Dance tips to help you with your first steps as a wedded couple

Here are five first dances for five different kinds of brides, formulated with some expert guidance from Catherine “Katt” Saliba, who teaches at Always Ballroom in Dayton. She has worked prior to the nuptials with couples who want to execute anything from a few simple steps to choreographic productions that incorporate the bridal party.

The Princess

Your dance will be a “Foxy.” That’s a cross between the frisky foxtrot and the slower more sensuous rumba to a slower tempo than a foxtrot. You’re the star of the show.

Off Beat

You’ll do a “funk” dance — maybe something with hints of locking, popping or the electric boogaloo, not that you will ever rival a street performer’s moves. Midway through, you can morph into the hustle as the music switches to disco, which will encourage others to think about joining you on the floor.

Elegant

A rumba (slower) or a foxtrot (faster) will be best for you and your partner. You have a live band. All eyes will be on you and your groom as you glide, gazing into one another’s eyes. Very classy. In very good taste.

Simple

A glorified box step that travels might be just right for you. You just want three or four steps, not a major production, so you’ll look good and won’t step on each other’s toes. It would be nice to do something that travels and includes some simple underarm turns or other rotations.

Trendy

A faster rumba done to a love song you can hear on the radio right now will be just right for you. You want fun and spirited, but not too fast — maybe a slow dance that transitions into something more lively. Up-to-date takes precedence over traditional.

Saliba said some couples seek her guidance just two weeks before the wedding, which makes it tough to do much. Others start six months ahead. “My favorites are the ones who are up for anything. They tend to be fast learners,” she said.

Some come to her with a song already chosen. Others ask her to pick.

One request she gets a lot is for "just a simple waltz or something." The problem with a waltz is finding songs to go with it (3/4 time, three beats per measure, whereas many songs are 4/4). There aren’t many, although you could try something by Enya or new age Celtic music.

“Any song can be used for dance, though. All it takes is a good coach,” she said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or tmorris@Dayton DailyNews.com.