The Dance of Love: Songs for First Danses and Weddings

Music has the power to bring people together, especially during moments of joy and celebration, like the first dance and weddings. In this article, we explore personal stories about the songs that mark these special occasions. From popular hits to meaningful ballads, each song has a story behind it.

First Dance Song: “The Hustle”

Did you ever wonder what the first song you danced to was? For some, it's a cherished memory that stays with them, while for others, it might be a hazy memory. One such person is a former dancer who recalls their childhood with the song The Hustle by Van Halen. Even though this particular piece of music may not have been their personal first dance song, it brought excitement and energy to the dance floor as a child.

Revisiting Childhood Dance: The Puppet Show

From the early days of tap dancing to the jazz numbers showcased in recitals, the first recital number was often a tap dance performance. This particular work focused on the imagery of teapots, reflecting the young dancer's fascination with the whimsical world of childhood. One of the standout songs in this category has always been Aretha Franklin’s "Think." This powerful and enduring anthem not only embodies the spirit of determination and empowerment but also serves as a reminder of the joy woven into the fabric of a dancer's journey.

Wedding Bands and the Power of Words: Alanis Morissette

Music also plays a vital role in the profound moment of tying the knot. For one couple, the Alanis Morissette song You Owe Me Nothing in Return became their wedding song. This choice was not just about selecting a catchy or emotional tune but a meaningful statement about their belief in the essence of relationships. Their wedding vows, a testament to their commitment and mutual respect, were encapsulated in the lyrics of this song. The couple's vows read:

I commit myself to you as your spouse to learn and grow with to explore and adventure with to build and create with to support you and respect you in everything as an equal partner in the foreknowledge of joy and pain strength and weariness direction and doubt for as long as the love shall last. We exchange these rings to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent a commitment to honor and respect one another and to recognize the agency and essential humanity of each of us.

The importance of agency within a relationship was a core principle that resonated deeply with the couple. The song You Owe Me Nothing in Return beautifully encapsulates this idea, making it the perfect choice for their personal celebration:

Ill give you countless amountsnOf outright acceptance if you want itnI will give you encouragementnTo choose the path that you want if you need itnYou can speak of anger and doubtsnYour fears and freak outs and Ill hold itnYou can share your so-called shame-filled accountsnOf times in your life and I wont judge it

And there are no strings attachednYou owe me nothing for giving the love that I givenYou owe me nothing for caring the way that I careI give you thanks for receiving its my privilegnAnd you owe me nothing in return

A Timeless Waltz: "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce

Looking back over the decades, a memorable first dance song at a wedding was Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce, performed more than thirty-nine years ago. This choice was made based on two principles: the appropriateness of the lyrics and the waltz rhythm. The lyrics of Time in a Bottle are deeply touching and evoke a sense of memories and dreams:

If I had a box just for wishesnAnd dreams that had never come truenThe box would be emptynExcept for the memorynOf how they were answered by you.

The couple values the idea of a waltz because the rhythm is simple and symmetrical, making it easier for someone who is not an accomplished dancer. This connection to the music and the memories it evokes serves as a continual reminder of the love and joy shared on that special day.

Music and dance have a unique ability to capture and preserve the essence of a moment, making it a cherished memory for years to come.