It has two meanings for us and then the origin of the first dance comes from a point in history. First is the image of the bride and groom coming together as a couple and being in new kinds of relationships with parents, siblings, extended family, and friends. The second meaning comes from family systems theory, the core set of ideas behind our program. Relationships are like complex dances, with people moving in synchrony together and apart. You can’t tell what is really going on only by looking closely at one dance partner; you have to step back and look at all the dancers and how they influence one another. We know that not all wedding traditions involve dancing, and do not mean to imply that wedding celebrations must have a “first dance.” It’s a metaphor, not a prescription.
