Dance tribute goes viral

By EMMA SUN
WHEN Tecoma couple Ryan and Frankie Van Horn decided to forgo a traditional wedding dance in favour of a swing dance, little did they know it would go viral.
What was supposed to be a sentimental tribute to Ms Van Horn’s dad, who passed away five years ago, became a hit overnight.
The pair’s wedding dance got more than 25,000 views within two days of the video being uploaded online and has now racked up more about half a million hits.
The instant celebrities were since featured in all sorts of media, from daily newspapers and magazines to television news and also morning shows, despite being overseas.
Ms Van Horn said they were extremely surprised at the reaction to their wedding dance video, which was picked up by blogs less than a week after it was posted.
“We didn’t really think anything of it, but then suddenly it just took off,” she said.
“We still can’t believe that our dance has gone global.”
She said she had always wanted to do something a bit different for her wedding dance, and was very lucky her future husband was more than happy to play along.
The two then took 14 lessons over two months to learn the routine, which they danced to the song Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman.
“We chose the song because my dad and I both have a love of jazz, blues and swing music and this song was a favourite of ours,” Ms Van Horn said.
“It was very fitting that although Dad couldn’t be there, we could dance to the song that we both loved.
“Ryan knew how much it meant to me to do something different and fun, so he never once complained or showed concern about diving head first into the routine. I am a very lucky woman.”
Ms Van Horn said hoped their wedding dance encouraged others to do what they wanted for their weddings too.
She said not only did she and Mr Van Horn enjoy themselves immensely, but their family and friends were also able to share in a special moment.
“It was entertaining and fun. I would relive our wedding day over and over if I could – it was the most amazing day of our lives,” she said.
“Our friends and family loved it, but I think if we had gone out there and stumbled our way through the routine, they still would have loved it. That’s the beauty about family and friends, they are always there to support no matter what.”
The pair are now living in London so that Ms Van Horn can pursue a career in musical theatre.