First dance

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The first dance is an element in a number of traditions, being an opening of a certain dance function: ball, prom, etc.

Contents 1 Balls 2 Weddings 3 Other 4 Notable occurrences 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Balls

In the context of balls, the term "first dance" has two meanings.

At various formal balls the first dance was usually performed by a couple which included a person of highest social position in a given context: the King or Emperor, a prince, etc. Their dance was the opening of the ball. Private balls were traditionally opened by the host or hostess.

Since these times the phrase "to open the ball" has become a figure of speech for initiating an activity which will be subsequently continued by others. Quite often the term has been used in descriptions of battle scenes. ^[1]

In 17th-century France, Minuet, "the Queen of Dances", was the first dance.

In the Victorian era of Great Britain the first dance was a quadrille.^[2]

In 19th century Russian Empire balls were opened with Polonaise.

Another meaning is the first occurrence of a young lady in a social gathering. It could have happened either during a usual ball or during a specially arranged debutante ball or cotillion.

[edit] Weddings

The "first dance" of a bride and groom is an important component of the wedding ceremony in modern European traditions.

Traditionally, the first dance has been Waltz. In modern times ballroom dancing is no longer a widespread skill, and rehearsing the "first dance" has become a lucrative business for dance studios and independent dance instructors. Alternatively, many couples just do a "slow dance".

[edit] Other

• At "Studniówka", a kind of prom in Poland, the first dance is usually a polonaise, which students usually have to practice before the ball.

[edit] Notable occurrences

• The first dance of Cinderella was the "first dance" in two senses: it was her first dance, and she was asked to open the ball by the prince

[edit] See also

• Wedding music

[edit] References

1. ^ From Rudyard Kipling's "The Drums Of The Fore And Aft": Over that pock-marked ground the Regiment had to pass, and it opened the ball with a general and profound courtesy to the piping pickets; ducking in perfect time, as though it had been brazed on a rod.
2. ^ Thomas E. Hill, "Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette" (1994) ISBN 0912517123 (paperback)

[edit] External links

• Top 10 First Dance Wedding Songs, based on a poll of 1,300 DJs by uk-disco.co.uk
• "Polling the Pros: First Dance Songs", by Minnesota Bride magazine
• First dance trends, by Sharon Naylor, an author of about 30 wedding books
• Surviving the First Dance - Ten Tips