- First dance
The first dance is an element in a number of traditions, being an opening of a certain
dance function: ball,prom , etc.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
Emperor or King, aprince , 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. [FromRudyard 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. "]In 17th-century
France ,Minuet , "the Queen of Dances", was the first dance.In the
Victorian era of Great Britain the first dance was aquadrille . [Thomas E. Hill, "Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette" (1994) ISBN 0-912517-12-3 (paperback)]In 19th century
Russian Empire balls were opened withPolonaise .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 orcotillion .Weddings
The "first dance" of a
bride andgroom is an important component of thewedding ceremony in modern European and American traditions.Traditionally, the first wedding dance has been
Waltz . In modern timesballroom dancing is no longer a widespread skill, and rehearsing the "first dance" has become a lucrative business fordance studio s and independent dance instructors. Today more popular dances include the foxtrot, merengue, and swing. Alternatively, many couples just do a "slow dance ".Other
* At "
Studniówka ", a kind ofprom inPoland , the first dance is usually apolonaise , which students usually have to practice before the ball.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 princeee also
*
Wedding music References
External links
* [http://www.uk-disco.co.uk/articles-public/29_08_2006Top-10-First-Dance-Wedding-Songs.asp Top 10 First Dance Wedding Songs] , based on a poll of 1,300 DJs by uk-disco.co.uk
* [http://sheknows.com/about/look/5394.htm First dance trends] , bySharon Naylor , an author of about 30 wedding books
* [http://www.wedalert.com/content/articles/surviving_dance.asp Surviving the First Dance - Ten Tips]
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