Step by Step with Mara

First Dance for People with Two Left Feet

2007-11-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

Many people think they should "naturally" know how to dance, how to move to the music or how to lead or follow another person. The truth is, most people need some information so that they have a general sense of what to do which in turn builds confidence.

If you want to dance with a partner the first thing you need to know is how to hold your partner in dance position. Have the man hold out his left hand and have the lady reach out and put her hand in his. Have the man reach around the lady's back so that your hand is just below her shoulder blade. Ladies reach up and put your left hand on his shoulder. This is a classic dance hold.

The next thing to do is move your feet. Have the man start to walk forward with his left foot and continue walking slowly around the floor. Ladies you start back on on right foot and just keep stepping each time he does. All you are doing is really walking around -easy!

Now add the music. Find something you like. Walk around to the music. It doesn't matter if you do it slow or double time, try it several ways. This is dancing. Moving around to music.

If you want some really simple ballroom steps go to www.easyfirstdance.com. They are fun and easy to learn and everyone can do them, even if you have two left feet!

Mara Williams
www.easyfirstdance.com

The Father Daughter Dance

2007-10-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Did you know that one of the most nerve racking moments for the dad during the whole wedding process is the Father Daughter dance?

Many times dads and daughters don't even take the time to decide what song to use. All of a sudden the DJ calls the dad out to the dance floor and he has to make the best of it. Here are some tips to make the father daughter dance easy, fun and relaxing for both of you:

-Talk to your dad about a song before the reception. It is ok to choose a song together, perhaps a song you both liked growing up or let him give some song suggestions (he will already have a connection to his song picks and therefore give him confidence during the dance).

-Practice dancing to your song. Put your left hand on his right shoulder, his right hand will go around your back. Take a few steps side to side. It you want to learn this easy step and a turn or a box step, order a copy of the First Dance DVD (www.easyfirstdance.com) and watch it together at home (or send him a copy if you are not in the same city).

-Let your DJ know you want him to start playing the music before you get to the center of the dance floor (have him playing it as he announces you) so that will cut down the time spent dancing to the song.

-Plan an exit. There are three great endings on the DVD, but if you don't have a chance to see it, do a simple turn out and give him a big hug! The secret is you can do this halfway through the song or right at the end - whenever you are done. So, if you don't want to be out there for 4 full minutes, you can end when you are ready.

-Smile. Everyone is watching your face. Enjoy and have fun during this special father daughter moment!

Mara Williams
www.easyfirstdance.com

Welcome to my blog!

2007-10-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the http://www.easyfirstdance.com/ blog that is here to help you create a fabulous first dance!

Many brides are worried about which song to choose, but don't think about how it will feel or what it will look like to stand in the middle of the dance floor and rock back and forth for 3-4 minutes.

We know you want to look great, feel confident and have fun and we can help you. I look forward to sharing tips, tricks and answering questions so that you can have a fantasic first dance!

Stay tuned as I take you Step by Step!

Mara Williams

http://www.easyfirstdance.com/