Ask the Expert: How Can I Make Sure My Groom’s Surprise Dance Isn’t a Disaster?
Question: My groom and his groomsmen are gung-ho about performing some sort of choreographed dance at our reception, like the ones you see in all of the viral videos. The whole thing makes me a bit nervous, though. How can I make sure it doesn’t turn into a disaster on the dance floor?
Answer: The key to a successful surprise dance, says Stephanie Fitzpatrick, talent director at EBE Entertainment, is lots of preparation beforehand. “First and foremost, discuss with your groom and his groomsmen that they’ll need to be committed to properly planning the dance. If it’s just thrown together and sloppy, it may not have the impact they’re looking for.”
The music the guys are dancing to, the dance moves they choose and when the dance will take place are all important factors to nail down in advance of the Big Day. Fitzpatrick suggests having your groom reach out to a dance studio that offers private lessons or an event company with dancers and producers that can spend some time with them—a professional point of view will certainly be useful, she says, and they can help with choreography for any experience level. “As someone who has done custom choreography for guys who are non-dancers, I recommend arranging three one-hour rehearsals for them before your wedding day.”
Once the guys have committed to doing the dance, you’ll need to speak with your band or DJ about incorporating their performance into the evening at the most opportune time. Make sure they have the correct version of the chosen song and that all of the guys know when they’re scheduled to hit the dance floor. And if it doesn’t go exactly as planned, stay calm: “Even if they aren’t incredible dancers, their personalities and the heart they put into it will undoubtedly make your guests smile.”
For more Ask the Experts, go here.
RELATED: OMG: This Pro Dancer and His Groomsmen Pulled Off the Most Awesome Surprise Wedding Dance
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