Waltz
A Description of the Waltz
The basic movement is a three-step sequence that consists of a step forward or
backward, a step to the side, and then a step to close the feet together. The
timing is the same for all steps, and the timing can be called out as Quick,
Quick, Quick, or, using numbers, as 1,2,3. Waltz music is written in 3/4 time,
and waltz music is recognized by listening for the three-beat-per-measure
rhythm pattern. The music and the step timing may be counted 1,2,3; 1,2,3. The
first beat of each measure is accented and this corresponds to the aggressive
driving step that is taken on count one.
Unlike jive and swing, the waltz is a progressive dance that moves around the dance floor following a line of dance. Progressive figures, turning figures, andposes are characteristic of the dance.
backward, a step to the side, and then a step to close the feet together. The
timing is the same for all steps, and the timing can be called out as Quick,
Quick, Quick, or, using numbers, as 1,2,3. Waltz music is written in 3/4 time,
and waltz music is recognized by listening for the three-beat-per-measure
rhythm pattern. The music and the step timing may be counted 1,2,3; 1,2,3. The
first beat of each measure is accented and this corresponds to the aggressive
driving step that is taken on count one.
Unlike jive and swing, the waltz is a progressive dance that moves around the dance floor following a line of dance. Progressive figures, turning figures, andposes are characteristic of the dance.
Waltz Music
The three-quarter time signature of waltz has a distinctive 1-2-3; 1-2-3 feel and rhythm pattern.
Great waltz music can be found in most music genres, including rock, country,
pop, and classical. Beginners should start with a tempo of 90-100 beats per
minute.
The three-quarter time signature of waltz has a distinctive 1-2-3; 1-2-3 feel and rhythm pattern.
Great waltz music can be found in most music genres, including rock, country,
pop, and classical. Beginners should start with a tempo of 90-100 beats per
minute.
Tips & Info
Almost all beginners make these mistakes:
Dipping or falling on the "one" beat so that their waltz has sudden "dropout"
on this beat.
Some folks call this a "pogo stick" look and this is the most frequent mistake. Waltz needs to have a very smooth, gradual rise and gradual fall. The process of falling should occur mostly on the second part of the "three" beat. The step on the three beat starts on the toe, continues to the lowering of the heel, and continues further into compression. Dance contest judges often look at the top of the Gentleman's head, looking for the sinusoidal, smooth rise and fall action.
Trying to dance waltz in a continuous line like a two step might be danced,
with the lady traveling continuously backwards.
Waltz should not be danced continuously in a straight line like two step. Instead,
learn a basic routine that might consist of 1) a natural (or right) turn, 2) a
change step (a closed change), 3) a reverse turn (a turn to the left), and 4) a
change step. Then repeat this over and over. Dance waltz steps when dancing a
waltz. Waltz generally travels in serpentines and angles, not just in a
straight, "streamline" down the floor.
Rushing the beat.
Waltz is slow. Hover on the second beat of the measure. Most people think that steps or weight changes must be completed by the corresponding beat of the music. This is incorrect. Good dancers dance about ½ beat behind the music. That is, they are “split weight,” and moving onto the step at the moment of the beat rather than already being
completely there.
Almost all beginners make these mistakes:
Dipping or falling on the "one" beat so that their waltz has sudden "dropout"
on this beat.
Some folks call this a "pogo stick" look and this is the most frequent mistake. Waltz needs to have a very smooth, gradual rise and gradual fall. The process of falling should occur mostly on the second part of the "three" beat. The step on the three beat starts on the toe, continues to the lowering of the heel, and continues further into compression. Dance contest judges often look at the top of the Gentleman's head, looking for the sinusoidal, smooth rise and fall action.
Trying to dance waltz in a continuous line like a two step might be danced,
with the lady traveling continuously backwards.
Waltz should not be danced continuously in a straight line like two step. Instead,
learn a basic routine that might consist of 1) a natural (or right) turn, 2) a
change step (a closed change), 3) a reverse turn (a turn to the left), and 4) a
change step. Then repeat this over and over. Dance waltz steps when dancing a
waltz. Waltz generally travels in serpentines and angles, not just in a
straight, "streamline" down the floor.
Rushing the beat.
Waltz is slow. Hover on the second beat of the measure. Most people think that steps or weight changes must be completed by the corresponding beat of the music. This is incorrect. Good dancers dance about ½ beat behind the music. That is, they are “split weight,” and moving onto the step at the moment of the beat rather than already being
completely there.
