Dollar Dance
In the Bridal Forum the subject of a Dollar Dance was brought up in a recent thread at BanglesandBrides.com.
It is a wedding reception tradition where the gentlemen in attendance would pay a dollar to the bride for a dance and the ladies would pay a dollar to the groom for a dance with him.
I must admit, prior to reading the thread I’d never heard of a “Dollar Dance” but I personally think it’s a delightful custom. I am curious if the wedding reception tradition of a “Dollar Dance” is rooted in the customs of a particular ethnicity or geographic region. I would sure appreciate if anyone could enlighten me.
Dave
December 2nd, 2006 at 2:49 am
Señor Dave. The Dollar Dance is an old tradition amongst Hispanics, especially Cubans like myself.
As times change, so does the Dollar Dance change. It ain’t a Dollar anymore my brutha, but I digress.
I think it’s a very delightful tradition as well. Amongst Cubans, traditionally, it was only the Bride who gave a dollar dance, because she now is Mrs. Groom, and no longer will keep the company of any other man. So now, for the honor of dancing with her one last time, all the gentlemen in attendance will offer money as a last gift to the happy couple. It’s kind of like the tradition of getting a kiss from the Bride with the blessing from the groom. It’s a “buen hacer” or “good action” the imparts a wish for happiness, peace and wealth.
About the wealth part. Cubans have a saying that I think most other cultures have as well;
“Dinero llamas dinero” or “Money calls money” and one of our “Are you having a happy life?” check is “Are you working? Are you making lots of money?” It’s not a status or wealth thing. It’s knowing that your family is well taken care of.
An unspoken rule of Weddings is that you give your family and friends multiple chances to give you gifts. There is the bridal shower, the bachelor party (where the gifts are never spoken of in public ever, because they never happened so shut up your face), the registry, monetary gifts. The Dollar Dance is the last chance to give a gift to the couple.
In recent years, it has been accepted that the groom as well gives a dollar dance. You know us latinos, macho till the last drop.
December 2nd, 2006 at 9:31 am
Thank you Rumblepup!
I’m finding out a little more about the Dollar Dance tradition. It also seems that it is heartily embraced by those of Polish heritage as well.
Dave
December 10th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Yes, Dave
Polish would make sense. I did the wedding DJ thing for a number of years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The dollar dance was a staple at EVERY wedding I did. Milwaukee is predominantly german/polish and that would certianly explain your info on the polish connection. I think this is propbably a Christmas kind of adaptation…the concept of the Christmas Tree originates with the ancient Egyptians…and it’s been modified and embellished by every Christian country or group world wide. Speaking of the holidays….
Have a great Christmas!
December 10th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
PS It kills 15 minutes real easy!
December 10th, 2006 at 6:16 pm
LOL! Thanx Bob!
My wife is from the Milwaukee area and couldn’t believe I’d never heard of the Dollar Dance. We got married in Las Vegas and the only “Dollar Dancing” that was being done was in front of the “One Arm Bandits”
Very Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
Dave
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
For many the dollar dance is a way to gather monies for a great new start, vacation and to cover wedding expenses.
I see them all the time in my line of work.
April 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
[…] Resources Board" as I thought it was a better fit here. Dave __________________ Dollar Dance - Deep Link Directory - Religious […]
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:38 am
There’s no “dollar tradition” in Polish culture - or I’ve never heard about it, but i was on a few weddings, and noone piad anything for a dance….
June 20th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I’m wondering, how much the can get from this dollar dance tradition on a single wedding