Wedding Traditions From Around the World Oakland CA

Do a Little Dance

At your reception, the dance floor will most certainly be packed. Why not incorporate a traditional folk dance among the typical big band or Motown tunes? If people don't know the steps, your DJ or band can instruct them. There might even be someone in your family who will be willing to lead and motivate the crowd. Some good ones to try:

The Hora: The Jewish circle dance to the famous, high-energy klezmer tune “Hava Nagila” isall kinds of fun. In it, the newlyweds are hoisted up into the air on chairs and are celebrated as “king and queen.”

The Tarantella: This is a lively, flirty southern Italian group dance that involves linking arms, moving in a circle and whirling and twirling about on the dance floor.

The Hasaposerviko: Get into a Greek frame of mind and learn the popular “butcher's dance.” “It's fast, like the hora,” says George Stathos of New York City's My Greek Wedding Band. “You dance in a circle, shoulder to shoulder, with your arms locked.”