Steps To The Waltz
The beauty of the waltz is that just about anyone can learn how to dance it! The waltz is a smooth, gliding dance in three-quarter time with a familiar 'one-two-three' rhythm, that doesn't require you to be an expert of 'Latin hip' movement or syncopated downbeats. Learning steps to the waltz can be a fun and romantic pastime for any couple or friends looking for a new activity. It has long been considered a high-class dance with simple movements and impeccable style. I’ve broken down each individual move and provided step-by-step instructions so you can become a waltz wizard!
Steps To The Waltz: The Box Step
A total of steps make up the box step. They will be repeated as the couple makes their way around the room and will be two full counts of one-two-three.
The leader starts by stepping forward with their left foot and then the follower steps back with their right.
Now, the leader steps to the right with their right foot and the follower steps to the left with their left foot.
The leader closes their left foot to their right and the follower closes their right foot to their left.
Then, the leader steps back with their right foot and the follower steps forward with their left foot.
The leader steps to the left with their left foot. The follower then steps to the right with their right foot.
To complete the movement, the leader closes their right foot to their left and the follower closes their left foot to their right.
All the steps to the waltz stem from this basic box step. The couple can take small steps or very large steps. The leader can turn the follower, the two can dance very closely, or more openly.
A Few Tips:
Tips for leaders:
Never pull or push but rather lead with the body, not the arm
Navigate the dance floor responsibly by not running into other couples
Generally care for the follower's physical well being
Tips for followers:
Never lean on the leader for support unless directed to do so
Always maintain her center of gravity
Never back lead, which means anticipating where the leader will go
It is important to note that both leaders and followers should always be wearing appropriate footwear, including dance shoes that are not worn on the street. Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement without too much fabric is also vital. All long hair should be out the face and tied back.
Steps To The Waltz: The Natural Turn
The natural turn is an essential part of the steps to the waltz. While it can be intimidating to those who are new to dancing, it only involves six easy steps that the majority of dancers can learn very quickly.
Start by stepping forward with the right foot as you simultaneously turn it to the right, then step on the heel rising at the end of this step.
Now, step to the side with your left foot as you continue to turn to the right. This should be carried out on the ball of your foot.
Then, you will need to bring your right foot into your left foot. Move on your toes, then drop to your heel when you step back with your left foot.
Step back with your left foot as you continue turning to the right. Once you’ve done this, be sure that you are stepping back on the ball of your foot. Lower onto your heel, then bring it immediately back up.
Step to the side on the ball of your right foot as it continues to turn.
To finish off, bring your left foot up to your right foot while moving on your toes.
Steps To The Waltz: The Reverse Turn
This move in the steps to the waltz is great for allowing dancers to show a bit of their personality. It a fundamental part of the waltz that takes a bit of practice to perfect, but then it becomes second nature to those who waltz often.
Start by stepping forward with your left foot as you also turn it to the left.
Then step to the side making sure you’re on the ball of your right foot as you continue turning to the left.
Bring your left foot up to your right foot.
Now, step back with your right foot as it turns to the left ensuring that you step back on the ball of your foot, then lower onto your heel, which then rises immediately.
Step to the side with your left foot as it continues to turn to the left.
Finish off the move by bringing up your right foot to your left foot.
Steps To The Waltz: The Backward Passing Change
This particular move is a very important step that should be practiced differently depending on when you are doing it.
When you do the backward passing change after having done a natural turn, follow the below steps:
Step back on the ball of your left foot as you slightly turn.
Step back on the ball of your right foot.
Step back on the ball of your left foot. Allow it to pass the right foot in the process.
When you carry out the backward passing change after a reverse turn, follow the below steps:
Step back on the ball of your right foot as you slightly turn.
Step back on the ball of your left foot.
Step back on the ball of your right foot.
Steps To The Waltz: Rises and Falls
During the waltz, dancers rise and fall using their knees and ankles. This not only reduces strain to the muscles but also adds a certain element of grace and sophistication to the dance. A foot rise is when the body rises up by pushing up on the balls of the feet. A lowering takes place when the feet are once again flat with knees slightly bent. To finish off, a body rise is when the body rises without the help of the feet. This is achieved through different knee stances, or a slight head or shoulder movement as demonstrated in the video below.
Steps To Waltz: Waltz Variations
Once you’re a master of the waltz, you can try out these variations. Whether you're new to waltzing, an intermediate dancer or a professional, variations are a great way to keep traditional dances fun and exciting.
1. The Hesitation Waltz
A hesitation waltz is danced to fast music and is carried out by halting on the standing foot during full measures of the music, with the moving foot in the air.
2. Cross Step Waltz
To perform the cross-step, cross the first step over to a specific line of direction. This is a much more modern form of waltz dancing, started by college students on the West Coast.
