Pani Mloda
The Polish Money Dance
The Bridal Dance has become an American tradition for the children and descendants of immigrants from what is now Slovakia, Poland, and western Ukraine.
The last dance of an Polish wedding reception before the bride and groom leave the reception is usually reserved for Pani mloda called the Money
Dance or the Bridal Dance.
All the guests at the reception line up for a last chance to dance with the bride.
It is customary to donate money to the newly wed couple for the priveledge of the dance. The money is put into an apron, basket, plate, or decorated box before dancing with the bride.
The starosta (master of ceremonies) keeps the line moving, allowing only a few turns before cutting in for the next guest's chance to dance and share with the bride their good wishes before she and the groom begin their new life.
After each guest dances with the bride, they may receive a drink and a piece of the freshly cut wedding cake or pastry.
Their are many variations in lyrics dependant upon what village the families were from.
Each verse, when played or sung at a normal tempo takes about 25 seconds to complete. A dance running 15 or 20 minutes can go through a lot of verses.
Like many other Polish, Rusyn or Slovak songs sung by second or third generation immigrants, the words may be familiar but the meaning unknown.
The words seem to have a serious and almost religious aire about them but the translation can be a surprise.
Some verses are risque, some are just strange. We'll leave the risque verses for you to find on your own but include on this page a few of the more unusual ones.....
Put some money in the plate
Put some money in the plate
for her high veiled bridal cap.
for her high veiled bridal cap.
Put some money in the plate.
Put some money in the plate.
Let the whole family help out.
Let the whole family help out.
The money is not enough.
The money is not enough.
Let the starosta help out.
Let the starosta help out.
The Bride would be happier,
The Bride would be happier,
if the groom was dancing with her.
if the groom was dancing with her.
Our bride is beautiful,
Our bride is beautiful,
but does she know how to work.
but does she know how to work.
The last to dance before the groom are the family of the bride and groom.
Father dances with the bride.
Father dances with the bride.
He's so proud of his little girl.
He's so proud of his little girl.
Now the mother takes a turn.
Now the mother takes a turn.
Soon to have a family of her own.
Soon to have a family of her own.
After the final guest completes their dance with the bride, the groom takes his turn
as the last verses play.....
The bride dancing with the groom.
The bride dancing with the groom.
What a lovely couple they make.
What a lovely couple they make.
Take the bride away with you.
Take the bride away with you.
and love her till your death.
and love her till your death.
As the song ends, the bride and groom both leave the reception together.
Pani Mloda
There is only one song on this special CD designed for use at wedding receptions, a 45
minute instrumental version of the traditional Bridal Dance, Pani Mlada, played at Polish weddings.
The CD is also great to use at Anniversary parties to recreate the magic of the original wedding reception.
Played by a four piece wedding band, several Grammy nominees were involved in the recording, engineering and production of this CD.
To order this wonderful CD of the traditional Polish money dance for $19.00, postpaid
worldwide, just click the button below for fast, safe, and secure PayPal payment.