Waltz

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For other uses, see Waltz (disambiguation).

The waltz (G.: Walzer, It.: Valzer, Fr.: Valse, Cat.: Vals) is a ballroom and folk dance in 3/4 (help·info) time, done primarily in closed position. The most common basic figure of a waltz is a full turn in two measures using three steps per measure.

The waltz first became fashionable in Vienna around the 1780s, spreading to many other countries in the years to follow. The waltz, and especially its closed position, became the example for the creation of many other ballroom dances. Subsequently, new types of waltz have developed, including many folk and several ballroom dances.

Origin

The waltz is assumed by some to be a descendant of the lavolta. This is unproved, and the fundamental differences in technique make it hard to imagine how the one could be so closely related to the other. The main reason to assume such a descent is merely that these are two of the earliest European turning dances in closed positions for which we have explicit written instructions. It is likely, however, that they could have had a common ancestor. The Laendler has also been suggested as a possible ancestor. In the 19th and early 20th century, numerous different forms of waltz existed, including versions done in 2/4 or 6/8 (sauteuse), and 5/4 time (5/4 waltz, half and half). In the 1910s a form called the "Hesitation Waltz" incorporated pauses and was danced to fast music. In the 19th century the word primarily indicated that the dance was a turning one; one would "waltz" in the polka to indicate rotating rather than going straight forward without turning.

Various styles of waltz

• In contemporary ballroom dance, the fast versions of the waltz are called Viennese Waltz.

• International Standard Waltz has only closed figures; that is, the couple never leaves closed position.

• The American Style Waltz, in contrast to the International Standard Waltz, involves breaking contact almost entirely in some figures. For example, the Syncopated Side-by-Side with Spin includes a free spin for both partners. Open rolls are another good example of an open dance figure, in which the secondary partner alternates between the primary partner's left and right sides, with the primary partner's left or right arm (alone) providing the lead.

• The Cross Step Waltz is a newer style of waltz where the first step is a cross-step into the line of directon. This was popularized in classes at Stanford University and allows for a much richer assortment of variations.

• The Mexican Waltz(Vals Mexicano) follows the same basic rhythmic pattern as the standard waltz, but the melodies reflect a strong Spanish influence.

• Argentine Tango Vals allows the dancers to dance one, two, three, or no steps to any four beats of waltz music; and to vary the number of steps per bar throughout the song.

• The Venezuelan waltz

• Country Western Waltz is 99% progressive, moving counter clock wise around the dance floor. Both the posture and frame are relaxed, with posture bordering on a slouch. The exagerated hand and arm gestures of some ballroom styles are not part of this style. Couples may frequently dance in the promenade position, depending on local preferences.

• Mazurka Waltz.

Waltzes were the staple of many American musicals and films, including "Waltz in Swing Time" sung by Fred Astaire.

See also

• Austrian folk dancing
• Waltz (music)

External links

• Music regarding : Waltz within traditional dances of the County of Nice (France)