Waltz: The Fairy Tale Dance
CelebrityThe Waltz is the fairy tale of all ballroom dances; the sweep you off your feet feeling we all dream of. The origins of the Waltz go back hundreds of years. Its unique rhythm came to Vienna in the early 1800s, and soon the Viennese Waltz was first exhibited in America in 1834 in Boston. Near the beginning of the 20th century, there came a revelation, where the Viennese Waltz was danced at about half the original tempo, creating the slower, modern Waltz as it is known today. The modern Waltz is smoother, less frantic, and more varied. With this slower temp, we are able to dance in all directions, including left, right, forward, and back. Also, we are able to pause and spend a measure or more developing the “picture” figure we all know and love. Perhaps the most recognizable feature of today’s Waltz is the controlled, wave-like rise and fall seen as dancers travel around the floor.
To distinguish itself from other ballroom dances, the first beat of each measure in the Waltz is a heavily accented “downbeat.” The music then rises to a crescendo through beats 2 and 3. At the end of beat 3, the music then falls or decrescendos into a mellow tone before driving into the next measure.
The Waltz is one of the most beautiful and dream-like dances to watch. Never seen the Waltz in action before? Check out the video below! And if you want to learn the Waltz yourself, come and take a free dance lesson with our studio today!