WALTZ

GROUP 2
By: NEIL JUSTIN FINCALE
Researched by: CATHLEEN JOY MENESES
HISTORY OF WALTZ

• Waltz is known as the oldest form of

ballroom dance, dating from the middle of
the 18th century. It was first introduced in
the early years of the 19th century. That
time the dance was executed in a modified
closed position, with the hand around the
waist of the lady. In 1830, waltz was given
a tremendous enhancement by two
Australian composers. Lanner and Straus.
• Waltzes were written to a slower tempo
than the original Viennese Rhythm. Two
modifications of the waltz were developed
in the United States.
A. Boston

• - a slower waltz with long gliding steps. It

has fewer and slower turns and more
forward and backward movement than the
Viennese waltz. American-Style Waltz and
International Style are almost similar
except for dance positions and the dancer's
legs pass instead of close.
B. Hesitation Waltz

• -This kind of waltz involves one step to

three break of the measure. This is no
longer danced, but the step patterns are
still in use today.
• Waltz is a smooth dance, travelling around
the line of dance. It is characterized
primarily by it's rise and fall action. The
shoulders move smoothly, parallel with the
floor, not up and down. The head should
turn in the direction of the turn;otherwise,
the man's head is upright and looking over
the right shoulder of the lady.
• The slower American and International
Style waltzes are extremely popular today
among dancers of all ages.
The waltz is danced in a closed position

• 1. the man should place his right hand

slightly beneath the woman's left shouldr
blade, with his right arm held at a 90-degree
angle to his body.
• 2. His left arm should be raised so that the
woman's hand can rest lightly in it, and
should be held at her eye level.
• 3. The woman, in turn, should rest her left
hand comfortably near the man's right
shoulder, providing pressure with her
fingers and thumb to better "follow" her
partner's lead.
• 4. For better balance, the woman shoul look
over the man's right shoulder. This also
creates an eleant and poised dance position.
• Time signature of waltz: 3/4 time signature
• Step Pattern: Step, close, step
• Counting:1,2,3
 Basic Steps in Waltz
• Note: if instruction are for the man; the
woman does the opposite.

• Movement of the man: • Counting

• Step left foot forward • ct. 1
• Step right foot sideward
• ct. 2
• Step right close to left
foot • ct. 3

Practice the steps with a partner until you are comfortable in

shifting the weight from one foot to another.
Variations of Waltz
A. Left Turn
• 1. step left foot
slightly diagonal
forward, start turning • ct. 1
to the left.
• ct. 2
• 2. step right foot sideward
• 3. Close left foot to the • ct. 3
right foot.
• 4. step right foot slightly • ct. 1
diagonal backward, start
turning to the left.
• 5. step left foot sideward • ct. 2
• 6. close right foot to the • ct. 3
left foot
Left turn
 B. Box Step

• 1. Step left foot • ct. 1

backward.
• ct. 2
• 2.Step right foot
sideward. • ct. 3
• 3.Close left foot to the • ct. 1
right.
• 4.Step right foot
backward
• ct. 2
• 5. Step left foot sideward. • ct. 3
• 6. Close right foot to the
left.
Box Step
 C. Quarter Turns
• 1. step foot slightly • ct. 1
diagonal forward face to
the left.
• 2. step right foot • ct. 2
sideward.
• 3. Close left foot to the • ct. 3
right.
• 4. Step right foot slightly
diagonal backwardface • ct. 1
to the left.
• 5. Step left foot sideward
• ct. 2
• 6. Close right foot to left
foot. • ct. 3
• 7. Repeat 1-6 • ct. 1, 2, 3
Quarter Turns
 Health benefits in Dancing Waltz
The waltz is great for overall body and brain work,
including memory. The following are the Health
Benefits that one can get in dancing the waltz:
 Physical Benefits
• Cardiovascular benefits: Dancing the waltz three times a
week for eight weeks improves cardiopulmonary (heart
and lung) function as effectively as spebding the same
amount of time on a treadmill or bicycle.
• Weight Loss: Executing slower waltzes burn
approximately 50 calories in 15 minutes. Burning such
calories will help maintain one's weight. Continuing to
perform exercise over time can help one control his/her
weight in long term.
• Strength: As a weight-bearing activitty, waltzing
strengthens the bones and muscles. As one works to
maintain his/he posture and frame, one strengthens
his/her abdominals as well as his/her back and shoulder
muscles.
 Mental Benefit

• Promotes brain health. Keeping time with

the music, counting , moving one's body,
listening and being sensitive to the cues
given by one's partner translate into
improved cognitive function.
 Social Benefits

• Reducing the feelings of stress

• Less loneliness and depression
• Enables one to meet new friends
• 1. Try to follow the golden rule: "Treat
others as you wish to be treated."
• 2. Smile
• 3.Make eye contact, however, do not stare
down your partner.
• 4. Focus on your partner.
• 5. Thank your partner after each dance.

TBC: TO BE CONTINUED
• 6. It is polite to clap for live performance
when they finish their song or set.
• 7. It is not necessary to apologize to your
partner if a particular move is not executed
perfectly. If you think you hurt your partner
physically, apologize and make sure
he/she is okay.
• 8. Talking while dancing is okay and not
considered bad etiquette.
• TBC: TO BE CONTINUED
• 9. Don't be stinky. Always bring extra shirt
and breath mints. You may also wish to
wear deodorant or cologne.
• 10. Dancing is a good exercise so be
prepared to sweat.