History of the Viennese Waltz
Although commonly believed to have originated in Austria in the early 1800s, there is a dance with similar characteristics was popular with French peasants in the mid-1500s. The dance was known as the “Volta,” which is Italian for “turn.” The dance enjoys a great deal of popularity not only in Europe but also in America, and has been used in many Hollywood productions like “Tales of the Vienna Woods.”
About the Dance
The dance is characterized by open, flowing movements. Like all American Style dances, dancers can move in and out of various positions. Since the tempo of Viennese Waltz music is much faster, it doesn’t emphasize rise and fall like the American Waltz. Instead, the dance continues to progress at a faster rate by covering more distance on the dance floor.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- Breathe, Anna Nalick
- Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?, Bryan Adams
- Theme From “Harry Potter”, Hollywood Movie Strings
- Keep Holding On (From “Eragon”), Avril Lavigne
- Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson
- Caribbean Blue, Enya
- A Kiss from a Rose, Seal
- Light in your Eyes, Blessed Union of Souls
- Misery, Pink
- Time of My Life, David Cook