Gotta Dance: A Guide to Dance Instruction

Your first dance as man and wife. Will it be the romantic start to a life of nights spent cheek to cheek, or a dreaded embarrassment to be gotten through as quickly as possible? According to Russell Adcock, a dance instructor with LA Dance Experience, just one lesson can make a world of difference as to how you approach dancing at your wedding.

For couples who are more Fred and Wilma than Fred and Ginger, the thought of stepping out in front of a crowd can be scary. Adcock says this is because from the proper way to hold your partner to the best way to finish, most people just don't know where to start. Lessons break down dancing into easy and familiar steps, making couples comfortable enough to truly enjoy taking a spin around the dance floor.

Strike Up The Band
Adcock recommends that a couple start dance lessons six months or more before the reception and take a mixture of group and private classes. A pair with this kind of instruction would not only wow their guests with a first dance number, but also learn dances like swing or salsa for the rest of the reception. However, at 10-15 dollars an hour for group classes and 50-70 dollars and hour for private instruction, some couples are wary of making this kind of commitment. Don't worry. Adcock says that in one private session, a couple can learn how to make an entrance, how to move around the floor, the dance step that matches their first dance music, and even a dip or a flourish to finish it all off.

May I Have This Dance?
You've decided that lessons are for you, but what kind of dance should you learn? The music you choose will determine the step that you learn, but the following are the most common wedding dances.

Waltz: Embodying all that is graceful and romantic, the waltz uses a 3/4 beat. And because the waltz box step is really only modified walking, waltzing is a snap to learn. If you're convinced, consider selecting "3 Times A Lady" by the Commodores as your first dance music.

Foxtrot: Based on a 2/4 or 4/4 beat, easy-to-learn and extremely versatile, the foxtrot can be adapted for lively numbers like "It Had To Be You" or dreamy slow songs such as "What A Wonderful World." Choose the foxtrot if classic ballroom dancing makes you swoon.

Rhumba: What do you get when you take the box step and throw in a dash of pure Latin America? The answer is the rhumba, a classic ballroom dance gaining popularity among brides and grooms looking for an elegant, yet sensuous, debut. Based on a 2/4 or 4/4 beat, the rhumba isn't difficult. Some men may find getting the hang of the Cuban motion, or seductive hip rotation, a little hard at first, but they're guaranteed to get the hang of it with a little practice.

Swing: From Benny Goodman to Gap khakis, swing has ruled the dance floor for decades. With a 2/4 or 4/4 beat, swing can be adapted to most any kind of music and is not difficult to learn. Because of the lively tempo and quick turns, swing is often passed over by couples in search of a traditionally romantic first dance. But if rhythm and brass gets your toes tapping, look no farther than swing.

Salsa: The sexy sounds of Latin America are moving north, with salsa taking over the country's dance floors. A 2/4 or 4/4 beat, salsa tends to be a faster dance, making it slightly tricky to pick up. However, if you love something with a little kick, Latin dancing can't be beat.

Tango: Think slow and sultry, or quick and explosive. The Argentinean tango can take on many moods, and is perfect for couples with a taste for the dramatic. Also a 2/4 or 4/4 beat, the tango is for those willing to put in a bit of extra work. Just don't forget the rose for your teeth.

Dancer's Cheat Sheet
While it takes practice and instruction to become a truly beautiful dancer, there are a few quick tips to make sure you don't disgrace yourself when the music strikes up. The first thing is remember your mother and stand up straight. A firm back and a head held high does a lot to compensate for missed steps or faulty rhythm.

The next thing is to keep in mind is your dance frame. Allow a bit of space between the two of you, and keep your arms firm. When there's some tension kept between the two of you, it's easy to feel any cues to turn or change direction given by your partner.

Finally, remember to look at each other. After all, you're newlyweds, and what you lack in style, you can make up for in romance. When you're wearing a silly grin and gazing into your new husband's eyes, who's going to notice that he's stepped on your toes twice? Also, looking at your partner means you're primed to follow his lead.

Put On Your Dancing Shoes
Just showing up for lessons isn't quite enough. Adcock says that coming in with the exact rendition of your first dance song is a must, and also highly recommends that women bring shoes similar to the style they'll wear on their wedding day. The goal of lessons is to take away your fear of dancing, and practicing with the exact music and the right shoes can boost your confidence for the big debut. weddingchannel