Same Sex Couples First Dance Gay Lesbian GLBT Wedding Dance Instruction Miami Palm Beach Florida

www.ywdance.com

Same Sex Marriage: Thinking outside the box.

Weddings are as unique as the individuals unifying their lives and traditions. Many people may envision a couples "first wedding dance" as a bride and a groom. But these days, it can just easily mean a "bride and a bride" or a "groom and a groom". Newlyweds can be straight, hetero couples or same sex GLBT couples who´ve designed their own special wedding and commitment ceremonies beginning their life journey together. All weddings frequently have one major element in common: the new couple takes center stage in their first dance together and they want that dance to be a beautiful success.

Two hearts that beat as one:

Dance instructors will say: what same-sex couples bring to the dance floor is a heightened sensitivity toward one another, compatibility, artistic awareness and quality, synergy, creative dynamic and openness. They tend to be receptive, good at dialog, and fun. These are all essential elements of dance! Dancing together should be joyous and freeing but most couples are not professionals; they may not have a lot of experience actually moving in sync together in a structured way. It´s essential that couples be in harmony with one another; if one person is fighting it, the result will not be successful.

A frequent question: Who takes the lead? Who follows?

One dynamic is that same sex couples can change roles within the dance and take turns with the lead. This gives them tremendous flexibility in creativity. There may be one partner who is obviously "the leader" or is simply more comfortable initiating each movement. This is about confidence and should not be based on height, gender, or experience alone.

In Argentina, home of the Tango, a sort of dance revolution is taking place. ABC news recently reported on the rise of same-sex Tango in Buenos Aires. The tango as a dance is about the elements of life: fire, passion, joy, tears, hardships, and conquest. It can be an extremely romantic dance. Alternatively, a more light-hearted, fun-loving couple may want a loosely choreographed dance that allows for spontaneous expression while still having some measure of structure.

The 3 Ingredients of Dance:

1. Music: Most people choose music they like for the beat, the rhythm the sound….but they aren´t always "listening to what they are hearing". You must pay attention to the lyrics! Choose music that fits the occasion and the style of dance you are trying to achieve. For instance, if you want an end result that is free-style and spontaneous, choosing highly-structured music is not the way to go.

2. Style: Waltz, Tango, Salsa, Celtic…your dance needs to also match the music used and vice versa. A Waltz needs a very distinctive 1-2-3 pattern; not every pattern or move is going to fit that 1-2-3 tempo. The tango uses an 8-count phrasing. Latin, Celtic, and other ethnic dance styles all were formed from specific music from their various regions. Salsa done to the wrong music is odd looking as it sounds when music is played backward. Style and music are very closely aligned.

3. Presentation: How to properly perform the dance is as important as choosing the lyrics, type of dance, and song selection. The layout of the dance floor, location of the band, and crowdedness of room must all be considered. If the bridal party is going to be introduced first, they should be placed in positions so that the following new couple isn´t blocked or crowded out from having adequate space to move and be seen clearly. Consider your guests as well: your dance plan should allow everyone to feel comfortable, both gay and straight couples.

Finding dance instruction that understands the unique challenges each couple faces is critical and sometimes difficult. Go into the experience feeling confident that this can be done and done well. Be in sync with one another and keep things fun. Work with recorded music rather than a live band so that you can use the power of predictability in your favor. And make sure the professional you choose to help you accomplish your first dance is sensitive and aware and above all, experienced, in how to assist same-sex couples. If you are in the Palm Beaches/Miami/Hollywood, Florida area and want more information, visit www.ywdance.com , or call 1-877-687-3262 or 305-861-9000.