First Dance a History and a few ideas….

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