WELCOME TO THE WALTZ
WZ 100 General ====================
ABBREV.: WZ
BEAT: 3 beats to the measure with first beat heavily accented.
FOOTWORK: Rise and fall. Count: 1-2-3 (down, up, up). Usually closing on the final step.
HISTORY: Centuries old, with popularity growing in Vienna in the early 1800's.
Example of a Round Dance Waltz (Advanced level)
To NEW DANCERS: Do not attempt to learn this Phase 4 dance.
Practice Phase 1 using the Open Arms and Kiss in the Dark exercises in Section 110 below.
WZ 101 Intro to Waltz -------------------
For general Round Dance Rules, Direction of Dance, Alignment to Walls, etc.,
Link to Page WZ101
WZ 102 Rhythm --------------------
Waltz Rhythm. Awareness of the beat.
WZ 103 Video Teach Demos -------------------
For clips of specific steps, LINK TO Page WZ 103 <--VERY HELPFUL
WZ 104 Positions --------------------
BUTTERFLY
WZ 105 Standard Introduction ====================
Most WALTZ dances start with the Standard Introduction.
Wait 2 measures of music;
Apart, Point, Together, Touch.
That is, with Lead Foot free, Step Apart,
Point with other foot NO WEIGHT,
Step Together with that same foot (TAKE WEIGHT),
Touch the free other foot to that weighted foot.
The start of Kiss in the Dark in the video in Section 133
has a Standard Introduction.
WZ 110 Intro Classes ===========
WZ 111 --------------------
~ Amazing Grace (Level 1 MIXER) ~
PREPARATION: How to perform the step called LACE UP
Lace Up
Sample of a Welcome-to-Round Dance Waltz "Mixer"
SONG: Amazing Grace
WZ112 --------------------
~ Open Arms (Exercise) ~
HELPFUL HINT: "Placement" steps take weight, "actions" do not.
New Cue: BALANCE = SD, XIB [rising], STEP in place [flat]
[i.e.: SIDE, CROSS IN BACK, STEP in place]
New Cue: DRAW = Action of drawing free foot toward the other foot. No weight.
New Cue: CANTER = SD, DRW, CLS
[SIDE step takes weight, DRAW action no weight, CLOSE step takes weight]
WZ113 --------------------
~ Kiss in the Dark (Exercise) ~
Phase 1 + 1 (includes TWINKLES)
TWINKLE [borrowed from Phase 2] = Cross, Side, Close
Teach Demo: TWINKLE
Practice: Kiss in the Dark
WZ 120 Lessons ====================
For self-learning at home, see Section WZ 130.
SUGGESTED LEARNING ORDER by SONG TITLE at a class:
1. Waltzing Rainbows *
2. Waltzing Hearts Together *
3. Laurann (EZ version) *
4. First Time Waltz (EZ version) *
5. Four Walls *
6. First Kiss Waltz
7. Spring
* = For Audio Recording, Link to Page WZ150
WZ 130 Workshops ==========
WZ131 Waltzing Rainbows
WZ132 Waltzing Hearts
WZ133 Laurann
WZ134 First Time Waltz (EZ version)
WZ135 Four Walls
WZ 150 Juke Box [AUDIO ONLY RECORDINGS] ==========
Easy cued songs for practice Link to Page WZ150
WZ 190 Navigation ==============
Go to Phase 2 Waltz
Go to Phase 3 Waltz
Go to Phase 4 Waltz [under construction]