First dance wedding traditions across cultures

While some cultures don’t have a first dance as part of the wedding, for the ones that do, first dances sure liven up the ceremony. Some first dances are more formal while others see the couple let their hair down and shake a leg as they begin their new lives together. Here are some wedding dance traditions from across the world. 

Jewish weddings

The most popular Jewish wedding dance is called the Horah. It’s a fun one as it sees the couple, seated on a chair, be lifted, chair and all, by their guests, moving in a circle and grooving to the traditional song called ‘Hava Nagila’. Sometimes, a sheet or fabric is passed to the other when the chairs are lifted with the dance highlighting their connection. Along with the Horah, other Jewish wedding dance forms include the Krenzl—a way of honouring the mother of the bride, who is crowned with a wreath of flowers as her daughter dances around her. Then, there’s the Mizinke, a dance that sees the parents celebrate by having the guests dance around the couple. This dance takes even more significance if the child getting married is the last one to do so. Lastly, there’s the Mitzvah Tantz, which sees family members and the rabbi dance in front of couple with them joining in later. 

Scottish and Irish weddings

In the traditional Scottish and Irish social dance, the Ceilidh, the group or band performing has a caller, a guide of sorts, who encourages the guests and explains the next steps. These could range from switching partners to swinging or swirling them, moving to one side, alternately holding hands, or moving in and out of a circle.

Russian weddings

The traditional wedding dance called ‘Paying The Ransom’ is all things fun. It sees the groom head to the bride’s home to pay a ransom to get the bride. Her parents bring back another person whose face is covered. Knowing that the person isn’t his to-be spouse, the groom makes his feelings heard to her parents. The vulnerability comes at a price and this is where they ask him to dance (and sometimes, even ask him for money). Once he’s done enough and they are satisfied, the real bride is brought out. 

Turkish weddings

Dance has always been a great way to bring people together and celebrate. The Halay is no different as it forms an integral part of any Turkish occasion, especially weddings. The guests hold hands as they either form a circle or a line. The dance, performed to live folk music, starts off slow with the tempo increasing and getting faster with every passing minute. Some common steps here include shuffling and stomping that are perfectly in sync with the music.

Greek weddings

Symbolising togetherness and happiness, the Tsamiko is a traditional Greek wedding dance set to lyra, clarinet, and lute music, also performed at festivals and other social gatherings. Dancers are seen holding hands (sometimes held up high) and going around in a circle. Some variations include a circle of men dancing around a circle of women. There could also be a lead dancer who enters right in the middle of the circle, directing everyone with the dance steps. 

Italian weddings

Featuring instruments like the tambourine, accordion, and guitar, the traditional dance called Tarantella is performed to fast-paced music making it a whole lot of fun. Performed either solo, in pairs or in groups, the dance is filled with fast, energetic movements that include spinning, hopping, and footwork. The songs, being playful, also give guests the chance to flirt with and tease their dance partners. 

Filipino wedding

Wedding dances are all about paying homage to one’s heritage and culture. The Salidsid dance is a courtship dance that’s passed down from the Kalinga tribe. It’s one that sees the groom doing the best he can to impress his bride. Along with some footwork, he takes it up a notch by acting like a rooster to get her eyes on him. The bride ups the ante by then moving around him like a hen.

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