Some wedding traditions should never change. One of those things is the first dance between the newlywed couple, a special moment shared in the early hours of your new life together set to a song that speaks to the love and connection you share. Then come the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance, grandma and grandpa getting out onto the dance floor.
But many of us are insecure and hesitant when it comes to dancing, and being put on the spot in such a personal way on one of the most significant days of our adult lives can be rather stressful. LisaMichelle Eigler, Casey Mertens, and Caitlin Applegate, co-owners of Infinite Movement in Spokane, WA, have certainly been there and seen all the missteps and right steps. At their studio, they love dancing, teaching, and putting the right people with the right instructors to make dancing fun and help each person feel comfortable. Their goal is to create an “all-encompassing, positive social dance community through dance education and social events.” And they have all the tools and opportunities to take you and your partner from two-left-feet awkwardness to a confident skill level that will wow your family, friends, and guests.
“Dancing has always been my way of letting out the stress of the day,” says LisaMichelle, who took her first official dance lesson when she was three years old. “In my former professional life, I needed to be cool, calm, and collected at all times. Dance allowed me to let my hair down and just let the music lead me.”
Casey has been dancing for about seven years. “Watching others connect with their partners and progress together makes me passionate about dancing,” he says. “It’s one thing learning to dance for yourself but being able to show someone else so that they can share in the joy that I experience…that’s why I teach.”
Caitlin started ballet when she was old enough to walk on her tiptoes, but then didn’t dance for many years as an adult. She got back into dancing when she moved to the Inland Northwest. “I love seeing people gain confidence and courage as they learn a new skill that can be applied to so many occasions in their life.”
» Why Dance Lessons?
Dancing is fun and good for you! Dance and movement relieve stress, connect us to each other and ourselves, and keep us healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Learning to dance or improving your skills can boost your confidence in a multitude of situations and add romance and excitement to your relationship.
“I started teaching with some lessons at a bar in an attempt to meet new friends,” says Caitlin. “It became a passion when I realized how boring it is going to a bar and just sitting there!”
You can pretty much dance almost anywhere to any kind of music with anyone else who knows the style you know or knows how to lead or follow. Dance is more than “left foot, right foot, and 5678”. When you realize “I can dance,” you open social and personal doors you never knew existed for you.
» What’s the Excuse?
The top three excuses couples make for not taking dance lessons or improving their dancing skills for their special day are 1) “I can’t dance!” 2) “We just don’t have the time.” And 3) “There are so many other details, I just didn’t even think about that.”
It takes years to become a good dancer, and we all have those fears of not being good enough or fast enough when it comes to dancing. But, anyone can dance, and anyone can learn to be better. “We just have to be willing to let go, have fun, not be perfect, and be willing to try again,” says LisaMichelle.
The couple’s first dance is often the first time guests get to see the bride and groom as a wedded couple, and having a good teacher suited to your learning style help you find the best way to express yourselves as a couple can make that moment unforgettable.
» A Little Fun for Everyone
At Infinite Movement, they not only offer private lessons for the bride and groom, but also a group lesson for the bridal party, a 1-hour class and entertainment at your wedding, and DJ and MC services. “We offer the group lessons and other services so that the couple can ensure their dance floor is a party and a great time!” says Caitlin. “We like to keep a crowd engaged, laughing, and moving while not always being in the spotlight.”
Choosing your music can make or break a reception, but when you are working with the people who know you and your dance styles and skills, you can dance the night away with extra confidence. “Your first couple’s dance song should be something you both connect with,” says Casey. “It should be the song you both sing in the car as loudly as possible.”
Caitlin adds that the playlist for the rest of the night should be upbeat. “Maybe have one slow song for every five faster songs,” she says. A good variety of music will appeal to all the guests and get everyone on their feet at some point throughout the evening.
» Ready, Set, Dance
As the day nears and the lessons are behind you, the most important things to remember are that it’s your day, and you should be able to move comfortably together. Yes, practice is important – in the living room, on the patio, in the garage. But your guests don’t know what you’ve planned. The two of you moving as one on the dance floor is all about connection and creating a memory at the start of a new chapter. “Relax and make it fun!” says LisaMichelle. “And hopefully you will have found a new hobby that you can enjoying doing as a couple.”
To book your first dance lesson, discover a whole new skill set, and join this vibrant social dance community, go to the Infinite Movement website: infinitemovementdancing.com. n
By S. Michal Bennett
