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.
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[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
[edit] References
- ^ 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.
- ^ Thomas E. Hill, "Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette" (1994) ISBN 0-912517-12-3 (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
