WELCOME TO THE WALTZ
HISTORY: Centuries old, with popularity growing in Vienna in the early 1800's.
BEAT: 3 beats to the measure with first beat heavily accented.
STEP: Rise and fall. Count: 1-2-3 (down, up, up). Usually closing on the final step.
Lessons (Phase I)
Entry level for Waltz is Phase II, so some basics from Phase I are included here.
- Round Dancing GENERAL RULE:
Leader (man) on the inside of the circle, follower (lady) on the outside.
Both start on outer foot (the free foot when in Open Position).
Cues are to Leader. Follower performs opposite footwork.
Shift weight with each step unless the cue is for an "action" step rather than a placement step.
- Step basics
Note: Cues to the Man [M]. Women’s [W] footwork in parentheses ( ) on cue sheets.
Deffinitions:
FORWARD STEP = Using free foot, take a step forward [FWD] and transfer weight to that foot.
BACK STEP = Using free foot, take a step backward [BK] and transfer weight to that foot.
SIDE STEP = Using free foot, take a side step [SD] and transfer weight to that foot.
CUE TIP: Why abbreviations? Because written cues are meant to be glanced at as with sheet music.
Waltz Rhythm. Awareness of the beat.
Waltz Basic Step.
After developing a preliminary understanding of Phase I and the rhythm,
move on to Lesson 1 for an introductory exercise.