ularly in the past few years, learning to dance for the first dance has become fashionable. I think couples didn't used to think that the first dance was such an important part of the wedding, but now they go to weddings and see older couples dancing and doing something good so they realize that they'll be dancing in front of 250 people and they don't want to be bumping around from side to side."

Mejia adds that couples are interested in discovering their own individual style of music and dance steps that reflect their energy as a new couple. She says, "... there is a tendency to go away from the traditional ... people are willing to adventure a little more with music. Couples are drifting away from the typical Sinatra songs that everybody uses for weddings like ÔFly Me to the Moon,' and they're coming with more of an open mind." Mejia points out that couples are also interested in the particular dances they can best execute, as she says, "... they go more for what they look good at ... they're more willing to explore a tango for example, or a Latin dance, or modern music."

Mejia also notes that some couples come to her with a song they have already decided on and want to learn a simple dance step to accompany it. However, other couples take their first dance experience one step further and make it into something quite special by presenting it as a dramatic performance. Mejia says, "Some couples take it very seriously and choreograph something to the music with fancy steps and they go all out." She adds, "I recently choreographed a tango for a couple, and the bride had a rose in her mouth which she threw in the middle of the dance floor. It was the talk of the party afterwards - people were so amazed because they appreciated the trouble the couple took of taking lessons ... so some couples will get more involved in that way." Mejia adds, "It's their dance and they want to keep in fun and romantic, but they also want to make other people part of it - that's when they decide to really make it a performance."

Mejia suggests one or two practice sessions a week to prepare for the big day and when coaching couples, she takes into account possible constrictions due to wedding attire such as tuxedo tails, veils, gowns and bridal trains that might hinder dance movement. In addition, she notes that there is a big difference between dancing in three-inch white satin heels and dancing in old flats or sneakers. She recommends couples practice in the actual shoes they will be wearing on their wedding day, and knows a few tricks to keep the wedding shoes scuff free during dance practice.

Most important, Mejia points out that the couple's dancing demeanor is reflective of their union, and she finds herself working closly with her clients so that the couple's greatest qualities are able to be seen as they dance together. "I have a very physiological approach to my teaching." says Mejia. "I try to make this fun, and also try to get the bride and groom a little more in touch with their souls - to dance and explore that part of themselves together." She goes on to add, "... the dance shared by a couple has a lot to do with the communication that goes on within the relationship. I try to connect with each couple and really try to find out what they want.

When I first started doing this, a couple would bring me a song and I would just do what they wanted. Then I realized it wasn't always the best way - it may not have been a song that suited them well, or the lyrics were inappropriate or that as a couple, they were very traditional and here they were flying around doing a swing and neither one of them were comfortable. So I started talking to people more and trying to get more back from them so I could help them better. I love what I do so much and really focus on my couples to try to give what suits them best."