Learn how to Waltz dance for beginners in this starter guide.
What is the Waltz? Slow Waltz Character/History:
The Waltz dance is one of the classiest Ballroom dances with an emphasize on “rise and fall” and smooth movement across the dance floor. The Slow Waltz Originated in Vienna, Austria and was soon the go to dance at various Ballrooms and parties.
It is a dance that has a very elegant and soft character to match the classical music that often accompanies it. This dance has figures that are in one place such as the box step (taught below), as well as figures that travel around the floor such as the progressive basic step (taught below).
It can be danced to classy songs like “Appassionata” by secrete Garden and “The Sweetheart Tree” by Johnny Mathis.
The way you count the Waltz is: “1,2,3” – “1,2,3” – Each beat is even. The Waltz has a 3/4 time signature which is different than many of the other social dances like Rumba or Foxtrot that have a 4/4 structure.
Check out the 2 Waltz steps below:
Basic Waltz Dance Steps (The Box):
Summary of Waltz Basic Steps (Box Step)
Men:
Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Women:
Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Pro Tip:
One of the keys to make your Waltz look better is to do “rise and fall” through out. In general you lower on count “1”, and go up on count “2”, then lower at the end of count “3”. Try it out!
Now that you learned how to Waltz in place with the box, you need to learn how to travel around the room since Waltz is a traveling dance.
Next, How To Waltz Around The Floor (Progressive Basic):
Men:
Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Fwd with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Women:
Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Back with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
American Style: The American style Waltz originated in the United States and has moves that are done in closed-hold, as well as moves that are done in open-hold. The open-hold moves are what distinguish this style from the International style.
International Style: This style of Waltz is danced in both the USA and Europe. All the Waltz moves in this style are done in closed-hold. The International style is also often done competitively.
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