Live percussion for your grand entrance and first dance
The moment everyone stands up. A rhythm that builds as you walk in, and a first dance that starts the party straight away.
Two moments everyone films
During your entrance and first dance, all eyes are on you. Live percussion turns those minutes into something your guests will keep talking about.
Walking into the room and the first dance are the two moments when every guest is watching at the same time. They're short, which makes them all the more important. A DJ can pick the right track. With a live percussionist alongside, everyone hears and sees that something special is happening.
I usually combine these moments with sets during the party. The entrance and first dance last only a few minutes together; the party afterwards is where the percussion really stays with people. All options are on the wedding percussionist page.
The entrance: building until you walk in
The lights dim, the DJ starts your entrance track and I begin on the djembe with a rhythm that slowly swells. Guests turn around and start clapping along. The moment you step through the door, the beat drops in full.
With the djembe on a harness, I can walk to the entrance and bring you into the room. Or I stay in a fixed spot next to the DJ so all attention is on you. We choose together what suits your venue.
- A build-up of 30 seconds to 2 minutes
- On any track you choose, synced with the DJ
- Roaming at the entrance or from the DJ booth
The first dance: from slow to party
Many couples choose a first dance that starts slow and then switches to something upbeat. That's the moment for live percussion. During the first part I don't play, or play very softly. At the switch, the djembe comes in and the DJ calls everyone onto the dance floor.
The result: the first dance flows straight into the party. Nobody wonders whether they can start dancing yet. I keep playing a set while the floor fills up. See also reception and party.
How we prepare it
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1
Your tracks
Send me your entrance track and first dance, with the moment the switch should happen.
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2
Sync with the DJ
I agree the cue, the build-up and the transition with your DJ.
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3
Position in the room
We decide together whether I stand at the entrance or play from the DJ booth.
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4
On the day
A quick check with the master of ceremonies or venue, and off we go.
Questions about the entrance and first dance
Question not listed? Send me a message.
Can you play over our own entrance track?
Yes, any track. I listen to it beforehand, choose the rhythms and agree with the DJ where the build-up starts and where the beat drops. A track with a clear build works best, but it's not a requirement.
Do we need to rehearse?
No. You walk in or dance as planned and I follow you and the music. What helps: let the DJ and me know when you're ready, for example through the master of ceremonies.
Does it work with a slow first dance?
Yes. During the slow part I don't play, or play very softly. The best effect comes when the DJ switches to a party track afterwards: the percussion comes in and the party starts immediately.
Can we book just the entrance?
The smallest package is Solo, 60 minutes on site. An entrance alone only lasts a few minutes, so I combine it with a party set. That way you get more out of the booking.
An entrance everyone films
Tell me your wedding date and venue and we'll look at the options together.
Request a proposal for your wedding
Mention in your message that you'd like percussion for the entrance or first dance.
- Reply within 24 hours
- A proposal tailored to your party
- Free and without obligation
Rather send an email? bookings@sam-anderson.be
Got it, the beat is set!
Thanks for your request. I will check your date and send you a personal proposal within 24 hours.
You will receive a confirmation by email right away. Nothing there? Have a look in your spam folder.