History of the Waltz
The word waltz originates from the German word “waltzen,” meaning “to revolve.” An offspring of the faster Viennese Waltz, this slower, more modern waltz became popular in Austria and Germany in the late 1700s.
About the Dance
The Standard waltz is much slower than its American Counterpart. While it is still characterized by flowing lines and graceful rise and fall, it is, in some ways, less flashy because it never leaves closed dance hold. For the same reason, it has a reputation as being one of the most difficult dances to learn, needing the most precise footwork and technique to accomplish the step patterns. Since it is dance entirely in frame, connection is essential to lead various patterns at a moment’s notice.
Since Standard waltz includes both right turning boxes and left turning boxes, it remains the most important foundational dance. It is difficult to find a dance that does not have moves found in the waltz basics.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- Cherie, Nat King Cole
- The Last Waltz, Sensazioni Nella
- Walzer Opus 30, Werner Tauber
- Charade, Andy Williams
- Coney Island, John Barry
- Watermark, Prandi Sound Orchestra
- The Elephant Man Theme, The Soundtrack Orchestra 7
- Memories of a Geisha, Hollywood Strings
- Valse de Fronten, George Winston
- White Fantasy, Toshiyeke Wanatab