Put a fresh spin on the wedding waltz and shimmy into married life. You don't have to be a star to dance, writes Candice Gregor.
So the big day is looming. You've been primping and preening for months now and your tootsies in particular are in fine form, thanks to those regular pedicures. Cast your mind forward to the wedding reception when it's time for you and hubby to take to the floor and dazzle the crowd with your bridal waltz.
If the thought of your man's two left feet squashing your polished peepers (not to mention your diamante-clad Jimmy Choos) isn't a pretty one, fear not. Dance schools around the country specialise in teaching couples to learn a dance for their wedding reception. Not only is it a great way to put a personal stamp on the night with "your song", it also gives you the chance to surprise guests with your hidden talent!
Dancing queen and Channel Seven's Dancing With The Stars judge Helen Richey has been dancing for more than 20 years and she believes the popular show has been partly responsible for encouraging couples to have a go at a hot shoe shuffle, and in particular, to modernise their bridal dance.
"Most people on the show haven't done any dancing before," she says. "I think viewers can see there's definitely a big improvement in the performances from show one to 10, which just goes to show anybody can dance to a degree."
So the wedding's fast approaching, what's the first step in learning to dance? "Contact your local social dance studio and book in for some lessons," says Richey.
What if you're not the most co-ordinated of couples? Is it hopeless? "No," says Richey. "But how many lessons are needed will depend on the couple. Some people may need three lessons, others need 10. Some people really do have three left feet! You should start lessons at least three months before the wedding."
When choosing a song, Richey suggests picking music for lovers.
"Songs that say lovely things are always appropriate, like Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'," she says. No doubt you and your partner will already have a memorable tune or favourite song in mind, but Richey also recommends checking out compilation CDs of love songs in music stores for inspiration.
To choose a dance, ask your instructor to help you to pick a style that suits your song and ability. "Slower dances like the waltz, foxtrot or rhumba, are most popular as wedding dances," says Richey. Waltzes and foxtrots are also the easiest to learn. (Don't forget to take into account how you'll move in your dress when choosing a dance.)
Once you've picked out a song and got the lessons lined up, all that's needed is to peel the groom-to-be off the couch and start his transformation from goofy to groovy. (If this proves difficult, drop a subtle hint you can always go and find a Tom Williams look-alike to dip you.)
"There's a certain stigma that dancing isn't masculine enough but I think that opinion is changing due to the shows like Dancing with the Stars," Richey says. "When people see normal guys training in everyday clothes, they realise it's hard work, just as hard as playing footy, tennis or golf. When you take away the rhinestones and the make-up, dancing still is physically demanding," she says.
And the number one rule to remember? "Posture," says Richey. "The better you stand, the better things will turn out."
So take heed, fellas, crushed toes ain't a good look for us gals. Time to stand tall and go on and get jiggy with it!
Shall we dance? - Take the first step and check out these nationwide dance school websites…
