Father Daughter Dance Tips

1. Pick a song that has some history

- Was this a song you used to sing to her as a kid?

- Was this the song you danced to at her father-daughter dance in middle school?

- If all else fails, let her pick the song. After all, you’re a cool Dad.

Most important thing: The story behind the song will far outweigh any dance steps you perform together.

2. Dance something that reduces stress

Here’s the deal: Dances that move at the pace of walking, allow your brain to think and converse like you’re walking. Dances that move at the pace of sprinting limits the “casual functions” (talking, smiling, breathing) of the brain.

Our recommendations:

Light and Casual	Faster or Fancier	Breathing Optional
Foxtrot	Waltz	Quickstep
Rumba	Cha-Cha	Salsa
Slow Swing	Jitterbug	Lindy Hop

3. It’s OK to get Emotional, just keep things moving

We know this is a big deal moment. Growing up, you’ve been her rock, her shoulder to cry on, and you’ve provided great direction and advice. This dance is no different. As tough as it is, you’ve got to:

- Keep it moving… even if there’s a tear or two en route to your cheek

- Provide support… keeping your elbows stretched and your back straight will give her plenty of support if she’s beating you to the “cry party”.

- Give direction… thank her for the dance with a hug and some words of praise and encouragement for this new chapter in her life.

Most important thing to remember: Whether it’s her new marriage or your new dance skills; everyone will be crying.

4. Stay in your lane

Your basketball coach always told you, “how you practice is how you play”. Well, the same holds true for your dance performance. Nothing will get you onto “America’s Funniest Home Videos” faster, than if you attempt something in the performance that wasn’t practiced. So if you want to keep it classy, the best thing you can do to “Stay in your lane” is to take dance lessons at a (prepare for a big plug) professional, world-renowned dance organization. Somewhere like, say… I don’t know, Arthur Murray? Doing that will:

- Teach you how to dance for the day… and maybe forever

- Reduce the stress of anything dance related… or even wedding related

- Help develop a strategy that caters to your time schedule and ability… even if, up until that point, it seemed like a laughing matter

- Eliminates your daughter feeling obligated to be your teacher… she’s got her heart in the right place, but she has enough to think about

Well, you’ve done it. You have helped your daughter successfully navigate through life to find the man of her dreams. By following these Father Daughter dance tips, then you’ll be helping her navigate the dance floor as well. However, just because she’s starting a new life with her spouse doesn’t mean that you can’t do the same with yours. This new “Dad the dancer” persona is quite the popular dude… especially with that other lady in your life: “Mom the Spanish Seniorita”.

Happy Dancing!