Waltz

It is also known as Slow Waltz or English Waltz depending on locality.

The waltz provides the origin of modern ballroom dance in that moved it away from a group sequence of movement to the independent movement of an individual couple, Originating in southern Germany in the 17th century, the popularity of the Waltz dance grew with the music of Johann Strauss and exploded to great popularity in the 20th century. It is the “backbone dance” of the ballroom and is the basis for many dances. A truly romantic dance, the Waltz is comprised of soft, round, flowing movements.

The Waltz is a smooth dance that travels around the line of dance. Characterized by its “rise and fall” action, the Waltz includes a step, slide, and step in 3/4 time. Dancers should move their shoulders smoothly, parallel with the floor instead of up and down. Dancers must strive to lengthen each step. On the first beat of the music, a step is taken forward on the heel, then onto the ball of the foot with a gradual rise to the toes, continuing on to the second and third beats of the music. At the end of the third beat, the heel is lowered to the floor to the starting position.

Waltz Dancing Today

The Waltz continues to be one of the most popular social dances, especially for ballroom dance fans and marrying wedding couples. The Waltz is also used as a competitive dance style. It has been seen on popular National dance shows such as “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”.

The Waltz is both danced and used to compete in both American style and International style of ballroom dancing. In American style ballroom dancing, Waltz is considered a “smooth” dance along with Tango, Viennese Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot. Waltz in American Style ballroom dance is done in both open and closed dance positions so that the dancers are free to separate from one another. An example of a move that is done as an open dance figure in American Standard Waltz is the syncopated side-by-side with spin. This move includes a free spin for both partners. The Open Roll is another figure that involves open frame that won’t be found in International style Waltz. In this move, the follower alternates between the leads left and right sides with the leads left arm or right arm providing the lead. The Waltz became the staple of many American films and musicals including “Waltz in Swing Time” which was sung by Fred Astaire in 1936.

International style dancing is danced is closed position for all the standard dances. Waltz is considered a “standard” dance alongside Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep. In standard dance closed position, the follow’s right hand is on the leads left and the follows left hand is on the leads right shoulder with the leads right hand on the follows shoulder blade.

All ballroom dancers today will recognize the basic Waltz pattern as a step, a slide, and a step in ¾ time. Partners dancing a Waltz keep their shoulders parallel to the floor instead of vertical. The steps strive to be lengthened with heel leads on the forward steps and toe leads on the steps to the back and side.

With questions or to schedule your Private Dance Lessons to learn Waltz please contact us:

Phone: (281) 741-3242

email: info@ballroomdancesugarland.com

Currently lessons are being taught at DanceSport Club 11758, Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77031