To Chicken or Not to Chicken...

Traditional dances are a component of the wedding reception and are either embraced wholeheartedly or rejected completely, there is no real middle ground.  The money dance or the dollar dance, the dance where the bride and groom dance with guests who have donated to the "cause"- the honeymoon or general housekeeping for the new couple, is one of those traditional dances that many couples either love or hate.  The roots of the money dance go back to a Polish tradition where money was pinned onto the brides' gown or apron, also a tradition in many cultures - Philippine, Hungarian,Yugoslavian, and is considered a way of wishing the new couple well and enables guests to get a little one on one time with the bride and/or groom.  It is not essential to your reception but many feel this is a good time to be with guests, with a nod to traditional expectations.

The Chicken Dance.  you either love it or not.  I have seen less and less of this dance at receptions but the ones that do have it played and dance it have a blast.  So again, not required but if you have children at the reception it is a nice group dance.

Polka.  I personally love to polka.  If you have any relatives who dance the polka, including one polka in your evening, especially if it is for a grandparent or older relative, dedicate that to them and dance it with them.  It makes for a great memory for all and a nice personal touch and appreciation for that relative.

Tarantella and other folk dances.  Again, not essential but a great way to include all the guests to participate, is a lot of fun and keeps tradition alive.

The final comment is this, make your reception reflect you, whether you decide to do traditional dance or not.  If you do include them and are unsure of how to do them, ask you dance instructor and we are happy to help you!