Praise Dance?

MrsSmith2Be02

Too much during wedding ceremony? Nothing too extensive..... but I absolutely LOVE dance. I used to dance, but don't anymore and think it would be a great addition to start the ceremony after the candles are lit.

Thoughts?

sheikscorpio88

Maybe you could do this during the reception. Just a suggestion.

MrsSmith2Be02

I was thinking that too....especially because of the venue we want has a stage in the reception area.

2010Bride2be

Reception....defintely reception..

sheikscorpio88

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:b9f0c087-3860-44d8-8866-4f29eefbbbbb">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]I was thinking that too....especially because of the venue we want has a stage in the reception area.
Posted by MrsSmith2Be02[/QUOTE]

That's perfect!

Soon2BSand

My vote is for neither but that's just me (from a guest perspective - Note I am in no way dissing liturgical dance... I'm a liturgical dancer myself)

During the ceremony it's awkward. Like what do you do when they are done? Do you clap, nod and smile or what? During the reception most of your guests wont pay it much attention. A lot of people don't understand the sigficance of praise dance and I'd be annoyed as a dancer dancing somewhere where folks are ambivalent about my being there. 

Considering praise dancing is an act of worship I'd probably side eye the dance done at a reception (read: party with free flowing liquor and music). 

runningbride80

I would also vote for neither, just as a guest. Personally, I am not a fan of a lot of extras during the ceremony...and at the reception, it's an added spotlight dance for people to sit through. After awhile, it could get to be long and awkward for guests.

I think it sounds wonderful for another occasion, but that's just my two cents.

BlissPhilly

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:18250e0a-3b07-46af-8af7-336e5ca7a6f1">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]My vote is for neither but that's just me (from a guest perspective - Note I am in no way dissing liturgical dance... I'm a liturgical dancer myself) During the ceremony it's awkward. Like what do you do when they are done? Do you clap, nod and smile or what? During the reception most of your guests wont pay it much attention. <strong>A lot of people don't understand the sigficance of praise dance and I'd be annoyed as a dancer dancing somewhere where folks are ambivalent about my being there.</strong>  Considering praise dancing is an act of worship I'd probably side eye the dance done at a reception (read: party with free flowing liquor and music). 
Posted by Soon2BSand[/QUOTE]

THIS!!! I am not familiar with praise dance. I went to a wedding and they had this during the ceremony and I was thinking "WTH?" and I was quite annoyed.

hmacsine

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:18250e0a-3b07-46af-8af7-336e5ca7a6f1">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]My vote is for neither but that's just me (from a guest perspective - Note I am in no way dissing liturgical dance... I'm a liturgical dancer myself) During the ceremony it's awkward. Like what do you do when they are done? Do you clap, nod and smile or what? During the reception most of your guests wont pay it much attention. A lot of people don't understand the sigficance of praise dance and I'd be annoyed as a dancer dancing somewhere where folks are ambivalent about my being there.  Considering praise dancing is an act of worship I'd probably side eye the dance done at a reception (read: party with free flowing liquor and music). 
Posted by Soon2BSand[/QUOTE]

What is a praise dance?

Soon2BSand

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:3839df36-ed5a-4dbd-a809-3c0ca199bcdd">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Praise Dance? : What is a praise dance?
Posted by hmacsine[/QUOTE]

<div>It's normally choreographed to gospel music and performed by a team of dancers during services. </div>

MrsSmith2Be02

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:3839df36-ed5a-4dbd-a809-3c0ca199bcdd">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Praise Dance? : What is a praise dance?
Posted by hmacsine[/QUOTE]

Praise dance = liturgical dance. Basically a form of worship. I've been to a lot of weddings where praise dance is done before the processional starts. I guess this is where you know your audience (or in this setting your guest list).

I doubt I would do it at the reception (unless I was in the situation where the reception was in the fellowship hall of the church and you can only play gospel). Seeing as that isn't the case, there should be a clear definition between "holiness" and "party time". Ya know?

Other option is that I could just use the song that I wanted "Just the Beginning" by Kurt Carr as a recessional song. I LOVE that song!

Carla1019

I LOVE dance and I try to see as many ballets and dance performances I can. So knowing that I'm a dance snob (even though I have two left feet) I have high expectations. When I see praise dancers that are not as good as the dancers with dance companies I'm bored and annoyed. Unless you can hire the Alvin Alley Performers to do a number at the reception, I would skip it.

Soon2BSand

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:a7c39422-b735-422a-b0ab-5863980dfa10">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]I LOVE dance and I try to see as many ballets and dance performances I can. So knowing that I'm a dance snob (even though I have two left feet) I have high expectations. When I see praise dancers that are not as good as the dancers with dance companies I'm bored and annoyed. Unless you can hire the Alvin Alley Performers to do a number at the reception, I would skip it.
Posted by Carla1019[/QUOTE]

<div>I didn't want to say this... but yeah this too. <span style="white-space:pre;" class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div><div>
</div>

djscat

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:18250e0a-3b07-46af-8af7-336e5ca7a6f1">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]My vote is for neither but that's just me (from a guest perspective - Note I am in no way dissing liturgical dance... I'm a liturgical dancer myself) <strong>During the ceremony it's awkward.</strong>Like what do you do when they are done? Do you clap, nod and smile or what? During the reception most of your guests wont pay it much attention. A lot of people don't understand the sigficance of praise dance and I'd be annoyed as a dancer dancing somewhere where folks are ambivalent about my being there.  <strong>Considering praise dancing is an act of worship I'd probably side eye the dance done at a reception (read: party with free flowing liquor and music). 
</strong>Posted by Soon2BSand[/QUOTE]

THIS!!!!   Tasha this is why I love you, cause you keep it real without being offensive.  I 100% agree with you on this.  Please do not have praise dancers at your wedding or reception. 

I don't think that people realize all the stuff that has to be crammed into a reception.  Make a list of all the items you want to do at your reception and you will see you just don't have time.

Bridal party intro
Bride and Groom intro
First dance
Dance with father/mother
BM toast
MOH toast
Father of the Bride toast
Cake cutting
Garter toss
bouquet toss
Go around and greet each and ever guest
Oh and I almost forgot you have to sit down and eat the meal with your guest. 

Those are just the basics.

Soon2BSand

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:b3c8322b-1541-4bed-a424-807c51c1cdbb">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Praise Dance? : THIS!!!!   Tasha this is why I love you, cause you keep it real without being offensive.  I 100% agree with you on this.  Please do not have praise dancers at your wedding or reception.  I don't think that people realize all the stuff that has to be crammed into a reception.  Make a list of all the items you want to do at your reception and you will see you just don't have time. Bridal party intro Bride and Groom intro First dance Dance with father/mother BM toast MOH toast Father of the Bride toast Cake cutting Garter toss bouquet toss Go around and greet each and ever guest Oh and I almost forgot you have to sit down and eat the meal with your guest.  Those are just the basics.
Posted by djscat[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I love you more m'dear. :)</div><div>
</div><div>I can't stand to see one of our own doing things that most people will talk about when they get home but never have the guts to say TO them. That irks me... I can't stand back biting behind people. If'n you got something to say... say it!</div><div>
</div><div>*off soapbox* LOL

</div>

MrsSmith2Be02

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_praise-dance-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:f87edca5-8c2a-4c46-b5bc-be1ea9560a33Post:a7c39422-b735-422a-b0ab-5863980dfa10">Re: Praise Dance?</a>:
[QUOTE]I LOVE dance and I try to see as many ballets and dance performances I can. So knowing that I'm a dance snob (even though I have two left feet) I have high expectations. When I see praise dancers that are not as good as the dancers with dance companies I'm bored and annoyed. Unless you can hire the Alvin Alley Performers to do a number at the reception, I would skip it.
Posted by Carla1019[/QUOTE]

HA! That's funny, but true. No, I have a specific person that I want to do it. When you are in search of someone it can be a bit difficult. I'm the same way with my string quartet. They went to HS with me, but were all in the Performing Arts magnet for orchestra. 2 I've known since Elementary school and they are Orchestra teachers now. It's all about using your resources instead of starting from scratch!

MrsJenrette

I agree with PP in saying neither. I'm a liturgical dancer myself, and speaking for me alone, I know that when I'm in a place of worship all else become irrelevant.

Seeing that this type of dance is a worship to God, and invoke's emotional and spiritual outpouring (especially if the song hits home to the person dancing).. this may not be the best thing to present at your ceremony or reception.

Just my thoughts...