Make the most of your first dance

By Christian and Kathryn Clayton

     Most couples spend a lot of time picking the perfect rings, the right kinds of flowers and the most beautiful cake. But most couples fail to plan for the moment when they step on the dance floor for the first time as man and wife.

     The music starts and all eyes are on you ... what do you do?

     Unfortunately, couples tend to overlook the importance of their first dance and resort to whatever “clutch and shuffle” they remember from high school.

Ron Hise of Lincolnville dips his new wife, Sylvia, during their wedding reception in Northport Oct. 8, 2005. CAROL MILLER PHOTO

     A husband and wife’s first dance symbolizes the delicate lead and follow balance that the pair have just vowed to obey. And it is one of the only times when potentially hundreds of people gather around to watch them ... gasp ... dance!

     It’s time to think about dance lessons. There are a variety of prime time shows these days about ballroom dancing -- and it’s hotter than ever. How about a cha-cha to get your party going? Maybe a dramatic tango with a rose in your teeth? Or dancing a classic foxtrot to “The Way You Look Tonite” by Frank Sinatra?

     Dance lessons can be tailored to either teaching you a few basic moves or can be an elaborate choreographed number to your special song, with a dramatic dip at the end. A basic package of private lessons can be less than $200 to get started.

     A good point to remember is to start early. Many couples make the mistake of trying to cram lessons in with only a week or two until the wedding when they are already stressed. Learning to dance will be fun and easy if you allow yourself enough time to become comfortable with the information. Two to four months time is a good guideline. And, if you start well enough ahead of time, you can learn some basic steps in several dances so that you can dance the night away. Some people even have their parents and/or wedding party join them on some lessons as well.

     A good dance teacher knows how to make it fun and easy, even for reluctant students. Many couples end up enjoying the process of learning together. Lessons are a great bonding experience that can teach you how to work together, and they also relieve some of the stress of the wedding planning.

     So, long after the cake is gone and the flowers have dried, you’ll still have your dancing. Lessons are a great investment -- they are one of the few things from your wedding day that you can use again and again. So take your first step together and dance!

     Christian and Kathryn Clayton are U.S. National Rising Start Ballroom Champions and run Swing & Sway Dancing in Rockland. Call 888-209-2468 for more.