How do you dance the waltz
Learn Basic Steps For Waltz
Waltz is an elegant, nearly universal dance, perfect for weddings, or almost any social occasion. It's not as hard to learn as most people think.
- Basic steps
- Instructions & Diagrams
- Video
- Recommended Video Lessons »
Quick intro
Waltz dates back to the late 17th century Europe, but has never really been out of fashion and clearly stood the test of time. It should probably be one of the first ballroom dances you learn.
It is a smooth and graceful dance with long, flowing movements, characterized by rise & fall motion. It has a unique 3/4 timing and a simple rhythmic pattern which blends with the music. You can start waltzing very quickly by just learning the simple box step.
Basic steps
The basic step for waltz is a box step. It's named after a pattern it creates on the floor (box or square) and forms the foundation of the dance.
A box step can be divided into two parts - a forward half box and a backward half box. Each half box has three steps - a step forward or backward, a step to the side, and a step to close the feet together.
The leader starts with the left foot and executes a forward half box, followed by a backward half box. The follower performs the opposite – she starts with the right foot and executes a backward half box, followed by a forward half box.
The basic box step pattern uses three counts - slow, quick, quick, which is repeated twice to create the box step. Timing is 1,2,3,1,2,3 or 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Instructions & Diagrams:
When dancing waltz someone has to lead and someone has to follow. Usually the man will lead and the woman will follow.
Men's Steps:
- Step forward with the left foot
- Right foot step sideways to the right
- Bring your left foot next to your right foot
- Step back with the right foot
- Step back sideways with the left foot
- Bring your right foot next to your left foot
Lady's Steps:
- Step back with the right foot
- Left foot step sideways to the left
- Bring your right foot next to your left foot
- Step forward with the left foot
- Step forward sideways with the right foot
- Bring your left foot next to your right foot
Video
In this video Leon and Kim will show you the basic box step.
You will also get important tips on rise & fall movement which characterizes this dance:
more videos »
Once you've mastered the basic box step, it's time to start rotating that box. It will usually be rotated to the left (counterclockwise), so it's called the Left Box Turn. It's quite simple: with each half box, you turn 1/4 of the turn to the left. After two boxes (or four half boxes) you will complete the turn and end up where you began. Then start all over again.
Ok, so now that you know the basic box and how to rotate it, lets continue with basic progressive. Here, as the name implies, the leader will always be moving forwards and the follower backwards. This will enable you to move around the dance floor instead of just dancing on the spot. Here is a clip from Learn & Master Ballroom Dance course that will show you in detail how it's done:
Where to go next?
Now that you know the basics, what's your next step (pun intended ;)? To go to the next level, we recommend one of the video training programs. Here are our recommendations »
How to Waltz for Beginners | 2023 Dancer’s Guide
Have you ever wanted to learn how to waltz? Whether it’s to surprise a significant other, learn a new dance style or just because it sounds fun, there’s never been a better time to learn how to waltz.
According to Fred Astaire Dance Studios, “dancing enhances memory, alertness, awareness, focus and concentration.” It’s also been known to offer protection against dementia and improve brain health. All that, and it’s fun, too!
From the Austrian waltz-like Landler in The Sound of Music to Bridgerton and Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough’s magically modern take on the Viennese waltz on Dancing with the Stars, the waltz is an elegant, sophisticated and graceful style of dance.
The waltz evokes a fairytale feeling of enchantment, but it’s become much more than aristocrats in pompadours, tuxedos, and the lavish bustles and lace of evening gowns. Let’s take a look at some steps (pun intended) you can take to learn how to waltz your way to becoming the next ballroom pro.
Jump to Section
- Is the Waltz Hard to Learn?
- Waltz Definition
- Types of Waltz
- Waltz Music
- What are the Basic Steps of Waltz?
- Waltz Step Pattern and Counting
- How to Waltz Turn
- How to Waltz With a Partner
- How to Waltz by Yourself
- The Waltz in Movies and Television
Is the Waltz Hard to Learn?
The waltz is one of the easiest dances for a beginner to learn.
If you can step forward and backward, and count to three, you’re already halfway there. A great way to learn how to waltz is by taking a dance class. You’ll have fun, learn some new steps and get a great workout.
From dance classes in Colorado Springs to dance classes in San Diego, dance classes in NYC and dance classes near you, there are a wide array of waltz and ballroom dance styles to choose from.
Want to start learning how to waltz from the comfort of your own living room? Check out online dance classes. You’ll join a live instructor via Zoom or another digital platform. Practice those moves in private before heading to the ballroom or dance studio for more advanced lessons on how to waltz.
via CanvaWaltz Definition
So, what is waltz, exactly? As stated in Stanford University reports, the waltz dates back to 17th-century Europe, predominantly Austria and other Bavarian regions, and began as a country folk dance, and was considered "shockingly intimate.
"
As for the waltz definition, the word waltz derived from the German word walzen, which means “to revolve.” This brings about an appropriate visual, as the waltz resembles the look of a revolving circle of dancers flowing around the floor. The rhumba, foxtrot and quickstep are derived from the waltz.
This romantic dance style is done in 3/4 time and includes Viennese, classic American waltz, international style waltz and others.
Types of Waltz
American Waltz
American ballroom waltz is the most common type of waltz. This is the style most dancers learn how to waltz as beginners. The American waltz has six basic steps that are repeated throughout the dance. The dancers move right-left-right in a counterclockwise movement around the room. More arm movement is used in this style than other styles.
Viennese Waltz
Viennese waltz is the original version that developed in Europe.
More advanced than other styles, dancers move quickly and do fast turns. Dancers move counterclockwise around the room. Consider learning how to waltz this style once you’ve mastered American ballroom.
International Waltz
International waltz is like American, but the dancers move left-right-left. This style is often seen in dance competitions and is sometimes referred to as the slow waltz. It’s danced to slow music, making it another good choice for beginners who are learning how to waltz.
Country Waltz
There’s also a country version of the waltz, which is a slower style of dance. If you already know how to line dance, the country waltz is very similar. It’s faster than a traditional waltz and has faster music, making it a little more challenging to learn how to waltz in this style.
via CanvaWaltz Music
Waltz music is slower than the music of rhythm dances.
The first beat is usually a low bass note. The next two notes are a little higher. Classical music is the perfect choice to use when learning how to waltz, but contemporary and even country music can be used for a lovely waltz lesson.
Examples of popular traditional and modern waltz music include:
- “The Blue Danube Waltz” — Johann Strauss II (known as the Waltz King)
- “The Emperor Waltz” — Johann Strauss II
- “Minute Waltz” — Frederic Chopin
- “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” — Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- “Swan Lake Waltz” — Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- “Skater’s Waltz” — Emile Waltdteufel
- “Are you Lonesome Tonight?” — Elvis Presley
- “Sunrise, Sunset” — Perry Como
- “Tennessee Waltz” — Anne Murray
- “Piano Man” — Billy Joel
- “Unforgettable” — Nat King Cole
- “The Way You Look Tonight” — Frank Sinatra
- “Perfect” — Ed Sheeran
What are the Basic Steps of Waltz?
When you first learn how to waltz, you’ll find that it comes down to a few basic steps that will help you achieve that lighter-than-air look of a true professinal.
Basic waltz steps names include:
Box Step Waltz
The waltz box is the foundation of the entire dance. Dancers perform a series of six movements done in the shape of a box on the floor. The pattern is step-step-close.
Change Step
The change step helps dancers move around the floor.
Underarm Turn
In an underarm turn movement, the dancers break away and do different steps at the same time.
Cross Body Lead
The cross body lead is when you progress from a box step where the leader opens up and the follower goes by.
Hesitation Step
A hesitation step is used to change direction and for turning left or right when you learn how to waltz.
via CanvaWaltz Step Pattern and Counting
The basic steps of a waltz include three step counts: slow – quick – quick.
This sequence is repeated twice to create a box step. Timing is: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
After learning this basic box step, you’ll then start rotating the box around the dance floor in a counterclockwise motion. After each half box, you’ll take a 1/4 turn to the left. Then, after two full boxes (or four half boxes), you’ll complete the turn back where you began. At this point, start all over. Voila! You’re waltzing.
How to Waltz Turn
A waltz wouldn’t be a waltz without those graceful turns (and spins, dips and flourishes as you get more advanced).
Natural Turn
The natural turn in a waltz is where the partners turn around each other clockwise.
Reverse Turn
With a reverse turn, partners turn counterclockwise around each other.
Turning Rock
Turning Rock is a unique pattern used to change direction using a rocking action.
How to Waltz With a Partner
With flowing fabric and smoothly synchronized steps, watching a waltz is the epitome of elegance and grace.
To learn how to waltz, two partners face each other standing about a foot apart. One acts as the leader, and one acts as the follower. The leader moves forward, and the follower moves backward.
There’s a quote that describes this, and it goes something like this: “Just remember, Ginger Rogers did everything [Fred Astaire] did…but backwards and in high heels.”
To start learning how to waltz, the leader places their right hand on the left shoulder of the follower. The follower puts their left hand on the right shoulder of the leader. The rest of the dance goes as such:
Steps for the Lead Partner
- Step forward with the left foot.
- Move your right foot sideways to the right.
- Bring the left foot to the right foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.
- Step back with the right foot.
- Step back with the left foot and move sideways to the left.
- Move the right foot next to the left foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.
Steps for the Following Partner
- Step back with the right foot.
- Move your left foot sideways to the left.
- Bring the right foot next to the left foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.
- Step forward with the left foot.
- Step back with the right foot and move sideways to the right.
- Bring the left foot next to the right foot.
Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.
How to Waltz by Yourself
How do you waltz alone? If you don’t have a partner or would just like to learn some steps on your own, it’s easy to learn how to waltz by yourself. Simply learn the step formations of either the follower or the leader.
You’ll have some basics down pat before practicing with a partner. One of the biggest skills when you learn to waltz is learning to effortlessly change weight to appear light on your feet. Keep this in mind when learning how to waltz on your own.
The Waltz in Movies and Television
Spark your dancing dreams by watching some waltzes on the big or small screen.
- The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939) — Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance to “The Last Waltz”
- The Sound of Music (1965) — Maria and Captain Von Trapp dance to the Landler, an Austrian folk-style waltz
- My Fair Lady (1964) — Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison and “The Embassy Waltz”
- Anna Karenina (1997) — Sophie Marceau and Sean Bean
- Anna Karenina (2012) — Kiera Knightly and Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) — The ultimate weightlessness of space done to “The Blue Danube”
- Bridgerton (2020 – present) — Netflix’s hit show features a range of classical and modern music and waltzes done to Max Richter, Kris Bowers, Vivaldi and Shostakovich’s “Jazz Suite No.
2” - War & Peace (2016) — BBC’s adaptation starring James Norton and Lily James
- Beauty and the Beast (1991) — Belle and the Beast dance an enchanting waltz
- Downton Abbey (2019) — “The Sunset Waltz” by Johann Straus II
Weddings, anniversaries, retirement parties, holiday events and other special occasions are all worthy of a waltz or two. When broken down into small steps, learning how to waltz is quite simple.
With some practice and our tips, you’ll be swooping, twirling, dipping and turning like a ballroom pro in no time!
For even more creative ideas and inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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Why dream 😴 Waltz in a dream - according to 90 dream books! If you see Waltz in a dream, what does it mean?
Below you can find out for free the interpretation of the Waltz symbol from 19 online dream books.
If you did not find the desired interpretation on this page, use the search form in all the dream books of our site. You can also order a personal interpretation of sleep by an expert.
The newest dream book
In a dream, why is the Waltz dreaming?
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A woman dreams of a waltz - to a romantic, non-binding adventure; man - a waste of money.
Numerological dream book of Pythagoras
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To dance a waltz in a dream with a representative of the opposite sex that you like and to sentence the waltz “one-two-three, one-two-three” to the beat of the movements means that in reality you can succeed in politics and economics, especially if you have this dream on the night of 30 to 1.
If you feel great in a dream, enjoying the company of a pleasant stranger or a stranger and a waltz dance - in reality you will appear before a demanding audience and win an honorable victory over three rivals .
However, if you don’t like your partner in a dream or you constantly lose count, expect a catch, maybe your victory will be imaginary or short-lived.
If you see someone else dancing a waltz, but you yourself count loudly: “one-two-three, one-two-three” - in reality you are threatened with participation in shameful actions.
If within 12 days you do not refuse the offer that was made to you last Wednesday, after this period you will experience incredible humiliation and will no longer be able to openly look people in the eye.
Combined dream book
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If you see people dancing a waltz in a dream, this promises you a pleasant acquaintance with a cheerful romantic person.
If a young woman dreams that she is dancing with her lover, this portends that she will become the object of worship of many men, but no one will offer her a hand and heart.
Modern dream book
Find out what it means if you dream of Waltz?
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If you see people dancing a waltz in a dream, this promises you a pleasant acquaintance with a cheerful romantic person.
If a young woman dreams that she is dancing with her lover, this means that she will become the object of worship of many men, but no one will offer her a hand and heart.
A dream in which her lover is dancing with a rival means that she will skillfully overcome all the obstacles that stand in the way of happiness.
If she dreams that she waltzes with a woman, she will be loved for her kindness and modesty.
If in a dream a woman sees people madly circling in a waltz, in reality the desire for pleasure will turn her head so much that only a miracle will allow her to resist the persistent harassment of her lover and other men.
Dream Interpretation 2012
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Waltz is a reflection of adventurousness.
Dream Interpretation Longo
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Waltz is a great omen and means that soon you will have a pleasant trip, which, among other things, will also be extremely useful.
Try not to miss your chance, it may not happen again.
If you dreamed that you were dancing a waltz and you were good at it, you would soon be lucky enough to reap the fruits of your labor. The time is the most favorable for you - you feel great, you have a huge amount of energy that just bursts out. But do not forget that this favorable time may soon end, and you will not have the necessary reserve of strength. Seize the moment while you can.
In a dream you were invited to a waltz - this is a sign that soon a very significant person will try to influence you. Perhaps you will even change your job thanks to him, although it is not known whether it will be better than the previous one.
Fall during the dance - you have to make a trip that will not be very pleasant for you, but necessary from a business point of view.
Dream Interpretation for Lovers
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If you dream of waltzing couples, this means that you will meet a person who will be a cheerful companion, but prone to adventures.
If a girl dreams that she is dancing a waltz with her lover, this promises her numerous admirers, relations with whom will not develop into serious ones, and none of whom will have any intention of marrying her.
If a woman dreams that her beloved is dancing a waltz with a rival, this means that she will be able to achieve happiness by showing wisdom and endurance. If she dances in a dream with another woman, this portends that the sleeping woman will be loved for her kindness and responsiveness.
When a woman dreams of people dancing ugly and clumsily, this means that she wants to achieve pleasure and, quite possibly, with her frivolity will disappoint relatives and friends. This dream advises to be careful and give in to your feelings less.
Dream Interpretation for a Bitch
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Waltz is your friend a very cheerful but frivolous person.
Waltzing with a loved one is a success among fans.
To see people dancing a waltz - show restraint and prudence so as not to disappoint or offend your loved ones.
Dream Interpretation of Birthdays in September, October, November, December
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Waltzing for older people - to a breakdown, aging.
Dream Interpretation of Birthdays in May, June, July, August
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To see yourself waltzing with a young man and at the same time feel pleasure both from the dance itself and from a successful partner - to get to know a nice person.
Dream Interpretation of Birthdays in January, February, March, April
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Waltz - you will deftly bypass the obstacle.
Miller's Dream Book
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To see waltz dancing in a dream portends that you will have a pleasant relationship with a cheerful but adventurous person.
For a young woman to waltz with her lover means that she will become the object of adoration for many admirers, but none of them will seriously seek her hand.
If she sees her lover dancing a waltz with a rival, this portends that smart behavior and endurance will help her overcome obstacles to happiness.
If she waltzes with a woman, she will always be loved for her charm and kind heart.
If in a dream she sees people randomly and ugly waltzing, this means that the desire for pleasure will completely capture her soul and she will need to show a lot of prudence so as not to disappoint relatives and friends.
Dream Interpretation from A to Z
Why see the Waltz in a dream?
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A dream in which many people are dancing a waltz indicates that you will have a good relationship with a risky and completely charming young man, devoid of any complexes.
If the dancers are incompetent and only pretend that they are dancing with rapture, then your soul will be completely captured by the thirst for pleasure and an easy life, and you will have to make considerable efforts in order not to disappoint your relatives.
To dance a waltz in a dream with your chosen one means that in reality you will become the object of adoration of many admirers, although none of them will be even just nice to you.
To dance in a pair with a girlfriend or mother - in reality, they experience gratitude for their spiritual qualities and the ability to always help their neighbors in grief.
Standing aside at the ball, watching your man waltz with another - in reality you will behave smartly and correctly in a difficult situation and thus pave the way to your happiness.
Dream Interpretation of a Modern Woman
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If in a dream you see people dancing a waltz, you will meet a very pleasant, but adventurous person.
If a young woman dreams that she is dancing a waltz with her lover, this means that she will have many admirers, but none of them will seriously seek her hand.
If a woman sees her lover in a dream, dancing a waltz with another lady, this portends her that thanks to reasonable behavior and endurance, she will be able to keep their happiness.
A dream in which you see people dancing randomly and ugly is a sign that your soul will soon be completely captured by a thirst for pleasure and you will need to show maximum prudence so as not to disappoint relatives and friends.
Modern dream book
Find out what it means if you dream of Waltz?
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Waltz - marriage, marriage.
Dream Interpretation of Fedorovskaya
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A dream in which you hear the sounds of a waltz predicts unpleasant chores.
You dreamed that you waltzed - failure in business awaits you.
You watched someone waltz - someone from your loved ones is in trouble in business.
Freud's dream book
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Waltz, like any rhythmic movements, including dances, is a symbol of sexual intercourse. In such dreams, the setting and characters are important.
Dream Interpretation of Tsvetkov
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Waltz - marriage, marriage.
Ukrainian dream book
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To dance a waltz is a road, sometimes anxious, uncertain.
Dancing in a dream: interpretation from dream books
Published:
What does it mean to dance in a dream? Such a dream usually tells about pleasant things. What he saw testifies to the imminent prospects, the fulfillment of the cherished, the well-being and strengthening of the social significance of the individual. Is it really? Let's figure out why we dream of dancing.
Why dream of dancing according to Freud's dream book?
A world-famous psychologist claims that a dream about a dance is a good sign if you enjoy what is happening.
The dream speaks of problems that burdened, but will soon pass. A dream indicates that a person is experiencing a psychological discharge.
A dream in which you want to dance very much, speaks of too much sexual potential, which cannot be realized in reality.
If you are not dancing in a dream, but you are watching nearby, but you get visual pleasure from what is happening, then the subconscious is hinting: you are dreaming of trying something condemned by the public as immoral. We are talking about same-sex love, which you subconsciously consider attractive.
Why dream of dancing in a dream according to Miller's dream book?
What does it mean to dance in a dream? Miller's dream interpretation is interpreted as follows:
- Moving to music is a good sign. The dream hints that the problems that are troubling at the moment will soon cease to bother. Why dream of dancing alone? Leave everything to chance, once again do not overstrain, the result will be positive.
- What else will the dream book tell about? Dancing in pairs - the help that is so needed will come from a life partner.
- Dance also speaks of success in personal life. Subconsciously prepare for the wedding. It is important to consider the details of the dream. A dance with a chosen one or a chosen one speaks of auspiciousness.
For careerists, dancing in a dream speaks of future success, professional growth and promotion at work. If you are dancing at a holiday, then expect a quick profit.
Why dream of dancing in a dream according to an esoteric dream book?
What will the esoteric dream book tell about? Dancing in a dream has several explanations:
- Stormy and funny dances - expect problems with the musculoskeletal system (dislocation, fracture, sciatica, and so on).
- Slow pair dance - a long quarrel, divorce and problems in the love field.
- Watching dancers is an unpleasant discussion in which you sort things out.
What else will the dream book tell? Dancing on stage - the subconscious hints at impending depression and illness due to envy of the well-being of other people.
Why dream of dancing according to Vanga's dream book?
Vanga spoke about dancing in a bad way. She believed that the desire to move to the music foreshadows:
- Imminent disease of the musculoskeletal system. Wanted to dance in a dream? The dream interpretation warns: go to a specialist and check the condition of the body.
- If you dreamed of ballroom dancing, others envy you. Expect unpleasant gossip and rumors.
- Cheerful dances in your house speak of quarrels in the family and with neighbors. Be attentive to others, beware of small conflicts, as they will develop into major problems.
Why dream of dancing according to Grishina's "Noble Dream Book"?
Girl dancing at sunset: PixabayNina Grishina wrote about dreaming dances in her dream book as follows:
Another such dream speaks of psychological elasticity, which will soon help. 
What else will the dream book tell about? To dance a waltz - enter into a difficult relationship with a specific person.
Why dream of dancing according to an Islamic dream book?
In Muslim culture, dancing in a dream is an unfavorable sign. Such a dream speaks of a waste of time. Review your pastime, perhaps you need to change something in order to become more productive and efficient.
If nothing is changed, then the applied forces are in vain. More dances will indicate the problems that the dreamer himself will create. Be careful what you do so you don't get into trouble.
In a dream, someone from the family is dancing - quarrel with this person. For a patient, such a dream speaks of a deterioration in his condition, but for a prisoner, a dream is a good sign, since he will soon be released.
Why dream of dancing according to a folk dream book?
Why dream of dancing in a dream? The meaning of a dream depends on various factors.
It is important to consider the partner, dance style and setting. General interpretations are as follows:
What does the partner testify to?
Dancing in a dream with a man - you will get married soon. Mutual understanding and harmony will reign in the family. Such a dream has another interpretation: family life with this person will become the subject of envy. Try not to show off your relationship.
Participating in a dance with several people circling? Expect a major scandal. Take a close look at your surroundings, quarrel with one of your relatives or friends.
Don't worry if you dance alone in your dream. This is a good sign that indicates financial gain, merit and success. Another good thing is dancing with a child. There will be more positive things in your life. Such a dream tells a woman: expect replenishment in the family.
What will the dance style tell about?
In a dream, dancing a waltz is family happiness. The problems of a loved one will improve, and harmony will reign in the family.
