Hsin Yeow’s thoughts: So She Dances
One day, Jo-Lyn remarked to Yew Minh, “You know Minh, I’d love to take up dance lessons.” Minh’s reply, “Me too!” The dance they both decided to learn was the Waltz, commonly known as the dance of love for its fluid and graceful movements.
And what better occasion to showcase their dancing skills than their wedding? And what better song than So She Dances by Josh Groban? I fell in love with it upon first listen. My goosebumps agreed, too. The couple then spent countless hours learning, and perfecting the steps. “It is such a big part of the wedding!” Jo-Lyn told me over the phone one night. “You’ll be fine!” I assured her. To set their minds at ease, I arranged for James to visit Jo-Lyn’s home and play the song for them to record and practise at their leisure.
I was under quite a fair bit of pressure too, but I tried not to show it to Yew Minh when I met him on the wedding day. After a quick sound check, I asked Yew Minh to rehearse together with the live band. And I saw Yew Minh shadow-dancing, a lump immediately formed at my throat. If I screwed it up for them, there was no way I could forgive myself.
The plan was for Yew Minh and Jo-Lyn to enter the ballroom and head straight to the dance floor in front of the stage. Jo-Lyn would dance with her father for a few precious moments, before letting Yew Minh cut-in. The rest would be up to them.
When it was time for me to sing, I stared with a concerted focus at the lyrics sheet and didn’t dare blink, for fear of missing a phrase or skipping a beat. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Yew Minh picking Jo-Lyn up and making a few spins, but I had to miss most of the dance. When I finally took my breath (it seemed like I was holding it for the duration of the song), I heard several rounds of thunderous applause. “The dance went well!” I thought. “Thank goodness!”
To Jo-Lyn and Yew Minh – thank you so much for your faith in us. We had a fantastic time, and it was such a privilege to be part of your beautiful wedding. Take care, and enjoy yourselves at the Gold Coast!
Band: Bevlyn, Hsin Yeow, James, Niq, Feri
L-R: Feri, James, Niq, Yew Minh, Jo-Lyn, Bevlyn, Hsin Yeow
Jonathan’s photos are so rich in texture and colour, they look like paintings. How does he do it? Thanks jOhO!
Repertoire
One Boy, One Girl, The First The Last My Everything, You’ll Never Walk Alone, She, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, What A Wonderful World, La Vie En Rose, Everything, It’s in His Kiss (Shoop Shoop Song), 爱很简单 (Love Is Very Simple), The Way You Look Tonight
今天你要嫁给我 (You’re Marrying Me Today), So She Dances, Because You Loved Me, Sea Of Love, Two Words, Valentine, 豆浆油条 (Bean Curd And Dough Fritters), 月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart)
Dance set:
Quando Quando Quando, Sway, Fly Me To The Moon, Come Fly With Me, Besame Mucho, Fever, Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me, For Once In My Life, 我要你的爱 (I Want Your Love), Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Rock And Roll Music, Save The Last Dance For Me
Feri joined us for the final set, and we were glad that several couples heeded our call to dance. What’s a celebration without some cha-cha-cha?
Songs To Recommend:
So She Dances – perfect for a waltz
Steve Kirwan’s My Little Girl
Bevlyn and I weren’t the only performers that evening. Jo-Lyn’s father gave a touching performance of this gem of a song. Jo-Lyn’s eyes were glued on her dad the whole time.
Can’t find a decent video of the song, so the lyrics will have to do for now.
From the moment I first held you
And rocked you to sleep
In my heart I knew
A child is never yours to keep
I knew one day you’d learn to fly
But I never dreamed what I’d feel inside
As I dance the last dance
With my little girl
And the first with the woman
Who’s found her place in the world
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
You wrapped me ’round your finger
Your smile made me melt
I wished so many times
I would’ve told you what I felt
From your first steps
to sweet sixteen
The rush of memories
feels like a dream
As I dance the last dance
With my little girl
And the first with the woman
Who’s found her place in the world
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
Compliments from Jo-Lyn and Yew Minh: Thank you!
Hi Hsin Yeow, Bevlyn and gang!
Thanks heaps for the beautiful music @ our wedding. Everyone LOVED the singing and many times while we were going around for the photo-taking at tables, I could hear rounds of applause at the end of each song! BRAVO! 🙂
Thanks for making it such a memorable night! the waltz music was PERFECT. Thank you, thank you! Our dance was very very important to us, so having you singing it on beat was just so breath-taking. HAHA..Hsin Yeow: after reading your entry, I didn’t know how much stress u were experiencing! You did a wonderful job as usual, so no worries 🙂
If any of my frens do need a band for their wedding or any other occasions, i’ll definitely intro you guys to them.
A Little Dream isn’t just a normal band, they interact with the guests to make them feel comfortable, and engages everyone with their songs :)Well Done you guys! 🙂 Keep up the GREAT work!
Love lots, Jo-Lyn & Yew Minh
