It began as a show of status. Today, it’s a chance to be seen, be silly, or share something real. The first dance has always been about more than movement.
Whether it’s a romantic slow sway or a full-blown routine, the first dance remains one of the most symbolic moments of the modern wedding. But long before couples were dancing to Ed Sheeran or surprise remix mashups, the first dance was a structured, public ritual—one with deep cultural roots in class, gender, and power.
Here’s how the tradition of the first dance evolved—and how Canadian couples today are using it to reflect their relationships.
Royal Beginnings: The First Dance as a Social Cue
The idea of the “first dance” began in the ballrooms of European royalty and aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The hosts of grand balls—often newlyweds or nobles—would begin the evening by dancing first.
- This opening dance wasn’t romantic—it was a signal that the event had officially begun.
- Dances like the minuet or waltz were choreographed and precise, and guests often watched from the edges of the room.
The first dance was about status, poise, and performance—not intimacy.
The Waltz Scandal and the Rise of Romantic Dancing
When the waltz spread across Europe in the late 18th century, it was scandalous:
- Unlike previous dances that kept partners at a distance, the waltz required couples to hold each other closely and rotate around the floor.
- It was initially criticized by clergy and social critics as too intimate and indecent.
- Still, it became the preferred wedding dance throughout the 1800s and early 1900s.
By the time weddings were held in hotels and banquet halls rather than private estates, the waltz had become a romantic staple.
20th Century Shifts: From Ballroom to Personal Moments
As weddings became more individualized in the 20th century, the first dance shifted too:
- In the 1950s–70s, couples often danced to live bands, choosing sentimental ballads or jazz standards.
- The dance remained somewhat formal, but increasingly about the couple’s love story rather than public spectacle.
- As photography and videography grew in importance, the first dance became a key visual moment—requiring lighting, staging, and planning.
The first dance was no longer just an opening act. It became an emotional centrepiece.
Modern Trends: Choreography, Playfulness, and Opting Out
Today, Canadian couples take the first dance in all kinds of directions:
- Some choose a classic slow dance with heartfelt lyrics.
- Others choreograph elaborate routines—sometimes solo, sometimes involving the entire wedding party.
- Some couples ditch the first dance altogether, especially in elopements or low-key celebrations.
Other modern options include:
- Mashup dances that start slow and shift to high-energy beats
- Cultural dances (e.g., salsa, bhangra, jig) that reflect heritage
- Unplugged first dances with no cameras, just presence
More than ever, the first dance is about expression, not expectation.
Cultural Variations and Global Traditions
Not all cultures include a “first dance” in the Western sense, but many have dance-centered rituals:
- In Greek and Middle Eastern weddings, guests often join in traditional circle dances to celebrate the couple.
- Jewish weddings may include a hora as the first communal dance, lifting the couple on chairs.
- In many Indigenous communities, dancing plays a role in honouring ancestors and community bonds.
In multicultural Canadian weddings, couples often blend traditions—having both a Western-style first dance and a cultural dance sequence.
The Photographer’s Moment: Light, Movement, Emotion
The first dance is a favourite for photographers:
- It’s one of the few uninterrupted moments with just the couple in motion
- Lighting, framing, and music combine for cinematic visuals
- Whether quiet or playful, it often captures the emotional tone of the day
Some couples even schedule a second “private” dance later in the evening for a more intimate photo moment.
Related Reading in the History of Weddings Series:
- The History of Wedding Music and Speeches
- The History of the Wedding Reception
- The History of the Bouquet Toss
- The History of Cultural Wedding Traditions
Continue Planning Your Wedding
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