Origin of the Waltz
The original Waltz was first performed as a folk dance in 13th century Germany. Filled with graceful turns, glides and rolls, this dance reached Volta by the 1500's and was incorporated into styles of local dances. At the end of the 16th century, Vienna made it their own in a dance called the Weller.
The modern Waltz was started in Vienna and in the Austrian mountains as a dance for royalty. While all previous court dances were rigid, solemn dances with complicated movements in processional, the informal, close position of the Waltz couples sparked scandals among ballroom dancers. As a result, it quickly rose in popularity.
How to Waltz
The modern day Waltz is an extremely graceful dance between partners. Dancers move onto their toes and then relax the knee and ankle to end up on a flat foot. This is called "rise and fall" which makes a tandem up and down appearance as they dance around the floor. Their bodies gently sway to form a pendulum action in the direction of movement.
The basic Waltz steps are counted in 3/4. It is counted as one, for a longer step, then two and three in a quick succession. The step sequence is one step forward or back, a side step and a step that closes the dancer's feet together.
Learn to Waltz
The Waltz is a common dance known by many throughout the years.There are different styles of Waltz in use today the Viennese, American, and International.
?Whether you want to learn how to dance the Waltz socially or competitively, Arthur Murray offers Waltz lessons for dancers of all levels.
Ready to dance? Sign-up for a private dance lesson today!
