How long should father daughter dance be
How Long Should the First Dance Be? — Duet Dance Studio Chicago
Ever wonder how long your first dance or father-daughter dance should be at your wedding? In this blog post, you will find out all of the useful information regarding the length and etiquette for your first dance, father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. Let our wedding dance experts at Duet Dance Studio answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding wedding dances!
How Long Should the First Dance be?
The wedding first dance should be between 2.5 to 3 minutes long. From our experience, this amount of time gives you ample time to make your first dance magical and romantic without feeling too overwhelmed (all eyes will be on you) or boring your guests. Try rocking side to side to a full song that is more than 4 minutes long. Awkward, right? Even if you have a fully choreographed dance, dancing a minute in front of hundreds of guests can feel like forever. For professional dancers, it is rare that they dance more than 2 minutes. Notice most "Dancing with the Stars" routines are about 1.5 to 2 minutes long. So, what if your first dance song is more than 3 minutes long? It's simple. You can either have your DJ fade out the song or have your band play a shorter version of the song.
How Long Should the Father-Daughter Dance or Mother-Son Dance Be?
The father-daughter dance or mother-son dance should be around 2 minutes long. Again, the key is to keep it short and sweet. Especially since the focal point of the reception should be the newlyweds, it is recommended that the parent dances to be shorter than the first dance of the bride and groom. That way, you can enjoy the sweet moments dancing with your parents without overshadowing the first dance. For those of you who feel awkward dancing with your parents, you can combine the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance (dancing to one song). That way, you will feel less stressed about being the center of attention.
What is the Order of Wedding Dances?
Nowadays, we usually see the bride and groom performing their first dance first followed by the father-daughter dance and then mother-son dance.
However, back in the day, the father would first dance with his daughter and then "give her away" to her groom for the first dance. There's really no "right" way to do this. It's all up to you! Now, you might wonder when the dances should take place? Before dinner or after? That's also up to you. For those of you who are nervous about dancing in front of your guests may find it nice to "get it over with" sooner (before dinner). On the other hand, doing your first dance after dinner, specifically at the beginning of your reception, will set the tone of your reception and really get the party started!
To Button or Not to Button?
This question might seem minute but we often get asked by groom-to-be. "Should I have my jacket buttoned or unbuttoned during the first dance?" The answer is again - "It's up to you!" We suggest practicing your dance moves with your jacket on. That way, you know what feels comfortable (buttoned or unbuttoned.) Since there is no strict rule on this, simply go with whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident dancing.
What are Some Simple Dance Steps that You Can Do at a Wedding?
Below are a couple of simple dance step that you can do to a majority of wedding dance songs. These steps work great for both first dance and parent dances. You can also speed up the steps or slow down your footwork to match the tempo of your song.
Any other questions regarding wedding dances? Please comment below. Want to learn more useful dance steps? Click the button below.
Have fun dancing at your wedding!
Duet Dance Studio is a group of friendly dancers who are passionate about helping people and sharing the joy of ballroom dance. Our physical studio is located in Chicago West Bucktown. We offer ballroom dance lessons, wedding dance instruction and private dance parties. Online Wedding Dance Lessons and Skype dance lessons are also available! Dances we teach include Salsa, Swing, Tango, Bachata, Merengue, Waltz and Foxtrot. Sign up for an introductory dance lesson now to get started!
Everything You Need to Know
Ah, the father-daughter dance.
It's that moment during the celebration when the bride honors their father, and it represents the gratitude they have for their father's love as they enter a new phase of life. At best, this dance can provide a sweet moment of family connection; at worst, it can feel a little antiquated. Either way, it's a staple at many, if not most, weddings. The father-daughter dance (similar to the mother-son dance, which usually follows) is a way to shine a spotlight on the person who helped guide the newlywed through life.
As you consider integrating the tradition into your wedding, questions will likely arise, such as: When does the father-daughter dance take place? How long should it last? What song should we choose? Where did the tradition come from, anyway? Well, we have answers to all those questions and more. We spoke to Alicia Mae, owner and lead wedding planner of ILÉ Events, about everything pertaining to the father-daughter dance.
Meet the Expert
Alicia Mae is a New Jersey-based wedding planner and the CEO of ILÉ Events.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the father-daughter dance tradition.
The History and Meaning of the Father-Daughter Dance
As many wedding traditions do, the father-daughter dance stems from our patriarchal history. Back when most marriages were arranged and social, political, and monetary alliances were what led to unions rather than love, the father-daughter dance served as a sort of final demand by the bride's father before their husband became the most important man in their life. After this dance, the bride would be able to dance with their new spouse, whom they had likely only met recently.
Nowadays, the father-daughter dance doesn't carry the same meaning and seldom comes first, at least in American wedding culture. "Initially, in the previous era, the father would have the first dance with his daughter and then 'give her away' to her husband," Mae explains. "As culture evolved, many couples opted for the first dance to be theirs.
Now, you will find the father-daughter dance taking place right after the newlywed's first dance."
Since love is the primary driver for marriage these days, most traditions rooted in gender inequality have been reclaimed as special moments between two people who deeply care for one another. The father-daughter dance is regarded as a beautiful moment between a bride and their father and symbolizes their appreciation for the love and guidance they received throughout their life.
Father-Daughter Dance FAQs
When should we have the father-daughter dance?
Most brides have the father-daughter dance right after their first dance with their spouse. If you don't want to have it after the first dance, other good times to squeeze it in are following the toasts and before the cake cutting.
What song should we dance to?
You can talk to your father about what song they would like to dance to, but ultimately, it's up to you. "Some brides choose a heartfelt song that leaves the crowd in tears while other brides option for a song that brings laughter as Dad boogies," Mae says.
Whether fast or slow, it should be something that speaks to your relationship. Thankfully, there are a bunch to choose from.
Should we choreograph the dance?
If you're dancing to a more upbeat song, it's not a bad idea. If you're sticking to a traditional slow dance, it might not be necessary, and you can just opt for a couple of dance lessons instead.
Can I also include my stepparents?
Of course! You can always switch partners and songs midway through. If you have a few people you'd like to honor, they can take turns cutting in to share the dance.
Raised by two fathers? Pick two songs, shorten them to about two minutes each, and dedicate a special dance to each of your dads, one after the other.
How long should the dance last?
A lot of the time, the dance will last as long as the song does, granted it falls in the three-to-four minute range. Some people recommend, however, playing a shortened version rather than the full one, since guests' attention spans tend to wane.
Tradition Alternatives
Wedding traditions are not one-size-fits-all and should not be treated as such. There are many ways brides can go about making the father-daughter dance their own. First, it's important to acknowledge that some brides might not have a relationship with their father or, sadly, may no longer have them in their lives. In this case, one might choose to dance with their mother, another family member, or someone else who played an important role in their life growing up.
Mae says that she's seen many creative ways in which couples modernize traditions, which helps to put a unique spin on a wedding. "One of my favorite experiences was watching the newlyweds have their first dance while the bride and groom's parents dance alongside them," Mae recalls. "It was an extended first dance that exemplified the love between each family. Later in the song, other married couples joined in on the fun. This unique twist presented the feeling of family and unity, compared to the old tradition," she says.
"Instead of a father giving his daughter away, the two families became one."
As always, whether you stay classic, remix the tradition, or forego it altogether, the choice is yours. "Individually and collectively, the message or traditions you want to begin as a couple rely entirely on you," Mae says. "Starting and sticking to that truth will help you pick what is most valuable to you while wedding planning."
7 Viral Father-Daughter Moments From Real Weddings to Melt Your Heart
How to announce a father-daughter dance at a weddingHow to announce a father-daughter dance at a wedding
Touching dance of father and daughter at the wedding
A wedding celebration is not only a holiday for the bride and groom, but also a huge significant event in the life of their parents. It would seem that quite recently, dad and mom led their children by the hand to the first grade, and then met the morning dawn together at the graduation ball, and today they are present at the solemn marriage of their adult children.
Mothers of the bride and groom steal away happy tears of joy from their faces, while fathers try to restrain their emotions and be more restrained. But there is one touching wedding tradition, when “all the bastions fall”, and fathers very emotionally express their bottomless and boundless love for their adult daughter. There is such a magnificent tradition - the dance of the father and daughter at the wedding, which leaves no one indifferent.
How to choose a style
The romantic and charming white dance of the bride with her father can be staged in any style. The choice of a musical composition and the dance format depend on the dance skills, health status and physical data of the older generation.
Therefore, it is worth evaluating and thinking over the choreography of the dance and its musical accompaniment in advance. A daughter's wedding dance with her father can be performed in any style. Most suitable:
- slow waltz;
- romantic tango;
- rhythmic salsa;
- touching rumba;
- energetic rock and roll;
- potpuri;
- cheerful lambada;
- funny dance performance.
It should be remembered that the wedding dance of father and daughter should not be too long, even 4-5 minutes is enough.
After all, the main purpose of the dance is not in the technical details of the choreographic performance, but in demonstrating all the warmth and sincerity of parental relationships, the desire of the bride to express gratitude to her father for care and upbringing.
When choosing a wedding dance style, it is important to take into account the general theme of the celebration and the accompanying musical accompaniment of the wedding event.
To make the dance number of father and daughter exciting and touching, it is necessary to choose a choreographic style in which partners feel as comfortable as possible.
What to consider when choosing music
Traditionally, the bride and groom dance the first dance at the wedding, but the bride invites her father to the second dance.
In order for the dance composition to turn out to be romantic and successful, it is necessary to choose the right musical accompaniment.
Music and lyrics are able to convey all the feelings, mood and emotions of the dancers. Several musical compositions can be suggested as recommendations:
- Bryan Adams – Everthing I Do.
- Father and daughter - A. Marakulin.
- Tim McGraw - My Little Girl.
- Father - V. Berezovskaya.
- Daughter - A. Kuchersky.
- Tep No – Pacing.
- Maverick Saber – Come Fly Away.
- Jason Evigan - Cinema.
These compositions are good examples, which successfully combine beautiful touching melody and semantic text content. The dance of the bride with dad in such musical accompaniment is able to surprise and delight any wedding guest.
Tips for getting ready
From the side, the dance of the bride with her father seems very sweet and sincere.
It would seem that it is so easy and simple to take and dance an ordinary dance to a beautiful melody, but one must take into account the solemnity of the moment, the attention of numerous guests, the exciting mood and many other factors.
Therefore, one should carefully prepare for this beautiful ritual:
- Beforehand, one should consult with the father whether he is ready to dance at the wedding celebration. If dad is not ready to dance, then he will be embarrassed by the host's offer to dance with the bride.
- If a mutual agreement about the dance is accepted, it is necessary to take a few choreographic lessons at a dance school or learn a few dance moves on your own.
- Father's age must be taken into account. It is quite possible for a young and active dad to master a few rhythmic movements of a fast dance, and a slow and calm rhythm of a dance composition is well suited for an aged father.
- You can rehearse the dance together, or together with your mother, who, as a spectator, will tell you the dance technique.
It is not difficult to learn dance movements, it is much more difficult to bring them into a single harmonious dance composition. - When preparing a dance program, remember that the main dance of the wedding is the dance of the bride and groom. Therefore, it is necessary to take a responsible attitude not only to the preparation of a dance number with the father, but also to prepare in parallel the very first dance of the newlyweds - the bride and groom.
In this video there is a touching dance between the father and the bride:
The touching dance between the bride and the father is always filled with emotion and respect for parents. In a few minutes of a dance composition, it is impossible to convey all the emotional thrill of the transition from a carefree childhood, presented by caring parents, to adult independent life.
What do you think is the essence of this dance?
41 father and daughter dance songs for dad
Frederiks Photos & Movies
Choosing music for your wedding reception can definitely be a challenge when planning a wedding, especially when you're narrowing down your list of potential father-daughter dance songs. Remembering all the sweet moments you had with your father or his figure, choosing a song that reflects your relationship can be a daunting task. To help, we've rounded up the very best father and daughter dance songs to get you two swaying and spinning during your wedding reception. Whether you're looking for something upbeat and easy to dance to, or a song that will lift everyone's soul, these popular father and daughter dance songs daughters are perfect for any wedding day.
Check out the best father and daughter dance songs that will make you and your father shed a couple of tears.
Father Daughter Dance Songs: Country
Tim McGraw's "Humble and Kind"
In this iconic country song, Tim McGraw lists all the important lessons parents want their children to remember when they grow up.
My Wish by Rascal Flatts
"My Wish" is the best father-daughter dance song because it includes all the hopes and dreams that fathers have for their daughters as they begin this new chapter of their lives.
"The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" by Logan Mize
In this sweet song, Logan Mize talks about how beautiful he thinks his daughter is. She is absolutely perfect for him.
Brett Young Lady
If you also want to pay tribute to your mother, pay attention to "The Lady" by Brett Young. It's about the perfect example a mother sets and how Young hopes his daughter will follow in his wife's footsteps.
"There's No Such Thing as a Broken Heart" by Old Dominion
This sweet song sounds like your father's rant.
Tim McGraw's "My Little Girl"
Tim McGraw captures exactly what it's like to watch your daughter grow up during this beautiful country tune.
"Just Fishin" Trace Adkins
This country hit is sure to take you back in time.
"Just Fishin" is about the special bond between a father and his little girl and is a great choice if you're looking for a sentimental song.
Unique Father and Daughter Dance Songs
Andrew McMahon's Cecilia and Companion in the Desert
McMahon wrote this great alternative song for his own daughter. Message? That he would always be by her side, no matter what.
"Let It Be Me" by Ray Lamontagne
In this beautiful song, LaMontagne sings about being there for the ones you love when they feel down.
Loudon Wainwright's "daughter" III
With words like "That's my daughter in the water / Everything she knows I taught her" and "That's my daughter in the water / Every time she fell I caught her,” we think your dad will enjoy dancing.
this cold folk song.
"Daughters" by John Mayer
This song perfectly shows how important a father's love really is. A beautiful acoustic sound will set the tone for a beautiful, sentimental slow dance.
Paul Simon's "Father and Daughter"
Paul Simon's beautiful melody, choosing this song will definitely give you and your father the feeling of a father and daughter dance.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
A timeless classic, this father-daughter dance song is sure to bring tears to your guests.
The combination of Armstrong's gritty voice and soft musical accompaniment is sure to put a smile on your faces.
Father and Daughter Contemporary Dance Songs
Camila Cabello's "First Man"
This beautiful song, told from the perspective of a daughter, pays homage to the first man who loved you: your father.
"Emmylou" Vance Joy
If your father was there when you were having nightmares, this beautiful song is perfect for your father and daughter to dance.
"Better Together" by Jack Johnson
This charming tune tells how much fun you and your dad have when you're together.
"How I Love You" from Passenger
This beautiful acoustic ballad is filled with good wishes ("Strive for what you love / Embrace what you feel") and sweet reminders ("You are beautiful the way you you are").
"Better Day" by Taylor Swift
Although this sentimental tune was originally written for Swift's mother, we love the idea of using it as your father and daughter's dance song.
Bruno Marsa "Count on Me"
If your dad is the most reliable guy in the world, this is the perfect song to dance to.
It will bring a smile to everyone's faces, especially his.
"One Call" Charlie Puth
If you're looking for a modern father-daughter dance song, Charlie Puth's pop hit is a great choice.
"Butterfly Fly" Miley Cyrus
This beautiful acoustic song is especially suitable for newlyweds who have a single or single father.
Father and Daughter Rock Dance Songs
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks' folk rock is a great classic choice for a father-daughter dance song. If you think it's too slow for your dance, you can choose a more upbeat version, such as a cover of The Chicks.
"Sweet Baby" by Guns N Roses
Slow dancing to an epic rock song will make your father and daughter's dance completely unforgettable.
Rolling Stones She's a Rainbow
A fun father-daughter dance song, with this rock hit you can easily become the owner of the dance floor.
"You're My Sunshine" Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash's cover of this timeless song is definitely an old song, but a good song that works great as a father-daughter dance song.
Father and Daughter Fun Dance Songs
"The Best of Me" Andy Grammar feat. El King
Whether you want to make a move or just rock back and forth to a fun beat, "The Best of Me" is a fantastic father-daughter dance song.
Amos Lee's "Sweet Pea"
This cheerful tune is a great choice for a father-daughter dance song. Amos Lee's mix of folk, rock and soul creates a light-hearted beat that will keep everyone rocking as they watch you spin around the dance floor with your dad.
"My Girl" by The Temptations
Take it back to the 60s for a father-daughter dance song to this classic The Temptations hit. It has a great beat that's easy to dance to even if you two aren't professional dancers.
"I'll be there for you" flashback
Whether you're a fan of Friends or just love the song's message, this upbeat tune will have everyone applauding.
"How Sweet" by James Taylor
A great choice for father-daughter dances and easy to sing along to!
"Where Are You Going" Carol King
With lyrics like "All you have to do is call my name / And I'll be there on the next train", this sweet song will make everyone smile.
Father and daughter sentimental dance songs
Stevie Wonder "Isn't she lovely?"
Stevie Wonder actually wrote this song for his daughter Aisha. So, if you and your dad love to dance, then this cheerful and meaningful tune is the perfect choice for a father and daughter dance song.
"You've got a friend in me" by Randy Newman
A selection of a father and daughter dance song from the soundtrack of the movie Toy Story is a great way to pay homage to those movie nights you spent together when you were younger.
Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable"
Nat King Cole's vocals on this classic hit make this father-daughter dance song a crowd pleaser.
Frank Sinatra's How You Look Tonight
What can you say about Sinatra that you haven't heard before? Classic Singer is the perfect father-daughter dance song for a formal event or if you're throwing a vintage-inspired party.
"In My Life" The Beatles
A recognizable song choice with a gentle melody, it's hard to hold back tears of happiness while dancing to this Beatles classic.
"Because you loved me" Celine Dion
Trying to figure out the best way to thank your father for everything? Dance to the song "Because You Loved Me", which details how strong love really is.
"I'll be there" Jackson 5
How many times have you called your father for advice or help? If the answer is A LOT, then this soulful hit is the perfect choice for your father and daughter's dance song.
Spanish Dance Songs of Father and Daughter
"Hermoso Cariño" by Vicente Fernández
These words describe a father's love for his daughter and explain what a treasure she is to him.
"Tu Guardian" by Juanes
In this touching song, the singer explains that he will always be his daughter's guardian.
"Yo Primero La Ame" by Martin Tremolada
"Yo Primero La Ame" is the Spanish version of the classic father-daughter dance song "I Loved Her First".
.These parents violated New York City's no-dance rule
. The dancing will go on for these cheeky fathers and daughters, despite the Department of Education's new rules on gender events."These politically correct things need to stop," said Thomas Tirotta, 43, who took his 10-year-old Lila to a father-daughter dance at PS 38 in Staten Island on Friday night.
"This is something that has been around for a long time," Tirotta said. “Let people enjoy it, and if you don’t like it, don’t leave.”
Last year, the Ministry of Education ordered schools to "exclude" any "gender" practices, such as father-daughter dances. The Department of Energy said Friday schools that want to host parent-child activities must ensure they are gender-neutral and open to all students and caregivers.
But three schools, including PS 38, have said they still plan to hold dad-daughter dances, and a fourth has one on its online calendar.
“They try to take it away from dads, from good fathers. … Now it's all political,” Raul Mejia said, adding that getting his 5-year-old daughter Isabelle to the PS 38 dance was important because “I want to start her from childhood so she can know how a guy should treat her.” . .”
The Department of Energy has announced that PS 38 has been instructed to update the event to welcome everyone.
Midland Beach Elementary School listed shin-dig as a father-daughter dance on their website and confirmed in a phone call that they were running a father-daughter dance. But on the online calendar, this evening was named "Valentine's Day Dance" with a photo of a little girl dancing on men's shoes.
Enthusiastic fathers and daughters knew exactly what they were celebrating on Friday evening.
.First dance Lyrics Frame Father Daughter Dances Lyrics
Photo frame "Father of the Bride" as a lyrical gift
This is a personalized and stylish "Thank You Gift" for the most important people in your life!
Say how much they mean to you with this personalized gift!
This bespoke 4" x 6" bevelled hole mat for any painting of your choice.
The rug is presented in this beautiful 8 x 10 frame.
This gorgeous rug is the words from the song your father/daughter danced to at your wedding, or any other words you wish. It also has your name and wedding date printed on it. .
This gift can also be made for the lyrics of the song for the first dance of the bride and groom as husband and wife, with their names and wedding date in the personalization field.
Please include:
1. Who is the gift from
2. Wedding date
3. The verse/text you want on the mat.
in a message to the seller when placing an order.
.Dance of a father with his daughter at the wedding, music and songs
A father is the first important man in a daughter's life.
He can be caring or always busy, dexterous or clumsy, cheerful or serious. It's not essential. The main thing is that he is a dad. And even when the daughter grows up, she is looking for a companion at least something like her father.
Among Catholics, it is the father who leads his daughter to the altar, as if handing her over to another man who will love and care for her. There is also another popular and sentimental Western tradition that has taken root superbly in our weddings, the father-daughter dance.
When is the father-daughter dance?
There are no specific rules for when exactly in the scenario of the celebration the dance of the bride with the father can be performed. He is often substituted into the script when the opportunity arises. The dance can be at the very beginning of the celebration, as a symbol of the fact that dad says goodbye to his beloved daughter, but approves of her choice and transfers it to the groom's house.
The dance of father and daughter is sometimes performed only after the dance of the young or as a third dance (the bride must first dance with the groom, with her father-in-law, and only then with her father).
The dance ritual will be appropriate at the end of the celebration. He will add liveliness, originality, lyricism to the overall script.
Sometimes the groom and mother join the dance of father and daughter. But in this case, the whole sacrament of the rite, its romance, is lost. Also, there will immediately be problems with the selection of music, because usually a song is selected for this tradition, where it is sung about the relationship between a father and daughter.
Preparing for the dance of father and daughter
The bride should decide in advance on the style of dance, after consulting with her father. The dance can be improvised. To do this, you just need to pick up pleasant music. But if it is very important that the dance looks beautiful and pleasantly surprises the guests, then you should resort to the help of professional choreographers.
- The dance of father and daughter can be prepared in parallel with the dance of the newlyweds.
To do this, you will need 1-2 months or 4 to 8 separate sessions. - The dance should not last too long (one verse with a chorus will suffice).
- The learned movements should be repeated in advance in a wedding dress, then make sure that the cut of the dress allows you to realize the dance.
- It is advisable for the bride to train in wedding shoes - this will make it possible to break them in, as well as avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Consider the end of the dance: either you sit down at the table, or other guests start dancing too.
- Although there are no specific criteria as to when the dance of daughter and father should be performed. But most often it is performed before the first dance of the newlyweds. An interesting decision in the script would be if, at the end of the dance ritual with her father, the bride immediately starts dancing with the groom, but to a different tune.
- The dance can be performed not to one song, but to different melodies.
Such potpourri will be a pleasant surprise for guests and decorate any scenario. - Invitations to the dance of father and daughter should be thought out to the smallest detail. If the song sounds on behalf of the father, then it would be appropriate for him to invite the bride. Also, these responsibilities can be taken over by the toastmaster.
How to choose songs and music for dance?
It's really not difficult to choose a tune for the bride's dance with her father, the main thing is to approach this issue from a practical point of view.
- The composition should be chosen depending on your skills and abilities. If the father or daughter has never danced, then complex movements and tricks can come out sideways during the celebration.
- The song must be rhythmic, but not fast. Because in slow dance it is easier to improvise.
- If your task is not to perform a lyrical dance, but a cheerful one, then you can try to mix two songs, for example, start dancing to any romantic tune, and then abruptly switch the soundtrack to a groovy song (such as boogie-woogie or Macarena).
Or just choose to dance songs such as: Vov Marley "Jamming", The Stray Cats "Rock This Town", Tom Jones "She Is A Lady" . - For a father-daughter dance, choose a tune that describes the two or evokes good memories of an important family event.
- If there is no special song, then you should not worry, because there are many options for the necessary music for every taste. Among romantic compositions, music of domestic artists will be an excellent choice. For example, the song by Joseph Kobzon "Daughter" or the touching composition Arkady Kuchiersky "My daughter" .
- If it is planned in the script that the bride invites her father to the dance floor, then you should choose the song by Maxim Lidov “Dance of Father and Daughter” or Daiquiri “Papa” .
- You can choose for father and daughter dance romantic compositions of foreign performers such as: Anthony W.
