Waltz

The above Video shows the Basic Step done at a high level of proficiency.

The couple is using a full body connection that takes time and coaching to learn.

This video shows a practical introduction to the waltz box.

Danced in a beginner hold with minimal technique, this is how the pattern might be demonstrated to a new student or couple.

This pattern should show off the follower, think of presenting yourself to an audience seated around you.  Make eye contact with others in the room as well as your partner.

Arm styling is varied and can be more internal (into your own body) or external (stretch the hand and fingers out to the room)

Note: The Lady walks Forwards in a medium sized oval shape, unlike swing dancing there will be no abrupt turn and backstep.

A nice show step done in place.  This allows others to pass you or to avoid collisions.

pieces of this pattern will show up in other steps.

Note: Keep low in the legs, even if you stretch your waist and neck upwards.  Down is grounded and balanced, up is shaky.

After learning the direction of the steps (weight changes), the next most important facet to learn is how to count the music.

The counts keep us in time to the song and give a common point of reference to our partners.

Note: to start dancing on beat 1 of a 3 beat measure, you must already be compressed in the legs and starting to move on the end of the 3rd beat of the previous measure. A challenge best mastered during private lessons or group classes.

The Waltz should rotate, meaning both partners turn together.

While a good idea to learn without rotation, once you have the idea of the box, add some rotation.

Note: only 1/8 turn every 3 steps to start with, then advance to 1/4 turn or a new wall every 3 steps.

Your first traveling figure.

Did you notice it's not that different from a non-turning box, on beat 4 Lead steps forward and Follower steps back.

Note: this step is hard for new dancers, use a double arm hold with good posture and tone in the arms, stay off the Lady's feet.  It gets better with practice, as timing improves and you add slight rotation to the traveling step.

Wondering what to do after the Progressive Change Step (#6) runs out of room?

Here you go!

Turn the corner with a Hesitation Change, and start down the next wall.

Note: Leaders easy on the forward step of a Hesitation Change, it has less energy then the other figures, since it will reverse direction.

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In Lesson 7 we saw that the Hesitation and Turn (Emergency Step) is a corner step that allows your to change walls and head down a different line.

Here we look at the Closed Hesitations.  This pattern is a stationary, controlled figure that should be elegantly danced. It's a change up from the rotating and moving figures and is nice to do when the music has a feeling of sustain or stretch.

Note: Start Low and lift in the upper body.  Really connect into the floor for balance, if your knees straighten too much or you add foot rise it's hard to balance and look elegant.

A nice show step.  For a crowded floor keep the kick low to the floor without maximum extension, it's doable.

With room to move it's a lot of fun and can create a very nice line.

Note: Gentlemen, feel the Lady's balance and be more supportive with your frame and use less lead. Try not to move abruptly.  Ladies "develope" the line, it's best to extend the leg and neck line as slowly as the music permits.  Avoid dropping your elbows.