After our post-ceremony row boat ride, a few family portraits, and what felt like a 2 minute cocktail hour, it was time for our first dance. The Argentine tango! We've been taking lessons sporadically ever since we met, so it was a natural choice for our wedding.
However, Hal is not a fan of choreographed tango. The beauty of the dance is, after all, improvisation. But knowing us, if left to our own devices in front of a large crowd, we'd freeze. So Hal finally agreed to learn a choreographed routine to the classic, Por Una Cabeza. With it's emotional highs and lows, the song symbolizes our 10-year on and off relationship. We studied privately with Tony & Ilana for 8 weeks. They taught us how to wow our guests with subdued basic steps and a few showy tricks.
When the music began to play, I was a bundle of nerves. I sat myself anonymously in the audience, while Hal eyed me from across the dance floor. He smoothly walked over and offered me a flower, which I snubbed. So he got down on one knee, and I accepted.
Oh okay. I suppose I'll dance with you.
The dip. Tony & Ilana told us to hold it 8 seconds for a dramatic effect. It felt like years! Whenever we practiced this move, we'd crack each other up, trying too hard to be serious.
We begged our choreographers to give us a climactic one-legged drag across the dance floor. We sort of look ridiculous in the photos, but I promise, it was cool.
Yes folks, that just happened.
After the dance was over, we were in hysterics! I couldn't believe we performed a tango in front of all our friends and family. We had a few small nervous fumbles, but I'm sure no one noticed. I was so proud of Hal for remembering his steps. And so relieved I didn't fall on my face.
I did a quick change back into my gown for the father-daughter dance. I chose a song by Jim Croce that reminds me of my childhood...
If the giggles give it away, my dad and I did not practice our moves.
Hal and his mother danced to one of her favorite songs by The Beatles. Doesn't she look darling in her vintage Chanel?
HERE COMES THE SUN
NEXT WEEK... THE FOOD! Nom nom.
{Images by One Love Photo}
