How To Waltz

Traditionally done by a male and female, the more inclusive terminology is follower and leader because really they shouldn't be sex-restricted roles. There are some very good male/males and female/female partnerships who dance same-sex waltz competitively! Whatever part you are learning though, don't swap - that makes it about 10 times harder to learn to waltz!

This video will show how very simple steps, can create a beautiful dance. You won't look like this after a beginner's course though - the dancers are Marcus and Karen Hilton who were world champions for many years. This is international style waltz - where its not permitted for couples to break dance hold.

Tennessee Waltz. This is well known song which gets played at all different tempos- the original, slower version though is a normal waltz. I believe there is also a line dance called the Tennessee Waltz

Viennese Waltz. This is the original "waltz", what we now call the "waltz" is more correctly known as the "English Waltz". The Viennese is danced to faster music, and therefore as far fewer variations of steps and lines. Its difficult to do because of its speed - definitely not a beginners dance!

As is often the case Americans do it slightly differently. The basics of the waltz are the same, as is the music and its tempo. The difference is that in American style is permissible to break hold, so a woman, for example can do an under arm turn.

In International style, the style taught in every other country except the USA, you do not break hold ever, in fact in a competition you would be disqualified for doing so. Beginners tend to start dancing without full body contact, but once you are intermediate or above, its impossible to dance with out full body contact (woman's right side to man's tie line (varies depending on the couple's height difference).

Socially you could do either in any country - though Americans might get some stares with their weird steps.

I've included a couple of videos of top-graded competitors in the two styles so you can compare.

Personally I don't think you can go past enroling for some local dance classes. Dancing is not just exercise, its a great social experience! If however you can't get to class, can't afford it, or indeed have done some classes and want to learn a bit more - check out these videos and books: