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Dance FeverWedding Journal’s guide to a floor stopping first dance…
 It's the moment you've been dreading, the lights have dimmed, the music has started and all eyes are on YOU. The first dance was created as an opportunity
for newly weds to dance together in a symbolic act of togetherness before family and friends. A generation
or two ago, before the era of the disco, couples were used to tripping the light fantastic together at the local dance hall and had no qualms about getting up and putting on a very public show on their wedding day. Today, the climate has changed and most couples
face the grim realisation that their wedding day will be the first time they have actually danced together, and by danced we mean properly danced, in each others arms, moving in tandem, rather than shaking their
bits across the dance floor under a glitter ball.
So what is the virginal dance couple expected to do? Do you do a three-minute shuffle and grin and bear it as your guests look away in embarrassment, or do you take the matter in hand and get into the rhythm of things with a few dance lessons?
It seems that more and more Irish couples are determined not to be made fools of on the dance floor and are enlisting the help of a dance class or personal instructor to help them with their moves.
Viktoria Barkley set up her company ‘First Dance NI' over a year ago in response to the growing demand for a service that catered specifically for wedding couples, "first dance classes have been huge in America for a number of years and I just knew that there was a similar market here, so I followed my instinct and haven't looked back since. I offer couples an individual and personal service. Each one-to-one class lasts an hour and I recommend a course of five for dance novels."
So what type of couple's are taking lessons? "There's no typical ‘couple'," says Viktoria, "but the one thing they all have in common is a lack of confidence on the dance floor. Nobody wants to be made a fool off on their wedding day and my objective is to ensure that by the end of the lessons the couple are dancing round the floor together in a very natural way."
With most couples never having tried any form of formal dancing, Viktoria's lessons take a very practical approach starting from the very beginning teaching simple steps to help the couple feel comfortable moving together around the dance floor. As confidence builds so does the complexity of the steps with a turn, twist or dip being thrown into the mix. Add in an elegant entrance and a polished ending and you've got the ingredients for a perfect first dance.
"It always helps if the couple have an idea of the first dace song they would like, or at least the style of music they want to dance to," Viktoria explains. "This could range from swing or jazz to modern pop, it totally depends on the personality of the couple - some are totally crazy. I've choreographed first dances for couples to music from Dirty Dancing and Pulp Fiction and I've even had the complete bridal party come to learn how to dance to Michael Jackson's ‘Thriller'
As Viktoria reveals, the great thing about taking a few dance lessons is that you can take those skills with you wherever you go in life. "As well as really enjoying the lessons, it's amazing how many couples comment on what an amazing feeling it is to dance together, I think this really surprises them. I always like to remind couples that even if you have learnt a dance routine to a particular song, once you know the basic steps you can use them anywhere, all you need to do is change your rhythm. Dancing is something you can do forever together and your guests will really appreciate that you have taken the time and effort to learn how to dance, it's nearly like a present for them as well."
Still worried that your two left feet can't be tamed? Don't be. "The important thing to remember is that anyone can dance," says Viktoria. "I always say if you can walk you can dance. Once you break a dance down to the basics it's really simple and from that point on it's all about building confidence." Wj
FIRST DANCE SURVIVAL TIPS:
Practice makes perfect - It's only through regular practice that you will feel comfortable and natural dancing together. The more you practice the better it feels! Try to set aside 20 minutes ‘dance time' two or three times a week in the month leading up to your wedding. Your goal is to feel that you are ‘dancing as one'.
Consider taking dance lessons - If formal dancing is completely new to you and you don't want to simply shuffle around the dance floor then you should think about taking a few private dance lessons. After 3-5 one-hour lessons you'll be dancing like Fred & Ginger!
Be realistic - When learning the moves for your first dance try not to be overly ambitious. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and you'll start panicking. It's better to learn the basics well than fall on your face tackling a more complicated routine. The key is to appear happy, comfortable and confident.
 The three-minute rule - One of the most important things to bear in mind when choosing your first dance song is that less is always more! You don't want to choose a song that lasts longer than three minutes or you run the risk of losing
your audience's attention.
Dress the part - When you set about choosing the tempo and tune for your first dance you need to think carefully about what you will be wearing on your wedding day. A fishtail gown is beautiful, but don't expect to do the splits on the night! You need to be able to comfortably perform all of your dance moves. During your dress fitting check your gown isn't too long (it should be 1.5cm off the floor with shoes on) or your partner might step on it. If you have a wedding train make sure that you have the option of pinning it up at the back or attaching it to your wrist to keep it out of the way while you dance.
Know your song - Once you've picked a song, make sure your DJ or band knows which version of the song it is as it may have been remixed or come in different lengths. Don't assume your band will play the song just like the CD you've been practicing to. It's a good idea to give them a copy of the version you like, or to get a recording of their version, so that you are both singing off the same sheet as such.
Try to relax - If you look stiff and awkward your guests will feel awkward.
Don't let nerves get the better of you - After all your hard work try to enjoy your first dance and have some fun. Remember you're not contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, your wedding guests are not judging your dancing skills, they want to see you enjoying yourself.
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