History of the Waltz
The waltz came from the German folk dance the “lander”. When Napoleon’s soldiers placed in Germany helped to spread the dance to other parts of Europe. As its popularity grew, the waltz started having more rotation. In fact, the word waltz originates from the German word “waltzen,” meaning “to revolve.” Years later, the waltz music became faster with composers such as Lanner and Strauss. Eventually, an offspring developed in Austria and Germany which is now the Viennese Waltz. Typically this is what people think of when they think of the Viennese Waltz.
About the Dance
The waltz is a smooth progressive dance characterized by long, flowing movements, continuous turns, and rise and fall. Graceful and elegant, Waltz dancers glide around the floor almost effortlessly. The American style is punctuated with lavish open movements, underarm turns, and solo spins. The tempo is generally slower, but the expressive quality of the music often invites very powerful and dynamic movements from dancers.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- You Light up my Life, Debbie Boone
- Vito’s Waltz New 101, Strings Orchestra
- Come Away with Me, Norah Jones
- Moonriver, Henry Mancini
- Dark Waltz, Hayley Westenra
- Fascination, Al Martino
- Appassionata, Secret Garden
- True Love, Elton John
- Love Theme From “Romeo & Juliet,” Manuel And The Music Of The Moon
- Rilassamento, Gianni Pavesi