Guide Note

A waltz is a traditional partner dance performed in 3/4 time. There are both ballroom and folk variations of the dance.

The foundation of the waltz is a box step, performed in a closed hold with your partner.

Fast Facts

1. Origin: Bohemia, Austria, Bavaria
2. Partner dance with a leader and follower
3. No special equipment is required
4. Types of Waltzes:
   1. International Standard Waltz
   2. American Style Waltz
   3. Peruvian Waltz
   4. Mexican Waltz
   5. Country-Western Waltz

Waltz Tips

1. The faster the music, the smaller your steps should be.
2. Don't grip your partner too tightly, and never press against your partner's thumb.
3. Look at your partner's face or where you're traveling to in a turn. Never look down.
4. Some ballroom dance studios offer free, introductory lessons. Look at your local dance studio and club listings for more information.

The waltz is derived from a set of folk dances popular in mid-18th century Europe including the Walzer, Landler and Langaus. The dance became especially popular in Vienna and spread to other European cities from there. The waltz, itself, has spawned several different folk and ballroom variations including the "Hesitation Waltz," popularized by dancers Vernon and Irene Castle, and the progressive, counter clockwise Country-Western Waltz.

The waltz's most basic step is a box step. It forms the foundation of the dance.

The leader's part:

1. Stand in a closed hold facing your partner with your feet together.
2. On the first count, move your left foot forward.
3. On the second count, move your right foot about shoulder-width to the right of your left foot.
4. On the third count, move your left foot next to your right foot. You've completed one half of your box.
5. On the first count of the second measure, move your right foot back.
6. On the second count of the second measure, move your left foot about shoulder-width to the left of your right foot.
7. On the third count of the second measure, move your right foot next to your left foot. You've completed the second half of your box.
8. Repeat.

The follower's part is reversed.

For full instructions on how to dance the waltz, see Mahalo's How to Waltz.