We can dance if we want to: First Dance and Parents Daance

Because we chose to mingle during the reception, we did not have a huge entrance where we were introduced as husband and wife. To give us a sort of "entrance" DJ Matt Armor announced/introduced us to the guests as we made our way to the dance floor for our first dance. The song "Teenage Wasteland" was playing (note: this is also the song the Lakers were introduced to during their championship season, yes we are obsessed) during our introduction.



Once we were on the dance floor, Dashboard Confessional's "Stolen" began to play.

We soon realize that due to the sunset, bright sunlight would be shining into one of our faces as we sway around the dance floor. It was a bit funny.




We also sung some of the lyrics, but I didn't want to cry so I stopped.


And a hug to close :)

Later in the night I danced with my father. All through the reception and as we walked up to the dance floor, I told him that we would be dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller". I even yelled, "Thriller!" to the just seconds before the music started. He almost freaked out. Then "Times of Your Life" by Paul Anka (his choice song) came on. It was way funny but sweet.




I love this photo captured by my brother. It is after the dance and my dad is doing "Thriller dance moves walking back to the table.

Next came Hubs and MIL's dance. Such a sweet moment for her since he is her youngest and last to marry.


The danced to, "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone.

There is something about a Mother- Son dance that pulls at your heart strings.

I absolutely loved the dances. We had spent the rehearsal and wedding day running around, socializing with everyone, and chock full of energy, that it was nice to take a moment (even though it was in front of everyone) and enjoy the company of ourselves and our parents. The intimacy and emotion in the bit of time on the dance floor was quite lovely.




All photos, except for one noted, are by the amazing Sarah K Chen
Blog title is from lyrics by Men Without Hats

We can dance if we want to

One popular Filipino tradition is the money dance. During the reception, the bride and groom are on the dance floor while guests gather for a short (30 seconds to 1 minute) dance with the couple. Male guests line up for the bride, female guests line up for the groom. The only requirement is that the guest "pay" for the dance. Payment is in the form of cash, usually $1 or $5, that is then pinned to the couple. Sometimes guests get creative and make money belts, hats, crowns, leis. The dance starts off a bit slow, but ends with lots of laughter and too much fun.

Having a money dance is a decision we have been going back and forth on. My side of the family has seen and participated in many of these, so it's almost expected. The mister's side may have seen a type of money dance, but not a Filipino one, so we're a bit apprehensive about how they receive the idea. We love the concept and opportunity to spend a bit of personal time with guests, yet don't want to offend anyone. To assist in the decision, I compiled a list of pros and cons to the money dance.

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Pros include: getting to dance and share a short moment with plenty of guests, keeping guests entertained, a light-heartened mood is set with lots of laughter, it's traditional at Filipino receptions, we can play fun songs like: "Can't buy me love" by the Beatles, we can gain some cash for the future, and super fun photos will be taken.

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Cons include: having to explain it to those who haven't seen it before, finding ways to encourage guest participation without looking like we're asking for money, getting pricked by the pins, smelling like money, and our dance floor is a bit small.

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The pros outweigh the cons. So we'll see. Part of me wants to do the dance we we can take such fun photos! :)

Are you planning to do a money dance?

Blog title is from lyrics by Men Without Hats

Dancing with Myself

Years ago Blink 182 performed a choreographed dance in their boy band parody video for their single "All the Small Things". MTV's Making the Video followed them through the process and my cousin and I thought it would be funny to learn those steps. While we never learned the steps, I think it would be a great song/dance to do our first dance to. It's a cute love song, popular during our adolescence, and dance steps are very funny.



With the Grammy appearance announcement of a new Blink 182 album in the works (my inner teenage heart skipping a beat), I might be able to push this choreographed dance idea into reality. Not sure how much convincing the mister needs though (since we had decided that our first dance song would be "Stolen" by Dashboard Confessional) because if it's a lot, I may be dancing with myself.

What was your first dance song? Did you do something choreographed?

edit: my sister just read this and said, "you'll probably still end up dancing by yourself" gotta love her :)

Blog title is from lyrics by Billy Idol