Waltz

From the old German word walzen, to roll, turn or glide. The Waltz was born in the suburbs of Vienna and in the alpine region of Austria. It arose from the weller, or turning dances, of peasants in Austria and Bavaria, and many Waltz tunes can be traced to peasant yodeling melodies.

One of many patterns from the complex English/French contre danse, with arms intertwined at shoulder level, this one pattern was adopted by Austrian peasants but danced in the close-hold position. Considered scandalous for many years, it became the rage of high society in many cultures as it spread around the world.

The Waltz is easy to learn with its 1-2-3, 1-2-3 rhythm and simple box-step foundation pattern. All Waltzes are performed in 3/4 time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic footwork pattern of step, step, close.

International (or Modern) Style: The slower version with long gliding steps seen in competitive dancing. It often includes the hesitation, in which one step is held for two or three beats in a measure.

Viennese (Quick) Waltz: A faster and more refined version of the Waltz, with smaller steps and smoother, tighter turns.