Blossom by Dermot Kennedy
Style: Lyrical
Difficulty: Easy/Hard
The thing I love about delivering wedding dance lessons, especially lessons for a first dance, is the variety of songs I get asked to choreograph a first dance to.
A couple of days ago, a couple of mine got married using this song for their first dance. I had never choreographed a first dance using it before, but I will now add it to my recommended song list.
There are several reasons why I would suggest it for first dance lessons, but the main reasons for me are the lyrics and Dermot Kennedy’s voice.
It gives you goose bumps from the very first line with his powerful, almost painful voice that he has. It thumps you right in the chest, and this is where I would get my couple moving gently together through the first verse, with perhaps a gentle Cinderella lift or sweep off the feet.
The dance style is lyrical, and it is very slow, which is very tricky to dance to because there is no obvious beat to follow, so during the dance lessons I must teach the couple how to pick up on the rhythm of the song even though it is ever so subtle.
The dance moves I taught for this song were from the Latin American Samba style but slowed right down for this song. Dance moves like the whisks, underarm turns and opening outs work well for a lyrical song like this because they can look very gentle and elegant due to the use of the knees and ankles which is vital for the Samba style. After several dance lessons, I can get the couple looking like they are floating on the dance floor.
During the dance lessons, I also make sure the moves will work with the wedding dress if there is one, because some of the Samba moves require you to get quite close, especially the lifts and drops (If there are any).
An advantage of dancing to a song with no obvious beat, is that when I teach a lift during the dance lessons, we don’t have to worry about hitting the lift at a specific part in the song. Instead, we can hold it for as long as we like and not panic about a wobbly or rushed transition into it.
Going back to the lyrics, almost every line is perfect for a couple getting married; again, making it perfect for wedding dance lessons.
Lines like ‘You know I’ve been your baby since the day that we met’ and ‘loves got to be real when the trouble comes’ are all what a marriage or partnership is all about: being there for each other through the good as well as the bad times.
I must admit that I had never heard any Dermot Kennedy songs before, but I am now a complete convert. I can’t wait for the next couple who want first dance lessons using one of his songs.
Lyrical is always a nice dance style to teach because you have a lot more freedom.
The amazing lyrics are below…
Lyrics
This whole life you said Is like a dream that you don't wanna forget Hold my heart, hold my head You know I've been your baby since the day that we met It's alright, alright.
Carryin' an old soul, young mind Met the right woman at the right time So much waitin' ahead of us One life could never be long enough Got 24-10 in the rear-view That's the type of thing that don't leave you But I've fallen back in love with the moonlight like the first time.
This whole life you said Is like a dream that you don't wanna forget Hold my heart, hold my head You know I've been your baby since the day that we met It's alright, alright.
Whoa-oh It's alright, alright Whoa-oh.
Bet I'll be a cold soul someday Guarantee I'll wreck your head in some way But don't we have a deal that you'll pick me up? Love's gotta be real when the trouble comes I can help you smile in the face of fear I can be your shield when the monster's here But you gotta be strong for me sometimes 'til sunrise.
This whole life (whole life), you said (you said) Is like a dream that you don't wanna forget (don't wanna forget) Hold my heart (my heart), hold my head (my heart) You know I've been your baby since the day that we met It's alright, alright.
Whoa-oh It's alright, alright Whoa-oh.
If ever there's a summer when we just can't be together There'll be half of me where light's not gettin' in I'll see that photo I took of you with the blossom tree above you And I'll just be glad I loved you like I did
This whole life you said Is like a dream that you don't wanna forget Hold my heart, hold my head You know I've been your baby since the day that we met It's alright, alright.
If you would like to sign up for professional and highly personalised lessons for your first dance, wedding dance, renewing your vows, anniversary, or other special occasion, or you would like ballroom dancing or dancing lessons in general near you, email me on brightonandsussexdancelessons@gmail.com or call me on 07956 788 112. I look forward to your call.
Marcus Edwards
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