How to dad dance
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
80 Father-Daughter Dance Songs for a Sentimental Moment
- Wedding Ideas & Advice
- Wedding Music
These songs will commemorate the special relationship you share with your dad.
By
Alyssa Wells
Alyssa Wells
Alyssa Wells was a digital editor and web producer at Brides for three years, and she has been contributing to the publication since 2012.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 10/28/22
Photo by Joel Serrato
Few wedding moments are more touching than the father-daughter dance. Traditionally, it's the second dance of the wedding, immediately following the first dance between the newlyweds. Of course, if there's another special person in your life whom you see as a father figure, you can share your special moment with them instead (this could be the person who gives you away if you choose to uphold that custom).
You want to pick a song that really speaks to your emotions, but finding the perfect choice among the endless options out there can be tricky. So, to help you choose the perfect tune for your tender moment with dad, we've compiled 80 of the best father-daughter dance songs out there.
If you don't know where to start, pick a genre you both love first, and search within that category of music. There's bound to be a song that fits the bill.
01 of 80
"Sweet Pea," by Amos Lee
Lyrics of Love: "Sweet pea/Apple of my eye/Don't know when and I don't know why/You're the only reason I keep on coming home"
02 of 80
"How Sweet It Is," by James Taylor
Lyrics of Love: "I close my eyes at night/Wondering where would I be without you in my life/Everything I did was just a bore/Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before/But you brighten up for me all of my days"
03 of 80
"Father's Eyes," by Amy Grant
Lyrics of Love: "When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say/She's got her father's eyes/Her father's eyes/Eyes that find the good in things/When good is not around"
04 of 80
"Times of Your Life," by Paul Anka
Lyrics of Love: "The seasons are passing one by one/So gather moments while you may/Collect the dreams you dream today/Remember, will you remember/The times of your life?"
05 of 80
"Unforgettable," by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
Lyrics of Love: "Unforgettable in every way/And forever more/That's how you'll stay/That's why, darling, it's incredible/That someone so unforgettable/Thinks that I am unforgettable, too"
06 of 80
"The Way You Look Tonight," by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics of Love: "Someday, when I'm awfully low/When the world is cold/I will feel a glow just thinking of you/And the way you look tonight/Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm"
07 of 80
"Butterfly Kisses," by Bob Carlisle
Lyrics of Love: "All the precious time/Oh like the wind, when the years go by/Precious butterfly/Spread your wings and fly/She'll change her name today/She'll make a promise/And I'll give her away"
08 of 80
"Father and Daughter," by Paul Simon
Lyrics of Love: "I'm gonna watch you shine/Gonna watch you grow/Gonna paint a sign/So you always know/As long as one and one is two/There could never be a father/Love his daughter more than I love you"
09 of 80
"Forever Young," by Rod Stewart
Lyrics of Love: "And when you fin'lly fly away, I'll be hoping that I served you well/For all the wisdom of a lifetime, no one can ever tell/But whatever road you choose, I'm right behind you win or lose"
10 of 80
"What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong
Lyrics of Love: "I see trees of green, red roses, too/I see them bloom for me and you/And I think to myself what a wonderful world"
11 of 80
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: "You are the sunshine of my life/That's why I'll always be around/You are the apple of my eye/Forever you'll stay in my heart"
12 of 80
"Daughter," by Loudon Wainwright III
Lyrics of Love: "Everything I say/She takes to heart/Everything she takes/She takes apart/That's my daughter in the water/Every time she fell I caught her/Every time she fell"
13 of 80
"My Girl," by The Temptations
Lyrics of Love: "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day/When it's cold outside I've got the month of May/Well I guess you'd say/What can make me feel this way?/My girl/Talkin' 'bout my girl"
14 of 80
"I Loved Her First," by Heartland
Lyrics of Love: "From the first breath she breathed/When she first smiled at me/I knew the love of a father runs deep/And I prayed that she'd find you someday/But it's still hard to give her away/I loved her first"
15 of 80
"Brown Eyed Girl," by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: "So hard to find my way/Now that I'm all on my own/I saw you just the other day/My, how you have grown/Cast my memory back there, Lord"
16 of 80
"Cinderella," by Steven Curtis Chapman
Lyrics of Love: "Oh, I will dance with Cinderella/I don't wanna miss even one song/'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight/And she'll be gone"
17 of 80
"I Turn to You," by Christina Aguilera
Lyrics of Love: "For a shield from the storm, for a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm, I turn to you/For the strength to be strong, for the will to carry on/For everything you do, for everything that's true, I turn to you"
18 of 80
"Sweet Child O' Mine," by Guns N' Roses
Lyrics of Love: "She's got a smile it seems to me/Reminds me of childhood memories/Where everything/Was as fresh as the bright blue sky/Now and then when I see her face/She takes me away to that special place"
19 of 80
"When My Little Girl Is Smiling," by The Drifters
Lyrics of Love: "When my little girl is smiling/There's nothing more I can say/I see those big bright eyes/And then I realize/That girl is gonna get her way"
20 of 80
"Lean on Me," by Bill Withers
Lyrics of Love: "Lean on me, when you're not strong/And I'll be your friend/I'll help you carry on/For it won't be long/'Til I'm gonna need/Somebody to lean on"
21 of 80
"Dance With My Father," by Luther Vandross
Lyrics of Love: "If I could get another chance/Another walk/Another dance with him/I'd play a song that would never ever end/How I'd love love love/To dance with my father again"
22 of 80
"Have I Told You Lately," by Rod Stewart
Lyrics of Love: "Have I told you lately that I love you?/Have I told you there's no one else above you?/Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness/Ease my troubles, that's what you do"
23 of 80
"Wildflowers," by Tom Petty
Lyrics of Love: "You belong among the wildflowers/You belong somewhere close to me/Far away from your trouble and worries/You belong somewhere you feel free"
24 of 80
"Changes," by Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne
Lyrics of Love: "We've shared the years/We've shared each day/I love you daddy/But I found my way"
25 of 80
"Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)," by Billy Joel
Lyrics of Love: "Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream/And dream how wonderful your life will be/Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby/Then in your heart there will always be a part of me"
26 of 80
"Michelle," by the Beatles
Lyrics of Love: "I love you, I love you, I love you/That's all I want to say/Until I find a way/I will say the only words I know that you'll understand/Michelle, ma belle"
27 of 80
"My Little Girl," by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: "I turned around and you've almost grown/Sometimes when you're asleep/I whisper I love you in the moonlight at your door/As I walk away, I hear you say/Daddy love you more"
28 of 80
"Not While I'm Around," by Kat Jennings and Angela Lansbury
Lyrics of Love: "No one's gonna hurt you, no one's gonna dare/Others can desert you, not to worry, whistle and I'll be there"
29 of 80
"Oh! My Papa," by Eddie Fisher
Lyrics of Love: "No one could be so gentle and so lovable/Oh, my pa-pa, he always understood/Gone are the days when he could take me on his knee/And with a smile he'd change my tears to laughter"
30 of 80
"Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole
Lyrics of Love: "Somewhere over the rainbow/Way up high/And the dreams that you dream of/Once in a lullaby"
31 of 80
"The Long and Winding Road," by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: "The long and winding road/That leads to your door/Will never disappear/I've seen that road before/It always leads me here/Leads me to your door"
32 of 80
"There Goes My Life," by Kenny Chesney
Lyrics of Love: "Sleep tight, blue eyes and bouncing curls/He smiles/There goes my life/There goes my future my everything/I love you, daddy goodnight/There goes my life"
33 of 80
"When You Need Me," by Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics of Love: "When you need me call my name/'Cause without you my life just wouldn't be the same/If you want me come sunny skies or rain/When you need me just call my name"
34 of 80
"I Got You Babe," by Sonny & Cher
Lyrics of Love: "Don't let them say your hair's too long/'Cause I don't care, with you I can't go wrong/Then put your little hand in mine/There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb"
35 of 80
"You Are So Beautiful," by Joe Cocker
Lyrics of Love: "You are so beautiful/To me/You are so beautiful/To me/Can't you see/You're everything I hoped for/You're everything I need/You are so beautiful/To me"
36 of 80
"(They Long to Be) Close to You," by the Carpenters
Lyrics of Love: "On the day that you were born the angels got together/And decided to create a dream come true/So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue"
37 of 80
"A Wink and a Smile," by Harry Connick Jr.
Lyrics of Love: "Just the sound of your voice/The light in your eyes/We're so far away from yesterday/Together, with a wink and a smile"
38 of 80
"Isn't She Lovely," by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: "Isn't she lovely?/Isn't she wonderful?/Isn't she precious?/Less than one-minute old/I never thought through love/We'd be making one as lovely as she/But isn't she lovely made from love?"
39 of 80
"Scarlet Begonias," by the Grateful Dead
Lyrics of Love: "Ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves/Scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues/And there's nothing wrong with the look that's in her eyes/Had to learn the hard way to let her pass by"
40 of 80
"Always, in All Ways," by Kenny Loggins
Lyrics of Love: "I thought you'd always be daddy's child/And suddenly you were grown/Now that you're on your own/If ever you feel alone/I'll be there beside you/For always, in all ways"
41 of 80
"The Best Day," by Taylor Swift
Lyrics of Love: "And now I know why all the trees change in the fall/I know you were on my side/Even when I was wrong/And I love you for giving me your eyes/Staying back and watching me shine"
42 of 80
"Constellations," by Jack Johnson
Lyrics of Love: "It was just another night with the sunset and/The moonrise not so far behind/To give us just enough light/To lay down underneath the stars listening to Papa's translations of the stories across the sky"
43 of 80
"Count on Me," by Bruno Mars
Lyrics of Love: "If you tossin' and you're turnin' and you just can't fall asleep/I'll sing a song/Beside you/And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me/Every day I will/Remind you"
44 of 80
"Daddy," by Beyoncé
Lyrics of Love: "Can't stop my tears from falling/I love you so much, daddy/Thank you (my unborn son to be like my daddy)/You've done so much for me (want my husband to be like my daddy)/I love you, daddy"
45 of 80
"Daughters," by John Mayer
Lyrics of Love: "On behalf of every man/Looking out for every girl/You are the God and weight of her world/So fathers, be good to your daughters/Daughters will love like you do"
46 of 80
"Dream Big," by Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband
Lyrics of Love: "And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud/Cause it will carry all your cares away/And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself/And it will help you feel okay"
47 of 80
"Gracie," by Ben Folds
Lyrics of Love: "One day you're gonna want to go/I hope we taught you everything you need to know/Gracie girl/And there will always be a part of me/Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me/My little girl"
48 of 80
"Hero," by Mariah Carey
Lyrics of Love: "And then a hero comes along/With the strength to carry on/And you cast your fears aside/And you know you can survive/So when you feel like hope is gone/Look inside you and be strong"
49 of 80
"I Hope You Dance," by Lee Ann Womack
Lyrics of Love: "Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens/Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance/And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance/I hope you dance"
50 of 80
"Kind and Generous," by Natalie Merchant
Lyrics of Love: "Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave/The love, the tenderness, I want to thank you/I want to thank you for your generosity, the love/And the honesty that you gave me"
51 of 80
"Let Your Heart Sing," by Katharine McPhee
Lyrics of Love: "If you follow/Follow the voice in your heart/Always know that's how to find/Who you are/So hold on/Never let go of your dreams/You'll see the magic/Believing is where it begins"
52 of 80
"My Wish," by Rascal Flatts
Lyrics of Love: "I hope you never look back, but you never forget/All the ones who love you, in the place you live/I hope you always forgive, and you never regret/And you help somebody every chance you get"
53 of 80
"Somethin' Special," by Colbie Caillat
Lyrics of Love: "It's something special to me/Days go by and I grow stronger/It takes time, but I will never let go"
54 of 80
"Thank You," by 33Miles
Lyrics of Love: "What if I looked at my life in a different way/Took a little more time to stop and pray/I know it will change all the moments in between/So here I go/Thank You for everything/Thank You for loving me"
55 of 80
"You Raise Me Up," by Josh Groban
Lyrics of Love: "You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains/You raise me up to walk on stormy seas/I am strong when I am on your shoulders/You raise me up to more than I can be"
56 of 80
"Your Song," by Elton John
Lyrics of Love: "Oh I know it's not much but it's the best I can do/My gift is my song/And this one's for you/And you can tell everybody this is your song/It may be quite simple but now that it's done/I hope you don't mind"
57 of 80
"You've Got a Friend," by Scotty McCreery
Lyrics of Love: "If the sky above you/Should turn dark and full of clouds/And that old north wind should begin to blow/Keep your head together/And call my name out loud/And soon I will be knockin' upon your door"
58 of 80
"Just Fishin’," by Trace Adkins
Lyrics of Love: "There holdin' that pink rod and reel/She's doin' almost everything but sittin' still/Talkin' 'bout her ballet shoes and training wheels/And her kittens/And she thinks we're just fishin'"
59 of 80
"It Won’t Be Like This for Long," Darius Rucker
Lyrics of Love: "He lays down there beside her/Till her eyes are finally closed/And just watching her it breaks his heart/Cause he already knows/It won't be like this for long"
60 of 80
"Because You Loved Me," by Céline Dion
Lyrics of Love: "You were my strength when I was weak/You were my voice when I couldn't speak/You were my eyes when I couldn't see/You saw the best there was in me/Lifted me up when I couldn't reach"
61 of 80
"Always Be Your Baby," by Natalie Grant
Lyrics of Love: "You are my hero/And that will never change/You still can dry my tears with just your smile/The one I've leaned on/From my first steps/To walking down the aisle"
62 of 80
"Daddy's Hands," by Holly Dunn
Lyrics of Love: "I remember daddy's hands how they held my mama tight/And patted my back for something done right/There are things that I'd forgotten that I loved about the man/But I'll always remember the love in daddy's hands"
63 of 80
"Daddy's Little Girl," by The Shires
Lyrics of Love: "Used to wrap my hands around his little finger/Turns out he was wrapped around mine/He said 'you can be anything you want to in this great big world'/But I'm always gonna be daddy's little girl"
64 of 80
"Wind Beneath My Wings," by Bette Midler
Lyrics of Love: "Did you ever know that you're my hero/And everything I would like to be?/I can fly higher than an eagle/For you are the wind beneath my wings"
65 of 80
"Walk With You," by Edwin McCain
Lyrics of Love: "I'll take this slow sweet walk with you/You'll let go of my hand to say: I do/He will discover just how blessed a life can be/I know 'cause all those years ago/Your mom handed you to me"
66 of 80
"Dance With My Daughter," by Jason Blaine
Lyrics of Love: "Gonna dance with my daughter/Spin her around under the lights/'Cause I'm just a father/Making the most of this moment in time"
67 of 80
"My Darling," by Wilco
Lyrics of Love: "Grow up now/My darling/Please don't you grow up too fast/And be sure, darling/To make all the good times last"
68 of 80
"It's for My Dad," by Nancy Sinatra
Lyrics of Love: "He always was a rock when I needed one/He gave me good advice when I needed some/I want you to know that when it's said and done/He's one of the best friends I ever had"
69 of 80
"Butterfly Fly Away," by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Lyrics of Love: "You tucked me in, turned out the light/Kept me safe and sound at night/Little girls depend on things like that"
70 of 80
"Emmylou," by Vance Joy
Lyrics of Love: "Oh c'mon sleepyhead, get yourself to bed/Don't go losin', oh, the nighttime/Oh, don't feel bad/Well, I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou/You are loved, you are loved, you are loved"
71 of 80
"In My Life," by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: "Though I know I'll never lose affection/For people and things that went before/I know I'll often stop and think about them/In my life, I'll love you more"
72 of 80
"One Call Away," by Charlie Puth
Lyrics of Love: "I'm only one call away/I'll be there to save the day/Superman got nothin' on me/I'm only one call away"
73 of 80
"I Will Walk With You," by John Fogerty
Lyrics of Love: "I will walk with you/Every step of the way/Love you all my life/Love you every day/No matter where you wander/No matter what you do/Come what may I will walk with you"
74 of 80
"Roots and Wings," by Miranda Lambert
Lyrics of Love: "I raise my glass/On a Saturday night/I thank the Lord above/On my Sunday drive/For Daddy's hands/And Mama's dreams/He gave me roots/She gave me wings"
75 of 80
"My Little Girl," by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: "You're beautiful baby, from the outside in/Chase your dreams but always know/The road that will lead you home again/Go on, take on this old world but to me/You know you'll always be my little girl"
76 of 80
"First Man," by Camila Cabelo
Lyrics of Love: "You're looking at me while walking down the aisle/With tears in your eyes, maybe he deserves me/You don't even know how much it means to me now/That you were the first man that really loved me"
77 of 80
"Two Steps Behind," by Def Leppard
Lyrics of Love: "Whatever you do/I'll be two steps behind you/Wherever you go/And I'll be there to remind you/That it only takes a minute of your precious time/To turn around"
78 of 80
"Tupelo Honey," by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: "She's as sweet as Tupelo honey/She's an angel of the first degree/She's as sweet as Tupelo honey/Just like honey from the bee"
79 of 80
"Landslide," by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics of Love: "Well, I've been afraid of changin'/'Cause I've built my life around you/But time makes you bolder/Even children get older/And I'm getting older too"
80 of 80
"Like My Father," by Jax
Lyrics of Love: "And if he lives up to my father/Maybe he could teach our daughter/What it takes to love a queen/She should know she's royalty"
dance with dad at the wedding
On our site you can not only read useful articles on wedding topics, but also see examples of wedding greetings, as well as order wedding greetings in the form of poems, songs, rap and in other formats.
For each parent, his child remains small, let him finish school, university, work for a long time, get married, become a parent himself ... And the heart always calls us to the father's house (if, of course, the relationship is good), when it is difficult for us and when we are happy . A wedding is not just an exciting event, it is also parting with childhood. Acquisition of a new, adult status. Dance with dad at the wedding - should I do it? For any girl, this is an important issue, since it is the father who symbolically transfers her to a new, young family, approving the choice of a loved one. But fathers are not always ready to dance with their daughter in front of a large number of people. Shyness, employment before the wedding can play a role, and the relationship between parents and children, alas, is not always built the way we would like. Therefore, such a question needs to be considered and discussed in advance, even during the planning of a wedding event.
Discussing in this article:
- Is it obligatory to dance with the father at the wedding?
- Dad and stepfather: with whom should the bride dance the first dance?
- What to do if the father of the bride does not want to dance?
Is it obligatory to dance with the father at the wedding?
Remember how beautiful everything looks in romantic movies? The groom is waiting for the bride at the altar, and the father, brushing away tears of joy, leads her to his beloved and solemnly hands over his hand.
And when the holiday begins, the adult daughter invites her father to the first dance. Yes, in the movies everything is fine, but life can be different.
Is it obligatory to dance with the father at the wedding? Of course not. This is only your desire. Relationships with parents are different for everyone, and some resentment against each other can ruin an important moment. These things are discussed and decided in advance. It's great if from a very early age the girl had an excellent relationship with her dad. And if not? Dance with dad - whether you need to do it, it's up to you and him to decide. If, for example, you are in a quarrel for any reason, but at the same time dad came to the holiday, you should not try to consider dancing with him as an opportunity to make peace. It's better to decide not in public. Nothing terrible will happen if there is no dance with dad. But there will be no extra reason for resentment or the manifestation of too violent emotions.
But if you have an excellent relationship, and dad agrees, great! Such a moment is not forgotten.
Dad and stepfather: with whom to dance the first dance for the bride
Human destinies develop differently. The exchange of rings and the cries of “Bitter!”, the birth of children and years of living together do not at all guarantee that people will always be together. It happens that people disperse and start other families. And if there is a dad and a stepfather at the wedding: with whom should the bride dance the first dance?
Everything here depends on the people themselves. If, having gone to another family, the father continued to take care of the children and maintained friendly relations with his mother, and at the same time the stepfather was no worse than his own father, you can discuss this moment with the host and dance two dances. The first is with dad, the second is with stepfather. If dad is indifferent to his former family, he came to the wedding just to check in, and the stepfather completely replaced his own person, you need to dance with your stepfather.
If the relationship between families leaves much to be desired, the best option is to give up the dance and seat the parents with their chosen ones away from each other. And if the parents divorced when the girl was already an adult and independent, it makes sense to give the dance to her father. In any case, this issue should be discussed in advance with those who are closer to you.
What if the bride's dad doesn't want to dance?
As beautiful as dance scenes in movies look, don't expect life to be the same. Do not forget that each participant of the wedding celebration is a living person with their own feelings and desires. What if the bride's dad doesn't want to dance? First, don't be offended. Do not think that dad refuses to dance solely out of harm. Maybe he just doesn't like to dance. Or considers such a dance an exclusively Western tradition. Or afraid to do something wrong. Talk, get into position, try to explain that this means a lot to you. Ask to dance with you at home - perhaps awareness of the touching moment will let you hear consent.
But don't push or get upset if dad is against it. The main thing is a good relationship between you. Remember that for dad, your wedding can be even more exciting than it is for you. And it is really difficult for him to accept that his daughter has become an adult and is leaving for another life. It is much more difficult for parents to part with the childhood of children than for children themselves.
What to do? To accept. And prepare a surprise for dad to show how much you love him. For example, order a song for a wedding from the author of the site Tatyana Agapova. It's very touching. The price of such a gift is expressed not in money, but in joy.
Love each other and appreciate your relatives!
- Tags:
- dance
Many are used to mothers taking their children to dance classes. If something does not work out for the child, then the mother is always ready to help, support and dance together.
But at the Philadelphia dance studio, it's not like that at all. An event is held here every year when dads are supposed to join the children's classes. Men should be ready to help and participate in the dance, even if it is ballet. The incident was featured on a cute Dancing Dads video and quickly went viral. He was supported by world stars, for example, actress Jennifer Garner. Details of the event were described by the GMA publication.
@echappedancearts
Every year the dance studio hosts an EDA. On this day, fathers must join their daughters for 1 hour of ballet and 1 hour of yoga. Event founder Erin Lee says she's seen dads support their daughters' love of dancing. This prompted her to organize such an event. She says that everyone in the studio is delighted with the actions of dads who bring and take their daughters from classes, help them prepare for concerts. “These dads are here all year round, but few people know about it. We wanted to show the world how it works,” says Erin Lee.
There were 12 dads in the class the day this cute video was filmed. One of them, Julian Myers, said he had no hesitation when it came to standing next to 5-year-old Nola and dancing. He shared that he instills in his daughter that you need to live and try new things. The man is 10 years old and works as a truck driver and invests in real estate. Julian Myers adds that this is an opportunity for him to meet other dads and socialize.
The man says that during the dance the girls could look around and see that other fathers also support their daughters. He believes that this is a very important understanding for a child. Ballet classes cheered up the men as well. Julian says that all dads try to be leaders, but during the dance you can relax and start smiling.
Now the management of the dance studio is wondering if it is possible to make such an event a monthly event. Erin Lee says they used to think stereotypically. It seemed that the popes would not want to do this.
