No dancing at a cocktail style reception a bad idea?!

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Personally I hear the words 'cocktail reception' and the words 'no dancing' are kind of a given.
Cocktail parties have muted discreet music, you stand until your feet get sore (then you find a seat and hog it!), critic everyone else's clothing and otherwise GOSSIP!

I think that would be nice. The art gallery theme is really elegant for your wedding. I think get the feel of those gathered. If some start dancing to some music then you and your husband could decide if the music can go a little louder for that group. If you like the feel the mood with the mingling, carving stations and appetizers is going great then don't make any changes! They can go to a club after the wedding after hours and kick their shoes up there.

I think if there's music and a place to dance, then some people are going to dance. What are you going to do, tell them they can't? If the issue is whether or not to allow room, when you set up the seating, to allow for a dance floor, then I think you should do that. If there really isn't going to be room for dancing then a DJ seems a bit superfluous, but you could always have him play stuff that people aren't likely to dance to.

I hate loud music at weddings, people come from all over to reunite and catch up so a loud playlist is the worst. I had about 95 at my wedding, including kids, but there weren't a lot of people dancing. most people sat and watched! even the groom had a hard time finding a partner because I do NOT dance. I think if you just have a DJ playing low dinner music, that would be cool.

you are having a DJ, and music, but not allowing dancing?
sounds a little strange.

its really rare to have a wedding reception (guessing this is)
and not have dancing