Waltz Dance Classes

The waltz is a dance that has been around longer than many other styles. It is a couple's dance in closed position and to a ? time. It dates back to the 1500's and was thought to be quite scandalous. By the 1780's it was accepted and popular in Vienna. From there is spread to many other countries leaving a wake of shock at its immodesty. In the 20th century there were several different forms of the dance. It took many years to be accepted and loved. But once it was, it took the world by storm.

The Castles introduced the Hesitation Waltz style which was danced to faster music and had pauses within it. The weight bearing foot was planted firmly and the other leg was glided or dragged across the floor. This form is now part of the International Ballroom Standard Syllabus. Country Western style is a progressive style that usually moves counter clockwise around the dance floor. It is a relaxed dance with both posture and frame in an almost slouch position. This style also accommodates the promenade open hold. Western versions also include the California, Rye, Spanish, and Pursuit.

Viennese Waltz is a category for all faster versions of the dance in ballroom designations. International versions never break the closed posture. American styles often break the hold to alternate between the lead's right or left sides. This type of dance is often what is seen in the TV and movies of the golden age of cinema in the US. The cross step style is a newer version where the first step crosses into the line of direction. The Scandinavian version is can be fast or slow and is always rotating. The Curacao version is specifically for music composed by Curacao not unlike the Strauss family.

The Mexican Waltz is the same as the standard version but is performed to music with strong Spanish influence and flavors. The Cajun style is a progressive dance that includes a little hip action and feels very much like walking. The tango fusion style varies the number of steps taken per measure of music and can change throughout the same dance. The Contra style is a freeform dance that incorporates all kinds of the genre as well as swing, jive, and salsa. It is also a progressive dance. Conclusively, these are the most popular of all dances through all time. Every neighborhood has a dance school that offers dance classes in these styles.