By Arthur Murray
The elegant sweeping movement of the Waltz gives dancers a chance to practice balance and to move lightly with ease.
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History
Considered the mother of present day dances, the Waltz began in southern Germany in the seventeenth century. The popularity of the Waltz grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the 20th century. It is the basis of many dances and is popular today all over the world.
Music
The Waltz is written in time and has a slow to medium tempo with the musical accent occurring on the first beat of each measure. The basic count for Waltz is 1, 2, 3. Faster tempo Waltz is called Viennese Waltz.
Characteristics
The basic components of Waltz are walking steps and side steps. Rise and Fall and Body Sway are some of the styling characteristics which make the simplest Waltz patterns elegant and beautiful.
Teaching elements
• Posture: – Learn to relax shoulders for a more confident look
• Rise & Fall: – Explore the essence of Waltz styling
• Balance Combinations: – Strengthen ankles & develop momentum control
• Drive & Drift: – Develop flow and movement
• Alignments: – Use room alignments to move line-of-dance
• Control: – Ease of movement and coordination
• Compare/Contrast: – Fox Trot, Rumba, Samba
Waltz songs and artists include:
Moon River – Andy Williams
Open Arms – Mariah Carey
Could I Have This Dance – Anne Murray
Are You Lonesome Tonight – Elvis Presley
