hello, hello! Well, it has been an absolute "rush, rush, rush" kind of a wedding season. Therefore, I have been mega-slacking on my blog and Facebook page. Kids, weddings, kids, weddings, it's all a dizzying tornado. So there ya go.

Tonight I found some time to report on this new trend I've been seeing at the weddings I've coordinated. Many couples are doing a coordinated dance that reflects their favorite form of dance. Believe me, this really gets people out on the dance floor whether it is honoring a cultural tradition or just a bygone era! Who doesn't like to watch an inspiring performance by the happy couple, get a lesson on how to do it,
and then try out some moves with that cute groomsman?

Here are a few ideas to try if you're an adventurous bride.

1) Swing Dancing - I know that this type of dance really lends itself to a fact pace, and it's hard to imagine a couple doing their "first dance" to this type of music. However, there are plenty of sensual, slow songs that you can swing dance to. Especially if you take lessons in a plethora of genres such as Lindy-Hop, West Coast, and Balboa. Make sure to include your guests by providing a 30 minute lesson with some basic swing moves and you'll have your guests dancing all night!

2) Salsa Dancing - Muy Caliente! This one is perfect for the couple that wants to spice things up. You don't have to have Latino heritage to appreciate this fantastic dance style. Of course, if you were going for an ethnic Latino vibe including salsa would be so awesome! It would make a phenomenal "first dance" with sultry, Samba music. Again, include a lesson for all the newbies and watch the party go late in to the night!

3) Belly Dancing - This ancient, sensual dance lends itself more to a performance rather than having your guests (especially the men) belly dancing all evening. If you're a bride that has mastered this art form, it would be a wonderful surprise to treat your groom to a sassy dance routine or have a belly dance troupe perform while guests are enjoying appetizers and cocktails.

4) Line Dancing/Square Dancing - Having a barn wedding is very popular all over the country. Making the evening a "down home" affair by offering up some classic country melodies would be fabulous! Johnny Cash, George Straight, Lady Antebellum...so many great songs to choose from. Incorporating line dancing for upbeat songs would be sure to keep the crowd on the dance floor all night! Or maybe, kick it up a notch and hire a blue grass band with a caller and teach everyone to square dance. I can't think of a more perfect way to encompass the country theme at your reception!

5) Irish Jig - Many people with Irish roots choose to display their Celtic pride by incorporating a wedding with a green color scheme, kilts, and bagpipers. However, having bagpipers usually only entails the ceremony. What about keeping the Irish vibe going by having an Irish Pub band play upbeat jigs and melancholy ballads? Again, having a lesson or performance would be the best way to welcome guests that may not be familiar with this style of music.

These are just a few ideas for highlighting your heritage at the reception. Music really sets the mood, and having a great performance or dance instruction will be sure to wow your guests! Doing something different that honors family roots is a fantastic way to have an unforgettable celebration.

I truly hope that I've inspired.

Happy planning,






PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: THEKNOT.COM, SALSAMATEI.COM, WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS LLC