Ahh, the first dance. With the exception of the ceremony, this is traditionally the most romantic moment of the wedding day: the entwining of arms, the locking of eyes and the slow sashay of bodies marking a symbolic celebration of togetherness and the commencement of the evening celebrations.
But a moving smooch across the dance floor isn't for everyone. If the thought of an agonising shuffle to a James Blunt number fills you with dread of the gut-twisting kind, then jump aboard one of the hottest trends in wedding world.
The YouTube generation has kick-started a renaissance in the traditional first dance formula, as more couples abandon the smooch factor for the fun factor.
The video sharing website is chock full of couples who have pulled something very special out of the bag on their wedding day, be it the cha-cha, the jive, the robot dance, a hip-hop routine or a re-enactment of a classic movie moment.
One of the most famous examples is Julia Boggio and James Derbyshire's 'Time of my Life' routine from Dirty Dancing, which sparked a YouTube frenzy in 2007, notching up over five million plays to date.
Fuelled by the likes of Strictly Come Dancing, footloose brides and groove-hungry grooms are making the most of their moment in the spotlight, using the opportunity to challenge themselves, surprise their guests and, above all, to have some fun. While some couples may be happy to muddle through a routine themselves or enlist a friend with dance experience for advice, if you're determined to get the technique and footwork spot on, you can't beat a series of lessons from a professional.
Fiona Richardson's The Big Dance Company hit the spotlight in 2008 when dance troupe Flava got through to the live finals of Britain's Got Talent. The Penzance dance school now offers private lessons for couples who want to learn a special first dance routine. "We offer a wide selection of dance styles and specialise in doing something different and fun," says choreographer Fiona. "We'll take on any challenge". The preparation time depends on the routine, "whereas a simple love song routine might only take two private lessons and some practise at home, a big production may take up to four months." You can have lessons either at home or in the studio.
Contact Fiona on 01736 333444 www.thebigdancecompany.com
Diversity is also the aim of the game for Karen Lane of The Dance Factory in St Austell, who teaches a selection of dance styles from ballroom, Latin and freestyle to salsa and belly dancing. "Although I find ballroom and Latin are most popular, quite often I'll be approached by couples with their hearts set on a particular song, and I will devise a routine around it," says Karen. "One of my most interesting challenges was devising a cha-cha-cha routine to a song by The Darkness for a couple who were big fans of both the band and Strictly Come Dancing!" Karen advises the earlier you start practising the better. "Although the first lesson may seem a daunting prospect, once the initial nerves are over, I find couples have a great time and really get into it."
Contact Karen on 01726 71766 www.thedancefactory.tv
Granted, the run-up to your wedding is a hectic time and squeezing in dance lessons might seem like yet another item on an impossibly long to do list. But try and see the lessons as time out from the planning process, an opportunity for you to have fun as a couple away from making the favours and ticking off the RSVPs.
And, if you're shy of the spotlight, get some friends involved. Enlist the best man or the bridesmaids to be your back-up dancers and share some of the limelight. Or, in true Michael Jackson style, get the entire bridal party involved as your dancing entourage.
Groove is in the heart
Fire up those dancing feet with some first dance inspiration...
The split routine
This is the ultimate way to surprise for your guests. Start with a traditional love song - Unchained Melody or When You Say Nothing At All are smooch favourites - and break into something completely different such as a hip-hop routine or the '80s robot. This is a perfect solution for couples short on rehearsal time as it cuts down the length of the actual routine and thus the amount of preparation involved. And just imagine those surprised whoops from the crowd when you cut in with something totally unexpected.
The classic waltz
Whether it's dresses, hair dos, accessories or menus, vintage is very much in vogue at the moment. Extend the nostalgic yearning for the elegance of days gone by with a classic waltz across the dance floor in a style akin to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The movie routine
The inspiration is endless. There's the spine-tingling romance and sheer sauciness of Dirty Dancing, Uma Thurman and John Travolta's funky Chuck Berry routine in Pulp Fiction, the hypnotic hip-gyrating of Saturday Night Fever, the psychedelic grooves of Austin Powers or even the quirky brilliance of Napoleon Dynamite's outrageous moves.
The dance off
Can't decide on a song? Mix it up with a dance off featuring excerpts from some classic routines. Throw in some Britney with some Jacko, a bit of Elvis with James Brown, and perhaps a dose of Grease for good measure - and just see what comes out.
THE DIRTY DANCING DUO
Tiffany and Paul Bancroft learned the classic Dirty Dancing routine, 'The Time Of My Life' for their wedding at Watergate Bay in August 2008. Tiffany reveals all about her dancing experience.
Why did you want to learn a special routine?
Neither of us were comfortable with the idea of a cheesy slow dance and we don't have a favourite romantic song. We really wanted to have fun and offer something more entertaining for our friends.
Why did you choose the Dirty Dancing routine?
Dirty Dancing is one of my all time favourite films. We looked at lots of other ideas including breakdancing to Run DMC & Jason Nevens 'It's Like That', but Dirty Dancing seemed more achievable, it fitted with the idea of the cheesy first dance perfectly, and everyone knows it.
Did Paul take much persuasion?
Yes! He was having none of it to start with but he quickly saw the irony and fun factor - and then he got quite competitive! His solo (where Johnny dances down through the crowd) was hilarious! Everyone loved it!
What were the highs and lows of the experience?
When we had a million things to do in terms of planning the wedding and our extended honeymoon abroad, trying to fit in the lessons was difficult. We would fall out with each other over the moves, just like in the film. But the highs far outweighed the lows. Four of our friends were involved as they learned the moves of the crowd and helped with the lift - watching that come together was brilliant. It was amazing on the day: the female guests were crying and the men were stunned as we caught them totally by surprise. It was a real treat for our guests, and something they all still talk about.
Were you nervous?
Yes! Just before we started we said we would forget about everyone in the room, pretend it was a rehearsal and just concentrate on each other. That really worked.
If you could turn back the clock, would you choose to do the dance routine again?
Yes, definitely. It was worth all the effort and another special aspect to a perfect day.
THE BREAK DANCING BASH
Simon Williams learned a break dancing routine for his wedding to Kim at Tregenna Castle Hotel in December.
What made you want to learn a special routine?
I just fancied doing something different and challenging. Plus, I thought it would be a great surprise for our guests. Kim was originally going to dance as well but it just wasn't going to be possible in her dress so I went ahead and learned two routines: I performed the first one with Becci Gowers from Flava. I also learned a special break dancing routine with Kyle Richardson from Flava in secret as a surprise for Kim. The routine involved challenging moves such as six-steps and head spins. We wore masks and tracksuits printed with 'Kim and Simon'. She had no idea!
Why did you choose break dancing?
I never really had a burning desire to be a break dancer as I was growing up but I think all men fancy being the one on the dance floor who can bust out the moves. Now, as I proved on my stag night, I can!
How have you found the dance routine experience?
Extremely challenging and I've had to give it 100% dedication. I had to learn moves which can take years to master over just eight weeks. There have been plenty of aches and bruises but it's been worth it. I've lost over three stone and plan to enter the British Street Dancing Championships this year. I am determined to continue dancing and to improve.
Would you recommend learning a special routine to other couples?
Definitely. I only wish I had learned to dance when I was younger. It's been an amazing challenge and the look on guests' faces was worth it! It really made the wedding and it's been worth every penny and every minute of practise.
Simon trained with The Big Dance Company
01736 333444 www.thebigdancecompany.com
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright WED Magazine 2010
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