How to Dance at a Jewish Wedding

Even if they choose to use a secular band or DJ, many Jewish couples include some more traditional wedding dances in their reception. The following are some tips for participating in and enjoying this experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dancing shoes

Dancing at a Jewish Wedding

1. See whether men and women are dancing together or separately and follow suit. At most secular weddings, men and women will dance together, although some couples choose to separate the sexes during the traditional Jewish dancing. At more traditional weddings, men and woman may be separated on the dance floor by a mechitza, or divider. Observe which choice your hosts have made and arrange yourself accordingly.

2. Jump in the circle. Whether single-sex or co-ed, Jewish wedding dances tend to be circular dances, which usually call for "grape-vine-like" steps. How you move is not terribly important, however, just that you jump in enthusiastically.

3. Kick off your shoes. In most cases, it is fine for women to kick off their uncomfortable shoes during one of these dances. You may also wish to remove any loose shawls, as these will fall off, unless the wedding is more traditional and you are expected to keep your shoulders covered for modesty's sake.

4. Lend a hand. During the hora, one of the most traditional dances, the bride and groom are lifted onto chairs and held aloft. If you are physically strong enough, you may wish to help out in this should the wedding party need assistance.

5. Entertain the bride and groom. One Jewish tradition involves entertaining the bride and groom (who are usually sitting on the chairs which they previously rode). Some wedding guests go so far as to bring props to fulfill this precept. Again, observe how others are behaving and join in the merriment with a dance or song of your own.