A wedding dance is a great way to round off the celebrations, with many couples taking some dance tuition to make the traditional "first dance", which throws them into the spotlight, something special.
It does not matter which style the couple chooses. In Polynesian cultures where dancing plays a large part in many types of events, the wedding dance is learned as a matter of course.
For a couple with little dance experience ballroom dances such as the waltz or the foxtrot are ideal. For one thing there's a good chance that one or other of their parents can ensure their footwork is in good enough shape to get them around the dance floor. They are also widely known dances that will motivate guests at the wedding to quickly join in.
These days couples often want to add a little extra dash and this is where dance styles such as Ceroc and salsa come in.
Ceroc, the funky partner dance that has its roots in American jive and which is now being taught widely in Otago and Southland, is a popular choice. For couples wanting to learn some simple moves for their wedding, the steps taught are basic enough to be picked up quickly by those who may never have learned dance steps before.
In some cases the whole wedding party will learn simple steps that will carry them right through the evening. Ceroc is able to be adapted to fast or slow music, from rock'n'roll to jazz and swing.
Salsa, with its Latin beat, is another style that is attracting young people. Originating in Puerto Rico and emerging from the musical climate of New York in the 1950s, its popularity has now swept Europe, Japan and New Zealand.
