Anchorage Daily News

In the spirit of working out and looking good at our wedding, Brian and I have participated in not one but two dance classes. Just call us Fred and Ginger.

Last fall, we took Latin dancing with Barbara, and this past "semester" we took ballroom dancing with Carl. Of all the pre-wedding activities you're supposed to do as a couple, this is the one I would most highly recommend.

Of course it was my idea. There was mild groveling, "do-we-have-to" whining and a little bargaining and bribing, but once we started going, Brian was a great sport about it. Plus, if you're ever going to convince your partner that a dance class would be something fun to do together, there's no better opportunity than before your wedding day, when you have to dance together anyway in front of people you know. Some couples already have natural talent. Maybe some couples are comfortable sticking with the classic two-step rock, the one we all used in eighth grade for classic love songs like Boys II Men's "End of the Road" and Guns N'Roses' "Don't Cry."

Brian self-diagnosed his case of two left feet, and was willing to accept the extra coaching. You should see him now. I wish I had a "before and after" clip. His repertoire has expanded tenfold since the lessons -- his big moves were "the dip" as portrayed by John Candy in "Uncle Buck" and the "stir-the-pot" victory dance. Now he can rumba and cha-cha with the best of 'em. You should see him caress the floor with his foot fans in the tango.

I've benefited from dance class too since most of my dancing career has been spent in solo dance-offs or at weddings with my sister, where naturally I was always the lead. I needed to learn how to "Let go and let Brian." As instructor Carl would say, the dance floor is the one place where the man is still in charge. We've both come a long way because now Brian leads with charm and finesse, and I'm learning to be a better follower and to better respond to his directions while still providing suggestions for the next move once we've been in the same "conversation" for half the song.

Marlena Wojcik lives with her fiance in Eagle River. Originally from Chicago, she moved to Alaska last summer to be with the love of her life and is making plans for her special day. Planning a wedding? Just finished planning a wedding? Share your stories/suggestions/forewarnings at adn.com/brideblog.

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