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Marriage > General Marriage

10 Easy Tips to Take Your Spouse Dancing
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1. Preparation

If you are going to do this, you might as well do it big. Your goal is nothing short of total magic. Start by planning the date. Will it be your spouse's birthday? On your anniversary? Or the best of all, a total surprise on a completely random night? Who doesn't love to be swept off their feet?  Go for the random night. Arrange a babysitter. Think ahead to plan every scenario. If you really want to get a jump on things, pick out a few outfits for them to wear out for the evening, and have it ready to wear…top to bottom.

2. Style of Dance

What style of dance will you be attempting? Disco? Clean clubbing? Ballroom? Salsa? Two-stepping in a country honky-tonk? The list goes on and on. Choose the style your spouse would like most, and put your own preference aside.  If tonight goes well, you'll probably get another chance to go out dancing and the next style can be your choice. Choose a style and base the remainder of your planning around it.

3. Lessons

Don't feel like you're ready for the Tango or the latest dance moves?  Don't worry!  There are lots of opportunities in your community to take lessons.  And what better way to spend time together than wrapped in each others' arms for a couple of hours?  You can sign up for a single class or for a series of classes.  Then, when you're ready, strap on your Capezio's™ and hit the dance floor for real.

4. Location

You have chosen your style. Now it's time to choose where you'll break out your moves. You can't just go to your local pub, drop a quarter in the jukebox and start dancing. If you want to clean club dance, find a place friendly to your age group, whatever that may be. If you want to salsa there are usually many places that dedicate a night each week just for that type of dancing. The goal is to choose a place where you both will feel comfortable. The mood is magical and the type of dancing you intend is highlighted.

5. Dress the Part

If you are going ballroom dancing, break out your formal wear, or at least a nice suit or dress. Clean club dancing calls for in-style clothing, but just don't overdo it. Whatever style you have chosen, dress the part. Groom yourself like it's your wedding day all over again. You want to look smooth.

6. Manners

So you have broken the big news of your surprise plan.  The outfit's a hit. Everything is going perfectly. Your spouse is glowing with shock and excitement. Now is the time to remember every single thing your Mom taught you about manners. We don't care how comfortable your relationship has become. Tonight you will treat each other like you did the very first time you went out on a date. Be on your very best behavior. Your spouse deserves your best.

7. Romance

Alright lovebirds, time to dig into your bag of tricks. Tell him he's gorgeous. Give her that look that makes her know that you are very, very interested. Listen to everything he says and participate fully in the conversation. Forget the three kids at home and the mortgage payment that is due. See your spouse tonight as you did the very first time you realized you were in love. That moment they captivated every bit of your attention. After all, they haven't changed. Life has. They are still the one you couldn't dream of living without. Let them know it.

8. Arrival

You have finally made it. You have arrived at your chosen location. Keep it cool and don't rush things. Your spouse is happy to be getting all this wonderful attention. Find a choice place to sit. Order drinks of your choosing. Splurge on some appetizers. Talk and build the mood. Get giddy with excitement. Like a bottle of Heinz ketchup, it's all about the anticipation.

9. The Big Moment

Ok this is it. Game time. The right song just started playing and right now your spouse is putty in your hands. All your hard work, all your efforts have come down to this moment. Do you have what it takes to lead this thing to victory? Stand up, gently take their hand, and ask them to do you the honor of sharing this dance. What happens next is up to you. It's your responsibility from this point to make it reality. We have all the confidence in the world in you.

10. Plan B

Maybe that all sounds like a bit too much to you. Possibly too expensive. Lessons, clothes and nights on the town don't come cheaply. that's understandable. There is still a plan B. This is not to be used as a cheap alternative or watered down version. This is only to be used if it is your only option. The economy is bad and money is tight. Perhaps you are really shy and can't imagine doing all that. Ok. Come home from work early. Prepare dinner if you can, or order your honey's favorite food, and have it ready. Enlist your children as your wait staff. Set up a table and eat dinner by candlelight in a comfortable spot in your home. Play soft music in the background as you do all the same things mentioned in this article. Manners. Romance. Then at the right moment, have your children hit the stereo and on comes her very favorite romantic song. Stand up just as described before and ask for a dance. Hold on to each other as your twirl slowly around the room gazing into each others' eyes. Your children will see a real picture of what true love really is. It's can't miss.

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