On Monday I discussed ways to overcome your first dance jitters and mentioned how I wanted to talk about the choreographed first dance. I think couples started to get the idea to do a dance routine during the advent of Dancing With the Stars (I’ve admittedly never watched an episode other than the occasional channel flick and pause, but I do appreciate their AMAZING talent and beauty). So, what is my take on the preplanned dance routine? You may be surprised. While I may have a plan for almost everything personal and professional, I don’t like dance routines and don’t recommend that my couples do one unless dancing is a hobby you both have, it’s something you’ve done for years, or something you both thoroughly enjoy. Why? Well, unless you have some dancing DNA in those jeans (genes?) of yours, it can end up looking overly contrived, stiff, and unnatural. Let’s face it, when normal folks like you and I try our hand at the waltz we don’t look as graceful and elegant as our TV show counterparts. And while the old adage “practice makes perfect” may have gotten you to jam harder on your grade school violin, it may not apply to whizzing around a 300 square foot dance floor with fluidity and grace. I can also guarantee you, with a pretty large degree of certainty, that you’re other half is no Fred Astaire and doesn’t wish to be, either. This brings me to the number one reason why I don’t recommend it to my couples: it is an added level of stress that you both don’t need on your day of. Some people have a hard enough time remembering to recite the vows the minister just spoke, never mind how many counts to the left and right. And when you’re spending more time counting your dance steps and trying to remember your “lines”, you’re spending less time enjoying the moment and each other, which is really the most important.
As I said before, I am a big supporter of taking dance lessons to work with what your momma gave you. It loosens you up and allows the two of you to bond and feel confident about your natural dance ability. Plus, you get to spend some scheduled time together pre-wedding day, which is important!
