How to Waltz

Just about anyone can learn how to waltz. It is a dance in three quarter time, the familiar 'one-two-three' rhythm. It is a smooth, gliding dance that doesn't require mastery of either 'latin hip' movement or syncopated downbeats.

The waltz is thought to have evolved from at least two 18th century Austrian peasant dances, called the walzer and landler. While the upper classes danced minuets and quadrilles, which generally involved keeping a distance between partners, the peasant dances involved close contact between man and woman. As these dances evolved, gliding replaced clomping and stomping. Now the couple, in a close embrace, smoothly rotated as they traveled gracefully around the room.

The Strauss music dynasty headed by Johann I but made most famous by Johann II helped popularize the waltz through its music. Famous orchestral waltzes like The Blue Danube Waltz and the Emperor Waltz ushered in the heyday of the dance in the 19th century. It became a popular social dance and continued as such well into the early 20th century, when syncopated rhythmic music finally infiltrated the dance scene.

Not only do most ballroom dances such as the foxtrot, rhumba and quickstep come from the waltz, many other dances incorporate a waltz form. For example, the Argentine Tango vals is danced to the three quarter rhythm but with distinctive Argentine tango footwork.

The key to all dance movement, like most athletic endeavors, is to be 'light on one's feet'. In order to do this you must find and maintain your 'center' of balance. The best way to begin is by standing with an erect posture, back straight but not stiff, and chest lifted. As in all partner dances, the leader and follower have distinctive roles. The leader must be strong and deliberate yet gentle, while the follower allows guidance while maintaining a firm presence.

The leader will put his arm gently on the follower's back just below the shoulder blade. The leader will then gently clasp the follower's right hand with his left. The arms should be in open, second position, curved but with elbows lifted. Shoulders should always be relaxed. There can be no tight gripping or pulling.

The follower will place her left hand gently on her partner's shoulder. She will not push or lean on him. The follower must always support her weight and remain balanced, unless the leader deliberately unbalances her, for a lift or other movement.

Six steps make up the basic box step, which will be repeated as the couple makes their way around the room. This will be two full counts of one-two-three. The sequence is as follows:

1. Leader steps forward with his left foot. Follower steps back with her right.
2. Leader steps to the right with his right foot. Follower steps to the left with her left foot.
3. Leader closes his left foot to his right. Follower closes her right foot to her left.
4. Leader steps back with his right foot. Follower steps forward with her left foot.
5. Leader steps to the left with his left foot. Follower steps to the right with her right foot.
6. Leader closes his right foot to his left. Follower closes her left foot to right.

All movements come from this basic step. The couple can take small steps or very large steps. The leader can turn the follower, the two can dance very closely or in a more open position. There are lifts, direction changes and all manner of variations.

Leaders should:

• Never pull or push but rather lead with the body not the arm
• Navigate the dance floor responsibly by not running into other couples
• Generally care for the follower's physical well being

Followers should:

• Never lean on the leader for support unless directed to do so
• Always maintain her center of gravity
• Never back lead, anticipating where the leader will go

Leaders and followers should always wear appropriate footwear, including dance shoes that are not worn on the street. Comfortable clothing that facilitates movement without too much fabric is also important. All long hair should be tied back.

The best way to learn any dance is to go to a dance studio and take lessons. Just like on Dancing with the Stars you get to work with a professional who can guide you. You also have the opportunity to practice with others who are learning and meet new people. Dance studios often hold social dances as well. The following websites can direct you to studios and more instruction on how to waltz:

• Ballroomdancers.com
• Fred Astaire Studios
• Arthur Murray
• USA Dance

Learning how to waltz means lovely music, gliding motion, and a transcendent experience.

• Photos of Ballet Dancers
• Dance Studio Equipment
• Pictures of Limbo Dancing

• Dance Steps to Thriller
• Popular Line Dances
• Famous Choreographers
• Country Line Dance Steps
• Famous Ballet Dancers

• Professional Ballroom Dance Competitions
• Ballroom Dance Steps
• History of Ballroom Dancing
• Learn Ballroom Dances
• History of Social Dance