Popular First Dance Styles

4 Popular First Dance Styles

According to legend, in the days when warriors would capture their bride, the first wedding dance was to show off their bounty to their fellow warriors. The tradition of the first wedding dance in America dates back to the early 1900s when the couple would dance the reception located a short distance from the wedding venue on a farmstead. As weddings became more formalized, traditional first wedding dances were waltzes, but today many different styles of first dances are used. If you will soon by getting married, then choose the style and song that is right for you.

Waltzes

Couples who would like a traditional first dance should consider a waltz. This choice is more popular than it was a few years ago, because couples are being introduced to the music through Dancing With the Stars. Popular waltzes at weddings include Can You Feel The Love Tonight? By Elton John, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Lauryn Hill, Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross, and I Want To Hold Your Hand by the Beetles.

Foxtrots

Foxtrot music has a long tradition in America dating back to about 1914. Therefore, many couples have danced their first dance to a foxtrot tune. This can be especially effective at a chic wedding with a more relaxed atmosphere or used to set the tone at a Victorian wedding. Popular songs that may be used include A Kiss To Build A Dream On by Louis Armstrong, A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkin, All My Life by Frank Sinatra, and At Last by Joan Osborne.

Merengue

Merengue music comes to America from Latin America. Many couples choose it because of its fun upbeat tempo. These songs usually have a quickening pace towards the end of the dance, so couples need to be physically fit to hold out for these songs. Popular selections include Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars and We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP.

Swing

Another fun first dance song style is the swing. These songs can even be highly choreographed so that the couple is actually putting on a performance for their wedding guests. Swing music is especially popular at country theme weddings in Houston. Popular swing first dance songs include Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Gloria Gayner, Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Michael Buble and Give Me Your Kisses by Louis Armstrong.

While first dances are an American tradition, it is important to choose the style that fits your theme and tastes the best. It is your wedding, so choosing the right first dance for you allows you to set the tone for the rest of the dance.

 

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