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How To Waltz Dance For Beginners

Learn how to Waltz dance for beginners in this starter guide.

Table Of Contents:

What is the Waltz?
How To Count The Waltz
Waltz Basic Steps (Box Step) – Video
Progressive Basic Step – Video
2 styles of Waltz

What is the Waltz? Slow Waltz Character/History:

The Waltz dance is one of the classiest Ballroom dances with an emphasize on “rise and fall” and smooth movement across the dance floor. The Slow Waltz Originated in Vienna, Austria and was soon the go to dance at various Ballrooms and parties.

It is a dance that has a very elegant and soft character to match the classical music that often accompanies it. This dance has figures that are in one place such as the box step (taught below), as well as figures that travel around the floor such as the progressive basic step (taught below).

It can be danced to classy songs like “Appassionata” by secrete Garden and “The Sweetheart Tree” by Johnny Mathis.

How To Count The Waltz:

The way you count the Waltz is: “1,2,3” – “1,2,3” – Each beat is even. The Waltz has a 3/4 time signature which is different than many of the other social dances like Rumba or Foxtrot that have a 4/4 structure.

Check out the 2 Waltz steps below:

Basic Waltz Dance Steps (The Box):

Summary of Waltz Basic Steps (Box Step)

Men:

Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot

Women:

Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot

Pro Tip:

One of the keys to make your Waltz look better is to do “rise and fall” through out. In general you lower on count “1”, and go up on count “2”, then lower at the end of count “3”. Try it out!

Now that you learned how to Waltz in place with the box, you need to learn how to travel around the room since Waltz is a traveling dance.

Men:

Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Fwd with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot

Women:

Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Back with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot

2 Popular styles of Waltz:

American Style: The American style Waltz originated in the United States and has moves that are done in closed-hold, as well as moves that are done in open-hold. The open-hold moves are what distinguish this style from the International style.

International Style: This style of Waltz is danced in both the USA and Europe. All the Waltz moves in this style are done in closed-hold. The International style is also often done competitively.

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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:

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 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

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.

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.
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.
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.

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.

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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!

technical description and recommendations. Learning to dance the waltz

The waltz is not in vain considered the king of dances. He is always present at all events, various receptions and, of course, at the prom.

But everyone thinks about it sometime, because the time of the prom is getting closer and closer, and there is simply no time to spend energy taking lessons from professionals. In this case, you can learn to dance the waltz yourself, at home.

But unlike the last century, when being able to dance the waltz was a mandatory requirement for everyone, now there are not so many girls and boys who know this type of dance.

First, you need to consider the basic movements. Naturally, before you start learning to dance the waltz, you need to find a suitable partner who also wants to learn. Absolutely all movements occur on the account: one-two-three-times. This one is very important to remember, because when dancing you need to keep a good pace.

As for the rotation, if you look from the side, it may seem somehow complicated and incomprehensible, but in fact the rotation goes counterclockwise along the square.

As for the steps, it is also worth noting a small nuance - for each corner of a simple square there are two small steps and one large one. This is very important to remember and keep in mind so as not to get confused.

I would also like to note, once again, that the rotation in the waltz is one of the most important components. You always need to turn to the right side, and if you look from a purely mathematical point of view, then each turn consists of two half-turns, which are equal to one hundred and eighty degrees.

Now let's look at the steps. To start the turn, you need to take one step forward with your right foot. In this case, it is very important to make a turn to the right in a clockwise direction. Next, you should take a step already with your left foot, but at the same time continue to carry out the already started turn, after which the left foot should be placed on half-toes.

And finally, the right leg should be, then attached to the left, after which both legs should stand on a full foot. This is the first part of the square you will make.

To complete the second part, you need to do almost the same thing, only in reverse.
That is, first you need to take a step back with your left foot, and this step must be done diagonally and all the weight must be transferred to the left foot.

After that, the right foot is transferred over the heel of the left.
Next, a turn is performed on half-fingers, after which you need to start making a square again.
At the same time, it is very important not to forget constantly, to count “one-two-three-times”, without this, it will be very easy to get lost and lose the tempo, which is an equally important component of the waltz.

If you have never danced a waltz in your life, then you have definitely lost a lot. But do not be upset. Because it's never too late to learn. The most important thing is desire and effort. A farewell school waltz, which will forever remain in the memory of all of us for many years, a wedding waltz performed by two loving people will bring a lot of pleasure and give a great mood. The waltz is always danced by artists at concerts, athletes at various dance tournaments, as well as all those who are just interested in it.

Classics are eternal
Waltz is a beautiful, gentle dance, which can be based on any story: a first date, a dramatic love story with parting, warm relationships that have been preserved over many years of living together. The waltz is danced by children at matinees, young couples at school balls and registry offices, and adults and the elderly at anniversaries and wedding anniversaries or just for fun. For everyone, it has its own meaning, while remaining the single most beautiful, classical dance of many eras.

The history of the waltz begins with the combination of the German peasant dance Lendler, distinguished by its exquisite simplicity and spontaneity, and the Provencal Volta dance with jumps and rotations. Translated from German, the name of the dance "walzen" means "circle" or "rotate". The birthplace of the waltz is Vienna in the 80s of the 18th century. Viennese waltz is lively and intense due to the frequently changing tempo and rhythm, and the constant alternation of left and right turns. Today there are many varieties of waltz. These are the Viennese waltz, which is called any fast form of dance, the classical waltz performed in closed positions, figured and slow waltzes and the Boston waltz.

Waltz: first lessons
In order to learn how to dance the waltz, you need to love it and want to "dissolve" in it. Choosing a partner (partner) who is visually and emotionally similar to each other is the main key to success in the waltz, as in any dance.

The main figure of the waltz is a full turn with three steps per measure, performed mainly in the closed position. To begin with, each partner needs to master this turn individually, separately from each other. To make the turn smooth and sliding, you need to direct the entire body weight to the center of the legs.
Try the first steps preferably without music, under your own account or with the partner's account, this will give the main turn more clarity and confidence.

The first step on the count of "one" is the widest compared to the next two. The torso should be kept straight, shoulders straightened, head slightly raised and look in front of you. It is advisable not to look at your feet during the first lessons, so as not to relearn later. When turning clockwise on the count of "two" and "three", the turn should turn the body 180 degrees from the original location.

If the first turn started with the right foot forward, then the second must be with the left foot back. Thus, the steps lead in a straight line. When music is applied and partners are connected, the main turns of the waltz will themselves begin to “smooth out”, forming a large circle.

When moving to paired dance lessons, the partner places his right hand slightly below the partner’s left shoulder blade, holding the elbow at an angle of 90 degrees in relation to his own body, and his left hand is carried out to the side just below eye level and acts as a support for her right hand .

The partner puts her left hand on her partner's shoulder, slightly pressing on him to be more obedient in the dance, and looks over her, turning her head to the left and slightly upward. At the same time, she keeps her shoulders straight and slightly takes them back. This position gives her balance, and the partner's confidence in controlling her in the dance. Partners must "glide" in sync and smoothly to give the waltz its inherent grace and grandeur.

When you feel confident in the basic elements and your position in relation to each other, at the next stages of the waltz improvement, you can claim a more complex staging and improvisation.
With good dedication, a “personal” waltz can become professional, extraordinary and unforgettable.

On my own, from scratch, without the help of a professional teacher, an experienced dancer, or at least a person who knows how to do it, it is impossible.

But is it really so? Modern people have many things that can help them master this or that occupation and at the same time not leave their own home. We are talking about the Internet, television panels, smartphones and other technical benefits that make distance learning possible.

How do they dance?

Waltz is distinguished by the use of time signature in three quarters. That is, each measure is “one, two, three”. With emphasis on the intonation "time".

In movement, this is expressed in the fact that the measure is equal to three steps. In how to waltz, mastering the rhythm is the most important thing. Without understanding the size and the habit of counting the beats inside yourself, nothing will work.

What is a waltz like?

Usually people who are interested in how to learn to dance the waltz at home on their own do not quite understand exactly what they want to be able to perform.

There are several types of dance:

fast or Viennese;
slow;
figured;
Argentinian or waltz in tango rhythm.

Each of the options has its own characteristics, and before you learn to dance the waltz, you need to clearly understand what type of movement you want to master.

Viennese

As a rule, saying “waltz” means exactly the fast Viennese ballroom dance. It is included in the competition programs, it is danced in films, this option is the most famous among people who are not in contact with the choreography.

And it is also the most difficult. In this type of dance, 60 measures fit into a minute. Before you learn how to dance the waltz at home, or rather start this process, it makes sense to try to say out loud the size with a stopwatch.

"One, two, three" should sound 60 times in one minute, while not losing your breath and losing your breath. If everything worked out - the Viennese version of the dance can be safely mastered, if not - you need to start with a simpler variety.

Slow

Its difference from fast dance is only in rhythm, in this type of dance there are 30 measures, repeating every minute.

For those who are wondering how to learn to dance the waltz at home, this version of the dance is just perfect. In addition, after it, the famous Viennese is easily mastered.

Figured

This dance is distinguished by the presence of additional movements - swinging legs, falling on the knee and so on.

If at some show, just in the evening program in a club, a solo waltz is danced on the stage, by one dancer, without a partner, then this is precisely the figure type.

It is not worth starting with this variety, since such a dance involves improvisation. And in order to improvise, you need to be able to dance.

Tango

The Argentine waltz is a crazy mixture of Latin American passions and European twists. Starting to learn dancing from him is not a good idea.

The performance of this type of dance requires perfect mastery of both waltz and tango. In addition, it is almost impossible for a beginner who cannot move to master the Argentine variety without a choreographer.

Where to start?

Usually, to such a question, they expect to hear in response a short story about how to stand, walk, where to look. However, in order to learn how to dance the waltz, for beginners, the first step is not to learn the position at all, but to arrange a place to practice.

It should be as similar as possible to a dance class. You will need a room of at least 20 square meters, as free from furniture as possible. This is necessary, because circling like a princess at a ball in a 10-square room filled with armchairs, cabinets, chairs and tables is quite difficult and only the heroines of Disney fairy tales can do it.

You will need a large full-length mirror, or better yet, a few or wall paneling.

A simple wooden cornice can be used as a warm-up and pre-workout machine, by fixing it well. But if there is no intention to engage seriously, and you are only interested in how to learn how to dance a waltz for an event, such as graduation, then the device of the machine can be neglected.

What to focus on?

When the room is ready, you can start working. What to focus on is a personal matter for everyone, someone easily copies the movements while watching an episode from the film, and someone needs detailed explanations with schematic images.

One thing you can't do in learning how to waltz is to follow only the written description of the movements. Movement must be seen. Otherwise, you can learn something completely wrong.

Music is not needed at the initial stage, the movements are learned according to the score, which can simply be recorded on a regular smartphone.

Description of the basic positions

Before you start learning the positions, you need to warm up the muscles. Of course, before a home waltz lesson, it is not necessary to sit on the twine. But elementary exercises, with which physical education classes begin in schools, need to be done.

Initial stance - partners stand with their bodies close together, with a straight back. At the same time, the woman holds her back, leaning back a little, due to the deflection in the lower back. The chin is raised, the head is turned to the left, the gaze is directed over the partner's shoulder.

A man supports a woman over the deflection zone, it visually gives the impression that she is leaning on her arm, and without this she will break. The woman's left hand is on the man's shoulder.

When learning alone, you will have to imagine your partner.

Step of the dance - initially the legs are in position "6", which means that the feet are parallel. The one who leads begins to move, stepping from the left foot to "one", then from the right - to "two", and to "three" pulls the left to the right.

The dance is performed with "attached" type of steps. The slave partner simply repeats after the main one. The turn is performed arbitrarily, the minimum interval for it is 2 measures.

As a result, the couple should “outline” a square.

Many people are interested in the term "waltz track". This figure of the dance develops itself, by distributing the turns over the beats.

One of the main difficulties in learning the waltz alone at home is the need to introduce a partner. This is not about emotional complexity, but about tactile difficulty. That is, it is difficult to keep the open palm at the same distance, not to “drop” the elbow. It is no less difficult and constantly to keep your hand on weight, imagining that it lies on someone's shoulder.

It is quite possible to learn the waltz on your own, although it is difficult. Classroom dancing for couples is always the best solution. But if this is not possible, then it is quite possible to turn on a documentary educational film and try to move in the same way as what is shown on the screen. In the same way, you can use feature films, and even animation.

What is this dance? Let's dive into history. It turns out that the waltz was born in Austria in the 17th century. This dance was danced at the ball. And the name comes from the old German word walzen and meant movement in a circle. Many who managed to fall in love with this dance movement noted its ease, both in learning and in performing.

Waltz became popular and in just one century, as they say, it spread around many countries. Already in the eighteenth century in Germany and France, this dance was performed as one of the leading dances at balls. His movements were not the same as we are used to seeing the waltz now. It was performed with an element borrowed from another dance - quadrille. Hands were crossed in the area of shoulders during movement. Such a dance was called "closed".

Waltz is a musical dance. At the end of the 18th century, not only noble people danced it, it was also loved by the peasants and was performed with a certain musical size - in three quarters.

Every year the waltz became popular, and learning it on your own was not a big deal. That is why dance teachers were very worried that they would be left without work. For example, if to learn a more complex dance - the minuet, it was necessary to learn and hone many different figures of increased complexity, then in order to master the basic movements of the waltz, special skills were not required.

Also this "close" dance was often discussed. There was a period when they wanted to completely ban it, and the reason for this was the discontent of representatives of religious cultures. They believed that the dance was indecent, due to the fact that in a couple the dancers stood too close to each other. In Europe, the dance was not accepted for a long time, and in England it was accepted even later.

At the end of the 19th century, each country danced the waltz in its own way. The main types of waltz were the dance at a slow pace with wide steps. Leg movements were gliding. This type of waltz was called Boston. The second popular performance of the waltz was the delayed dance. Steps during execution were delayed to the music.

These dances are not used at present. The most common are the Viennese waltz and modern.

Waltz and its types

International, American, Modern, Viennese, Peruvian, Mexican and Venezuelan. There are many varieties of waltz. I would like to stop the view of the reader of MirSovetov on an unusual dance performance - Western European. This waltz differs almost completely from the traditional waltz because the couple dances in a counter-clockwise direction. And the partners and their hands are free, the backs are slightly rounded. From the outside, such a dancing couple seems stooped.

But we, together with the Mirsovetov, will consider the main, popular type of waltz in the country, and most importantly, we will learn how to dance the waltz.

Vienna. Very beautiful dance. The main figure of this dance is movement in a circle, that is, whirling. The movements are performed to the music, and 60 movements must be performed per minute. This pace of dance performance is considered optimal. Music for the Viennese waltz is selected especially: passionate, and at the same time - elegant.

The Viennese waltz is usually danced at a ball. The dance is considered elegant, as the movements of partners in the dance are light, sliding. In Europe, it is customary to perform a dance of several movements - from 4 to 8 figures, and in America this dance has been significantly complicated by more than a hundred figures.

How to learn to dance

Waltz is one of the most romantic dances. And everyone should be able to dance it. The dance is performed in pairs. Therefore, first of all, you need to take care of the second "dance half".

It is advisable to start learning the waltz from childhood. But if you have long grown out of this pore, do not be discouraged. You will definitely learn how to dance.

It is advisable to go to a special section where your child and you will be shown the basic dance moves, as well as prepare your body and help develop plasticity.

If you have no time to attend dance classes, and your desire to learn is great, be patient. Be persistent and...train! Remember that the first time you will not succeed, but every day you will dance better and better.

If you decide not to study on your own:

Choose a proven section with a positive reputation.
You can take lessons from a dance teacher, so you quickly learn the basic movements.

So where do you start to learn how to waltz?

Learn the basic types of waltz. This waltz is figured, boston, french, waltz of friendship and viennese.
Listen to music. You have to feel it and even close your eyes, imagine waltz movements to the beat of the music. Imagine yourself dancing with a partner.
Purchase a training CD. Turn them on and watch whenever you have free time. Try not to rush and try to cover everything at once.
If you did not immediately understand how to perform dance figures. Come back and work through the movements again. Video lessons are designed for that, so that slowly, in a relaxed atmosphere, learn the waltz.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of dancing with your head and don't worry that something doesn't work out for you. Believe me, everyone started somewhere.

Getting ready for classes

Before you start training, you need to be physically well prepared. Do not be lazy to do exercises, add a few more to your standard set of exercises: on plastic and.

Start your exercise to waltz music. So you will quickly get used to and “catch” the rhythm. Move on to dance moves. Do them smoothly. Do not make sudden movements.

When stretching, give preference to the hands and toes. Squat on your toes, stretch your arms and fix them at shoulder level. Try to keep your shoulders in a normal position, do not raise them. They must be relaxed.

Now you are ready. It remains now to work out the dance moves with a partner.

Learning the movements

The basis for learning the waltz is just two movements. Once you master them, you can move on. So, let's learn the turn. When a couple dances a waltz, then the rotation movement is performed 360 degrees. First, learn this waltz movement on your own, and then in pairs.

Learning the first half of the movement:

It is necessary to count: one-two-three, repeating the count three times to the music.
Stand facing the line of dance.
Feet must be in position #3.
Take one step forward, starting with the right foot (count it as one).
Then take a step with your left foot and turn to the right (count - two).
When you turn around, you will stand with your back in the line of dance.
Gently draw the right leg towards the left leg. Stand in position number 3 (count - three).
Secure the movement. Do it several times.
Remember that you are learning half a turn, and therefore a 180 degree turn.
Perform the movement on the toes, and completing it, stand on the whole foot.
At the end of the movement, do a slight squat.
Your movements must be gliding.

Learning the second half of the turn:

We stand with our backs to the dance line.
Legs in position #3.
From the left foot, step to the side (count - one).
Don't turn around yet.
Place your right foot inside out (count - two).
Gently turn on your toes to the right side.
Count - three and you are facing the line of dance.
You have now rotated your body 180 degrees.
Perform the movements several times.
Take the first step diagonally, first back and then to the side. The leg must be reversible.
Place the left heel close to the right foot when moving the second step.
You should now have leg position #3.
Keep your body weight on your left foot.

Making a full turn:

Face the line of dance.
Legs in position #3.
Perform the first half of the turn - back to the line of dance.
Turn right and proceed to the second half of the movement.
You must return to the starting position.
Practice, do the movement several times.
After your body and legs get used to the movement, turn slowly at first, then faster and faster.

You have already learned how to make a turn on your own. But this is only a small part of your success. Ahead - learning the turn in pairs. The girl starts the movement with the right foot (facing the line of dance), the boy - with the left (back to the line of dance). The girl dances the first half of the turn, the boy the second. That is, in a pair, partners simultaneously perform a turn, only different halves.

Couple Tips:

Don't try to make a quick turn right away.
Watch your feet.
In the dance, you need to move forward along the line of dance.
Don't get hung up on doing the two parts of the turn, the movements should be smooth.

Learning the “track”

As you already know from the video lessons, it is impossible to dance the waltz in only one direction. Firstly, it is tiring, and the dance looks monotonous. Therefore, you need to learn how to perform one more dance movement - the “track”.

First you need to learn how to play it separately.

Stand facing the line of dance.
March, don't forget to count.
Now repeat the track again, but on the half-toes.
Knees should be tucked up.
Take small steps.
On count 3, each time lower from half toes to the entire foot, at this moment the free leg moves forward.
One track is three counts.
Don't take big steps, they should be the same.
Practice both movements with the right foot and vice versa.
Don't try to learn how to dance from the left turn right away, learn how to turn right first.
You may feel dizzy at first - don't worry, it's a matter of habit. But there are also little secrets: while driving, do not look around, down or up, it is better to look ahead.

Try to devote as much time as possible to your studies. Of course, it doesn't have to be long hours of training. It is enough to devote one hour a day to classes.

Don't think that you will learn to dance by watching TV and carefully studying dance lessons. You need to learn how to dance live, how to move correctly to the music.

Little secrets

When learning any waltz, regardless of whether it is Vienna or Boston, you need to be able to feel the rhythm. Every dance teacher first of all teaches dancers to count. And you, do not forget about this important rule and count: one-two-three and so on three times.

For the dance to be harmonious, one should:

Don't be shy about your partner - you need to touch each other.
For the partner to bend his knees, slightly, put his right hand on the shoulder blade and thus support the partner's back.
Hold.
Don't forget to count.
Do not confuse the position of the legs: start with the right foot - moving forward and to the right, with the left - back and left.
If the partner started the dance from the left foot - the partner needs to start from the right - that is - to dance in a mirror.
The partner's left hand rests on the partner's waist, while the right hand holds her hand.
The female partner places her free hand on the partner's shoulder.

Knowing how to waltz is amazing. Waltzing, a person becomes more plastic, his posture will improve, and the movements will be easy. The overall well-being of the body will improve, and what can we say about the emotional mood! Knowing how to waltz, you will gain confidence in your movements, become calmer, and every day you will dance the waltz better and better. Practice and success will be on your side!

Waltz is the most famous dance of all time. It does not age, despite its age. The whole secret of its enduring popularity lies in the fact that the waltz is both beautiful and not so difficult that everyone can learn how to dance it. And since this dance often accompanies us at various events, both solemn and entertaining, everyone should know how to dance the waltz correctly. And do not even doubt the usefulness of this knowledge!

What is a waltz? The origin of the dance

Despite the fact that the waltz has existed for more than two hundred years, it still cannot be called an ancient dance, which are considered to be polonaises, sarabandes and minuets. However, it is impossible to name the exact date of the waltz's appearance. The history of its origin, however, is also very vague. There are several versions of the origin of this amazingly beautiful dance. According to one of them, its progenitor is considered to be a swift walzer - a dance originally from Germany. According to another, a landler, who was popular among the peasants of Austria and Germany. Both of these dances had a three-part meter, were performed in pairs and in a circle.

It is safe to say that the waltz came to us from the lower strata of the population, having previously been a dance of peasants and bourgeois. Very soon he migrated to the bourgeoisie, where he gained unprecedented popularity. He quickly fell in love and began to dance at all kinds of secular balls and receptions. Everything would be fine if it were not for the strong criticism of this dance, especially from the clergy, who considered it depraved and unacceptable in a decent society. And maybe he would have disappeared altogether, unable to withstand the pressure of critics, if he had not been "picked up" by Strauss and other composers of the era of romanticism.

The era of romanticism

The era of romanticism began in Europe, which was marked by completely new trends in the field of art, music and poetry. Many famous composers of that time are beginning to work in this direction, creating gentle lyrical music. Schubert, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Hoffmann, Rossini - they are all followers of romanticism. Johann Strauss, a famous Viennese composer, also began to write music in this direction. His famous waltzes are the treasury of world culture and its pride. In addition to the fact that the music of this direction was very soulful, it also turned to folklore, to what was popular among ordinary peasants.

That's why this dance became instantly popular, and every self-respecting nobleman began to learn how to dance the waltz, which very quickly won the hearts of millions of people. Queen Victoria especially fell in love with him, who patronized this dance at social events.

Types of waltzes

In fact, there are many varieties of this wonderful dance that are not so well known to the general public. Let's stop only on some of them.

Viennese waltz - a waltz from the times of Johann Strauss, light, swift and graceful, characterized by a fast pace.
The Boston Waltz, on the other hand, is danced slowly and sedately.
Argentine waltz is a mixture of tango and waltz in the spirit of Mexican passions.
Figured waltz - this dance has already been created for professional dancers performing at various competitions and competitions. For those who are just starting to think about how to dance the waltz, this type is not suitable.

All these types of waltz share a three-part meter and a common outline of the pattern, which is complemented by different elements, depending on the type of dance.

Learning to dance the waltz

Probably every cultured and educated person should know how to dance the waltz. However, theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. Everything is decided by practice, which will quickly lead to the desired results. It is desirable to get practice in a dance studio, with an experienced teacher and a partner who will be right for you. The choice of the latter is especially important, otherwise the idea may not come true. You should be comfortable with this particular person with whom you should act in unison. You must feel it as yourself.

So, you need to understand what position the body should take and master the basic figures. The body should take the initial stance. For a partner, this is: a straight back, a slightly turned head to the left. For the partner: a slight bend of the back, while the arms from the elbow to the elbow form a cross with the back, gracefully fall on the partner's arms. The position of the body is very important for the execution of basic figures, so you must always make sure to return to the starting position again and again.

How to dance the waltz: scheme

Waltz It's not difficult to learn how to dance, you just need to understand the principle of movements. There are several basic figures, having mastered which, you will understand how to dance the waltz.

So, the change from the right foot is performed as follows: first, a step is taken forward with the right foot, which is a little springy, and there is a slight rise. On the count of two, the left leg moves to the left, and the body deviates slightly to the right. At the last count, the right foot is attached to the left. Then there are 3 more movements, but already back: the left naga steps back with a slight rise, the right steps to the right, and the body deviates to the left, at the expense of "three" the left foot is attached to the right.

There is also a change from the left leg, which is performed similarly to the previous one, only the legs change: from the left to the right, and vice versa.

In addition to these two figures, there are also turns: right and left. The principle of turns is absolutely the same as for changes, but only at the expense of "two" a small turn appears on the supporting leg.

How to learn to dance the waltz on your own

It is possible to learn the waltz on your own, although it is still easier to do it with a mentor who will determine the initial level of the student and his abilities, and also choose a comfortable learning pace. But if for some reason it is not possible to find a teacher, then various training video aids will come to the rescue.

So take your time and patience and watch in a relaxed atmosphere the various tutorials on how to dance the waltz. After that, it is advisable to start training in front of the mirror. To begin with, you need to choose slow music in order to carefully work out all the details, and only then put compositions with a faster pace.

We dance the wedding waltz

The dance of the young has long been a tradition at wedding celebrations. It looks very touching, beautiful and solemn at the same time. It is very pleasant later, when watching a video recording of a wedding, to remember dear, precious minutes and experience the same joy again. However, to know how to dance a wedding waltz, you need to prepare for this event in advance. A couple of lessons will not be enough, because the wedding takes a lot of strength, both mental and physical, young people can get worried and forget all the figures. In addition, this dance is also a pair dance, in which partners are responsible for each other and for the final result.

Any type of waltz can be used as a wedding waltz: Viennese waltz, Boston waltz, and tango waltz. The choice depends on the preferences of the young and the pace of learning. In any case, the waltz will greatly decorate this unforgettable and important day.

Conclusion

It's good that, despite the abundance of various modern dances, those types that have existed for a long time are not forgotten. They are remembered, loved and willingly danced. The waltz is included in the mandatory program at many festivals and competitions of various levels, decorates any evening and pleases the hearts of people.

Changeable fashion sooner or later affects all spheres of public life, from appearance to pastime. And yet things remain unchanged in their value - like classical literature, symphonic music and ballroom dancing. Like a good mature wine, they reveal their meaning and significance over time, they show real charm. And even if they were once no less fresh and amazing than modern innovations and trends, but over the years and even centuries it has become obvious where the real style is and what is transient. Eternal values are eternal because over time they do not lose their attractiveness or relevance. It is no coincidence that to this day not a single solemn event, be it a city ball, prom, wedding or awards ceremony, is complete without the sounds of a waltz, to which graceful couples whirl.

Waltzing is a whole science for any of our contemporaries, although even for our great-grandfathers it was the same usual process as a disco for today's teenagers. And yet everyone should learn how to dance the waltz correctly, regardless of age, taste and lifestyle. If only because it is a sign of a good upbringing and a strong cultural code that every educated person needs. And in general, everyone turns up at graduations and weddings at least occasionally, and why not prepare in advance so as not to lose face when beautiful music sounds and the host invites those present to the dance floor. And even if serious training requires lengthy training and classes with a choreographer, you can already understand the essence of the waltz, take an interest in its theoretical background and the basic rules of dance. What we suggest you do before learning how to waltz correctly.

Waltz: types, history and modernity
The Waltz and its variations is not as old a dance as one might think. And although the folk dances of the Czech Republic and France are considered to be its prototype, the first dance movements similar to the modern standard came into fashion as early as the end of the 18th century in Austria and, thanks to their entertainment orientation, quickly spread to other European countries. Even then, the waltz acquired the status of the main ballroom dance, but no one even thought about its modern significance and versatility. On the contrary, until the beginning of the 20th century, the ¾ waltz rhythm accepted today did not even exist, and at the same time several forms existed, the size of which was 2/4, 5/4 and even 6/8. And even today there is no single strict restriction on the concept and performance of the waltz, and in a general sense this concept is interpreted as a general name for ballroom dancing in a closed position. But it was the waltz in ¾ time that became the standard and model for creating not only its own varieties, but also other ballroom dances.

In order not to delve into details that are important mainly for professionals, we note that all waltz forms known and performed today can be conditionally divided into two groups: fast and slow. At international competitions, the waltz standard with closed dance positions has been adopted (the minimum distance between the bodies of partners, allowing movement), but you can dance it in an open position if we are not talking about a strict offset. For example, the European program of ballroom dancing competitions includes as many as seven movements of the Viennese (fast) waltz, as well as slow and figured waltzes. They differ in the number of musical beats per minute, that is, in rhythm, and outwardly this is manifested in the smoothness of movements. Thus, it can be called separately:

Viennese waltz - he's fast. This type of waltz is striking in its swiftness, when the couple constantly changes the direction of the turns, then to the right, then to the left, quickly spinning, changing the pace. It is impossible to perform these steps well without a deep mutual understanding and feeling of partners. At the same time, it is the Viennese waltz that is considered the most conservative form and zealously preserves ballroom traditions since the 19th century. The Viennese waltz does not allow for mannerisms or strong body bends - on the contrary, the dancers' bodies should be tense, toned and strictly graceful.
Slow waltz , also known as the Boston Waltz and the English Waltz, is considered to be a completely independent dance. Only a beginner can confuse it with the Viennese waltz, because both the tempo and even the sound of the music of these dances differ from each other. In a slow waltz, the partners' movements are coordinated, but not simultaneous, but sequential: the partner repeats the partner's movements with a delay of one measure. This requires great discipline and precision of movement from both dancers.
Argentine waltz is the most democratic type of waltz, combining elements of fast waltz and Argentine tango, but keeping the tempo at ¾. This ballroom dance can be found under the name of the tango waltz, but outwardly it still looks more like a classical tango than a waltz. The Argentine waltz is much rarer than the two classical forms, so beginner dancers should pay more attention to them than to the Argentine waltz.

How to learn to dance the waltz: lessons for prom and wedding
Being well aware of the fact that dance, like any other form of bodily self-expression, cannot be taught in absentia and in words, we will nevertheless take the liberty of introducing you to the basics of this art. If only because a correct understanding of the essence and fundamental principles of any process is already the key to its development and subsequent improvement. You can take a full course of study or take a few lessons from a choreographer-teacher, and you can’t even do without it if you want to dance easily and confidently. But in any case, you will come across certain points that you will learn about during classes. In order to be ready and mentally tune in for the upcoming workouts, remember and use these tips:

Waltz is a partner dance, so you can't do without a partner. To start learning, anyone can play this role: ask friends, relatives or even parents for help. The gender of your "training" partner does not matter, the main thing is that he performs the necessary movements according to the position in the figures.
Choose the music for your workouts to your taste, so that you enjoy listening to it and want to continue training. Melodies corresponding to the rhythm of one or another type of waltz are not difficult to find and download on the Internet; there are many collections for dancers and students. Turn it on and listen to it even when you are not going to dance - just get used to the sounds, their modulations and tempo. Then it will be easier to join the flow of movements.
The earlier a skill is formed, the faster and stronger it is acquired, therefore, if you want your children to have no problems learning ballroom dancing in the future, invite them to study the waltz with you or in a separate children's / teenage group.
A large number of training videos are available both for sale and freely available on the Internet. If by type of perception you are visual, then you can use them. Such video lessons are a bit like morning aerobics on TV and help you get an idea of how this or that dance figure should look in motion.
Find a suitable place to train, whether it be a rented gym or just a room in your home that is large enough. The main thing is that there is a mirror large enough on the wall, allowing you to see yourself in full growth and in motion.

All of these recommendations are good if you have time to prepare. They can be used by high school students who already know that they will have to perform a farewell waltz at the graduation party. They will also come in handy for newlyweds who plan to decorate their celebration with a beautiful and gentle waltz, which will be a wonderful gift for guests and each other. All these situations involve pre-training and the opportunity to contact a teacher, while improving your results with home workouts. But what if the need to dance the waltz took you by surprise? At a party or at a corporate event, you were invited to dance, it’s inconvenient to refuse, and the orchestra is already playing the first chords. The main thing - do not get lost and do not be shy, you are not a professional dancer and are not required to thoroughly master the waltz technique. Just remember these prompts and follow them as best you can. In most cases, this will be enough to dance the waltz:
Having learned these tips and not being too lazy to spend time and effort on conscientious training, you will have every chance of becoming the king and / or queen of the ball, even if you have never been fond of ballroom dancing before, and the waltz in particular. Moreover, it is no coincidence that the waltz is considered one of the most popular and beloved dances in the whole world. With the right attitude, as well as an easy and relaxed technique, he is able to bring real pleasure to both dancers and spectators.