Spokane Dance Company

Waltz

Waltz develops balance and control. The basic Waltz steps are the foundation patterns used in most ballroom dances. Correct posture, rise and fall, and flowing movements should be stressed to achieve good styling. The elegant sweeping movement of the Waltz gives dancers a chance to practice balance and to move lightly with ease.

History:

Considered the mother of present day dances, the Waltz began in southern Germany in the seventeenth century. The popularity of the Waltz dance grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the 20th century. It is the basis for many dances and is popular today all over the world.

Music:

Waltz dance music is written in 3/4 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 steps & patterns elegant and beautiful.

Teaching Elements:

• Posture--Learn to relax shoulders for a more confident look.
• Rise and Fall--Explore the essence of Waltz styling.
• Balance Combinations--Strengthen ankles & develop momentum control.
• Drive and 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, Swing.

Waltz Bronze Syllabus

1. a) Basic     b) 6 count underarm turn
2. Balance Steps  a) forward and back    b) side to side   c)  5th position
3. Progressive Box
4. Quarter Turning Box    a)  left    b)   right
5. Twinkle
6. Turning Twinkles
7. Progressive Twinkles
8. Two Way Underarm Turn
9. Face to Face - Back to Back
10. 3/8 Turns      a) Left     b) right
11. 3/8 Turns with underarm turns
12. Grapevine
13. Promenade Chasse
14. Fallaway & Rock
15. Twinkle and Weave
    

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

Copyright (c) 2003-2007 Spokane Dance Company. All rights reserved.

902 West Indiana   Spokane, WA 99205  

509-328-4717

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