A Wedding Can-Can: The Ultimate Dance Guide

Dancing is a common practice at weddings, with many couples choosing to perform a choreographed routine. There are several dances that couples may opt to include in their reception, such as the first dance, the parents' dance, the anniversary dance, and the money dance. Some couples may also choose to incorporate cultural or religious dances, such as the hora at Jewish weddings or the raas garba at Indian weddings. While it is not obligatory to perform a choreographed routine, it can add a unique and memorable element to the celebration. For those who are not confident dancers, there are simple moves that can be learned to blend in with the crowd, or alternative activities can be organised for guests, such as backyard games, a photo booth, or a live painter.

Basic dance moves with a partner

The following are some basic dance moves with a partner that you can try at your wedding:

The Box Step

The box step is a basic dance move that can be applied to several dances, including the Waltz, Rumba, and even Salsa. To perform the box step, simply imagine that you are drawing a box on the floor with your feet. Start by stepping forward with one foot, then step to the side with the other foot, and then bring your first foot back to meet it. Repeat this process on the opposite side, and you've drawn a box! This move can be done at a slow or fast pace, depending on the music.

Swaying Side to Side

This is a simple move that can be done with any song. Stand facing your partner, holding them by the waist or shoulders, and gently sway your body from side to side in time with the music. This move is all about feeling the rhythm and moving in sync with your partner.

The Traditional Dancing Hold

This is a classic dance position where one partner leads and the other follows. If you are the leader, place your right hand on your partner's back, just behind their shoulder, and extend your left hand out to the side. Your partner should place their left hand on your right arm and hold your other hand. From this position, you can guide your partner around the dance floor by applying light pressure with your hands.

The Twirl

Add a little flair to your dancing with a simple twirl. To do this, take a small step back and lift your partner's arm above their head. They will then turn under their raised arm while still holding on to you. Just be careful not to get too carried away and bump into other couples on the dance floor!

The Step-Touch

The step-touch is a versatile move that can be done with a partner or alone, and to a fast or slow song. Simply step out with your right foot on the beat and bring your left foot over to tap next to it on the upbeat. Then, repeat the movement in the opposite direction. When dancing with a partner, you can both do the step-touch at the same time, but starting with opposite feet.

Dancing alone or to a fast song

If you want to try a basic step-touch, step out with your right foot to the side on the beat, then bring your left foot over to tap next to your right foot, dipping your body down slightly. Then, step out with your left foot to the side and bring your right foot over to tap, dipping your body again. Keep alternating from side to side in time with the beat. Don't be afraid to use your arms too, bending them at the elbows and swinging them along with the step-touch.

You can also try making a box with your step-touch. Step out with your right foot to the side and tap with your left foot, then when you step out with your left foot, go back and to the left diagonally. Bring your right foot back to meet your left and tap, then step out with your right foot to the right side. Bring your left foot up to meet it, and you've made a box! Repeat this movement to keep dancing.

If you want to move forward or backward, try a step-touch pivot. Step back with your right foot and bring your left foot back to meet it, tapping as you do. Pivot your feet slightly to the left, then step back with your left foot and bring your right foot back to tap. Keep moving backward in this way for a few steps, then go forward by doing the opposite, stepping forward instead of backward. Swing your hips out to the side as you step.

The traditional dancing hold

The can-can is a high-energy, physically demanding dance that became popular in the 1840s. It is characterised by vigorous skirt and petticoat manipulation, high kicks, splits, and cartwheels. Originally danced by couples, it is now associated with a chorus line of female dancers.

If you are the leader, you guide your partner by applying light pressure with both hands and moving your partner in the direction you want to go. For instance, if you want to turn to the right, pull a little with your right hand on their shoulder while pushing a little with your left hand. As the follower, it is important to be relaxed, engage with your partner, and pay attention to their cues.

Variations

There are many variations of the can-can, and its rules are quite flexible. Some of the more common moves include the famous leg movement in the air with raised frills, the rond de jambe (a quick rotary movement of the lower leg with the knee raised and skirt held up), the port d'armes (turning on one leg while grasping the other leg by the ankle and holding it almost vertically), and the grand écart (flying or jump splits). It has also become common for dancers to scream and yelp while performing the can-can.

Dancing the hora at a Jewish wedding

To dance the hora, guests join hands in a circle, with their right palms up and left palms down. The dance begins with a step to the side with the left foot, followed by crossing the right foot behind the left. The steps are then repeated, with a hop on the left foot and a kick with the right. The circle of dancers will slowly move to the left as they continue the movement. The hora can be danced for as long as the couple desires, with more traditional weddings having longer hora dances.

In some Jewish communities, men and women dance separately in their own circles, while in others they dance together in co-ed circles. The hora is typically performed at one of two times during the wedding reception: immediately after the first dance or right after dinner. It is customary to have a large dance floor to accommodate this dance.

The hora is a flexible dance that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages and backgrounds. It is a great way to celebrate the newlyweds and bring joy to their special day.

The foxtrot

The dance was first performed in 1914 and was popularised by husband-and-wife duo Vernon and Irene Castle, who gave the dance its signature grace and style. The Castles were inspired by the rhythm of W.C. Handy's "The Memphis Blues" and created what they initially called the "Bunny Hug". They later changed the name to "Foxtrot" while travelling abroad. The dance was standardised by Arthur Murray, who introduced tango-like movements.

The American Social Style is a social and party dance that is well-suited for crowded rooms and dancers who may not know each other well or have had much dance training. Dancers close their feet at the end of each figure, progressing slowly around the room. Figures include the basic movement forward and back, the alternating quarter turns (zig-zag), the rock turns right and left, and the promenade.

The American Continuity Style is often used in competitive dance, formation dance, and performing arts. It differs from the social style in that dancers pass their feet at the end of each figure, allowing them to progress more rapidly and continuously around the room. Body contact is optional, allowing for a wider variety of positions and figures. Figures include the open left box turn, the open twinkle, the open right turn, and the serpentine (progressive twinkles).

The International (British) Style is popular in Europe and Britain as a social and competitive dance. It requires dancers to maintain body contact at all times, limiting the variety of possible figures and positions. Dancers focus on creating a smooth, gliding motion around the dance floor, often utilising heel turns. Figures include the feather step, reverse turn with feather finish, three-step, and natural turn.

Frequently asked questions