How to 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:

1. Step forward with the left foot
2. Right foot step sideways to the right
3. Bring your left foot next to your right foot
4. Step back with the right foot
5. Step back sideways with the left foot
6. Bring your right foot next to your left foot

Lady's Steps:

1. Step back with the right foot
2. Left foot step sideways to the left
3. Bring your right foot next to your left foot
4. Step forward with the left foot
5. Step forward sideways with the right foot
6. 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.

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Waltz 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.

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Waltz 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.

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Waltz 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

1. Step forward with the left foot.
2. Move your right foot sideways to the right.
3. Bring the left foot to the right foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.
4. Step back with the right foot.
5. Step back with the left foot and move sideways to the left.
6. Move the right foot next to the left foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.

Steps for the Following Partner

1. Step back with the right foot.
2. Move your left foot sideways to the left.
3. Bring the right foot next to the left foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.
4. Step forward with the left foot.
5. Step back with the right foot and move sideways to the right.
6. Bring the left foot next to the right foot. Your feet are parallel and not quite touching.

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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

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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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How to learn to dance the waltz

Waltz! And now light vapors are already spinning, spinning, swiftly and smoothly sweeping one after another. Start learning to dance, and become more slender, dexterous, fit. You will not touch the corners and jambs ... But does this happen to you sometimes? Confess! Your step will become light, springy, you will straighten your shoulders, learn to keep your head straight.
Be sure to learn to dance, and we will help you.

WE DANCE THE WALTZ nine0004

To learn how to waltz, it is enough to know two movements: the right turn and the "track". The "track" is quite easy to learn, so the most important thing is the turn. We will start with him. A full turn of the waltz (360 degrees) consists of two parts and is performed for two measures. The musical size of the waltz (one measure) is 3/4. This means that the waltz rhythm is a continuous repetition of counting: one, two, three; one, two, three... Before starting to learn to dance in pairs, everyone must learn the waltz turn on their own. nine0004

FIRST HALF TURN
(Count: "one, two, three")

Become a face along the movement, or, as they say, along the line of dance. Put your feet in the third position, that is, the heel of the right foot is attached to the middle of the foot of the left and the socks are turned to the sides, as shown in the figure. This extended position of the legs is called eversion. In the waltz, the legs must be in an eversion position at all times.
So let's get started. Take a step forward with your right foot, starting to turn to the right (count: "one" - the first quarter), then step with your left foot, turn to the right even more, and now you are standing with your back along the dance line (count: "two" - the second quarter), pull the right leg to the left in the third position (count: "three" - the third quarter). This is the diagram of the first half of the turn. nine0003 Do it several times in a row, turning exactly 180 degrees each time. In order for this scheme to turn into a half-turn of the waltz, rise to the half-toes on the second step and lower at the end of the third step from the half-toes to the soles of both feet, ending the movement with a smooth, slightly noticeable squat. All steps should be light and gliding.

SECOND HALF TURN
(Count: "one, two, three")

You stand with your back in the line of dance. Legs in third position. Take a step with your left foot to the side (count: "one" - the first quarter), body weight on the left foot, there is no turn yet. Bring the right foot with the inside of the toe behind the heel of the left, that is, inverted (count: "two" - the second quarter), slowly turn on the half-toes of both legs to the right, so as to be facing the line of dance (count: "three" - the third quarter ). Check that the rotation should be swarmed 180 degrees. What we have now learned is the scheme of the second half of the turn. nine0003 Do this pattern again, but with the following conditions: the first step should go diagonally back and to the side (more to the side than back). At the same time, make sure that the left leg maintains an eversion position. On the second step, bringing the right foot with the toe behind the heel of the left, put it close (but not close, otherwise you will not be able to turn), so that the turn without additional prefixes ends in the third position.
In the final form, the turn is performed as follows: after the "skid" it is necessary to turn very smoothly, without any effort of the body, on half-fingers. Body weight is greater on the left leg. On the count of "three", as in the first half of the turn, you should lower yourself from the half-toes and slightly noticeably, gently sit down. nine0004

HOW TO MAKE A FULL TURN!

Face in line of dance with feet in third position. Make the first half of the turn (1st measure - count: "one, two, three"). You ended up with your back in the line of dance. Continue turning to the right, doing the second half of the turn you just learned. So you have returned to the starting position (2nd measure - count: "one, two, three"). Now you can start all over again: the first half, the second, the first again, etc. Practice well. First, about thirty times, turn very slowly, counting, then faster, even faster. nine0004

IT IS EASY TO TURN BY ONE, IT IS HARDER TO TURN IN A PAIR

And this is true at first. Because mistakes, insecurities of one are transferred to another, and you go astray.
Team up for a waltz. The girl should face in the line of dance, the boy - with his back. This means that the girl will start the waltz from the right foot forward (from the first half of the turn), the boy starts from the left foot to the side (from the second half of the turn). Then the girl dances the second half of the turn, the boy the first, and so on. All the time at the same time they perform different halves of the turn. nine0003 Do not immediately try to spin at a fast pace.
Pay special attention to whether you put your foot in the first step of the second half of the turn and whether the first step from the right foot has shortened in the first half.
Remember that, circling in a waltz, you must always move forward along the line of dance. And for this, for each beat, you must turn exactly 180 degrees. The division of the waltz turn into two halves is purely arbitrary and should not affect the smooth and continuous character of the dance. nine0004

WE GO TO THE "TRACK" OF THE WALTZ, AND THIS MEANS THAT THE MOST DIFFICULT IS ALREADY BEHIND

You can't dance the waltz, just spinning in one direction. This is both tiring and makes the dance monotonous.
This is where the "track" is needed.
Stand one at a time, facing along the line of dance and march to the music of the waltz, taking one step for each count (each quarter). This is unusual, but not difficult if you carefully listen to the music.
Walk again, but now on half toes. The knees are tucked up, but not tense. The steps are small. nine0003 Now try for every third count to gently lower yourself from the half-toes of the forward leg to the entire foot. At the moment when you lower yourself from the toes, the other leg is simultaneously brought forward.
"Track" is played easily and smoothly. One "track" of the waltz takes three counts ("one, two, three" - one beat). Be careful not to take a big step on the first count. All steps of the "track" are the same size. In pairs, the partner most often makes a track, stepping back and starting with the left foot, the partner moves forward and starts with the right foot. nine0003 At first, it is best to build the whole dance like this: combine two full turns of the waltz (four measures) and four measures of the "track". In the future, you will spin more and less often go to the "track". So, for example, it is convenient to combine twelve measures of rotation and four measures of a track.
Well, how to turn left? Exactly the same as to the right. All the same rules apply, but, of course, you start on the other foot and turn to the left. However, my advice is not to rush to the left turn. Move on to it only when you are good at circling to the right. nine0003 You might also be wondering how to avoid dizziness. The most important thing is habit, but there is also a little secret: do not look around while dancing, and even more so at the floor or ceiling. Look only forward along the line of dance.
So, dance the waltz!

How to learn to dance a waltz for a girl

Home » Miscellaneous » How to learn to dance a waltz for a girl

Learning to waltz: basic steps and movements

Hello my dear readers!

If you want to learn how to waltz, but you don't have the desire or opportunity to attend a ballroom dancing class, then try to do it on your own or with a trainer. Learning to waltz is a challenging, exciting and very interesting activity that can be a great way to spend time with a partner. nine0004

The peculiarity and beauty of the waltz lies in the smooth and continuous whirling of dancing couples, harmoniously combined with the general line of dance, which implies the movement of all couples in a circle. The liveliness, simplicity and immediacy of the dance gives a special atmosphere to the ceremonial aristocratic salons, where complex gavottes and minuets reigned.

By the way, waltz for beginners is quite an interesting and simple activity that quickly masters and gives the dancer great pleasure. Of course, waltz training should take place at a dance school, since it is quite difficult to learn steps and actions from books. It is more suitable for those who already have an understanding of the basic movements or simply missed a few aspects of the dance and want to catch up. nine0004

How to learn to dance slow waltzes? Dance lessons are the perfect solution to this problem. Training includes a warm-up, during which the muscles of the body are warmed up. Thus, nothing will constrain the body and movements of the dancer.

Only after that comes the practice of movements, steps and pas. Waltz lessons involve dancing in pairs. But do not worry if there is no couple - people come to many dance schools without a partner, so there will always be a company. An interesting choice would be Viennese, French or figured waltzes, Friendship waltz and Boston. nine0004