The irrepressible Gloria Estefan was perhaps stretching the truth when she said, The Rhythm is Gonna Get Ya! Some of us, yes - but all of us? No. Rhythm is the forte of the blessed few, for the rest of us, we make do with a modest shuffle in the worst-lit corner of a crowded floor. But on our wedding day the spotlight burns ever brighter, reaching sweltering proportions as we make our way from the safety of the dining table to the unspoilt no-mans-land of the dance floor. Can we get away with the I'm-really-enjoying-this-darling kissing/shuffling fiasco? In short, no. If music is on the agenda, you can be sure you'll be expected to lead the dancing, so why not do it with confidence by choosing one of these dancefloor fixer-uppers...
Ballroom and Latin American
Have you been tangoed? No, we're not referring to any last minute tan job you might have opted for; we are, of course, speaking of that great expression of Latin love: el tango. Believe it or not, this is not the reserve of the olive-skinned, tight-bodied Mediterraneans; it can be just as appealing on the nuptial dance floor in between servings of local mead and a good yarg. This doesn't mean a frilly dress split to the pants and an all-over wax job for your man, although girls, you will need to consider how easily you can manoeuvre in your party frock.
If you ache for a more sophisticated arrangement, one that won't have the groomsmen shouting "go on my son!" as the groom bends you double in a rumba, ballroom might be more your style. Those within earshot of a television over the last few months will have heard our celebrity friends telling us just how easy it is pick up most dance styles and routines, and how they can be altered to suit either classic or modern love songs. In fact, the song is the most important part, as Krissy Craig of Dance Matrix explains: "dance lessons are not one size fits all, it depends on the choice of song and the couple's ability... our instructors tailor the classes to suit the couples and what they want." According to Craig, the aim of the classes (which start at £145 for three 45 min sessions) can vary from simple steps to "spectacular routines". Visit www.dancematrix.com for more details.
Ceilidhs
The proper Cornish dance. This is not one for the shy and retiring: expect to get worked up to a well-deserved sweat with a full-participation evening of traditional Kernow dance. Fast-footed fun, the ceilidh will fill the dancefloor quicker than Waterloo at an ABBA convention. Guided by the 'caller', members of the wedding party and congregation gather for an initial walk-through of the dance before putting their best feet forward to toe-tapping musical accompaniment.
And it's not just for the juniors, as Rob Hogg, secretary of the Hevva dance and music group explains: "We always gear the dances to the audience and work to their capabilities... if there are lots of older members of the party we can slow down the music. One of the prime reasons for having a ceilidh is that it's fun for people of all ages." The ceilidh is the perfect forerunner to the ever-popular last dance disco, and perhaps the fastest, funniest way to mingle with guests. A number of local groups are available for dance, music, song, costume and storytelling, and for an evening's entertainment you can expect to pay between £250 and £300 (depending on travel and extras). We recommend the lovely people of Hevva www.hevva.freeuk.com and Asteveryn www.asteveryn.org
Movie routines
If you've ever closed your eyes and imagined a strong arm reaching out for you to the words "nobody puts Baby in the corner", you are not alone. Ladies, imagine no more! Your wedding dance can be as rehearsed as you want to make it, and if that means wearing a hole in your VHS copy of Dirty Dancing to get it step perfect, then why not? Dance companies are prepared for the current trend of recreating iconic Hollywood routines on the marital dance floor.
You don't have to be Johnny and Baby, Fred and Ginger or Sandy and Danny; the routines will be altered to suit your style and ability so that you can concentrate on your flashdancing rather than a crash landing. For inspiration, nothing beats a night in with your favourite films and perhaps a few golden oldies to really get a feel for how it's done. To see what routines have proven popular with other couples visit www.youtube.com (look for Julia and James' first dance - it's truly brilliant).
Private dancer
If your idea of a sexy dance is waggling your behind in the air in a pair of Aguilera pants (not the maternity ones) while you mouth the words to Dirty, help may be at hand... With the rise of stars such as porcelain-skinned princess Dita Von Teese, there has been a boom on the burlesque dance scene. It also helps that scores of celebrities are advocating pole dancing for its toning and firming benefits. At this point, we should point out that we are not suggesting you engage in any illicit dance routines straight after the wedding breakfast - if it took two people to help you get the dress on, it's not going to come off that easily... there are other reasons, of course. Although risque, the interest in burlesque has grown because it is an art form that celebrates the beauty of the flesh without crassness or cheap undertones. The motto here is nude not crude.
Women who would otherwise prefer to keep themselves wrapped up in their winter undies are discovering that burlesque, done properly, can be not only liberating but also a welcome treat for their partners. In this way, the striptease has become the perfect wedding night gift. Elaborate routines can involve subtle lighting, glittering outfits (including corsets, tassels and stockings), flawless makeup, feathers, hats and high heels. If the thought of learning to sexy dance without the support of friends scares you, group bookings are available. Megan Maurice of Polestars explains "we often get booked for hen nights and cater for up to twenty girls. We can travel to you, although we can't bring the poles with us!" Come spring, Polestars will be providing tuition in the can-can - a perfect way to kick start the hen night! Polestars currently offers a flat rate of £270 for 2 hours, although travel expenses will apply. www.polestars.net
Words Charity Wilson
Photos Simon Green
Copyright WED Magazine 2010
.jpg)
