The Waltz

By Jan Mitkowski, Makakilo

For more than two centuries, the waltz has been the most loved of all the social ballroom dances.
Waltz music, written in three-quarter time with the first beat accented, and  perhaps over three quarters of the Waltzes are composed in that fashion.

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In the other waltzes, the composer will write for the sound according to his ear. Accent the second and even the third with a little syncopation here and there. It may even sound beautiful but definitely not for dancing. You just have to accept the ten million Waltzes that are available and can be danced.

Several different Waltzes have evolved depending on the tempo of the music and the area where it has been danced. The European has been mostly into the Viennese style. The British and the Americans developed the slow waltz which has been further diversified into more different types. The American style waltz is one of the main ones, with the Country Style closely patterned in a like manner.

"The Tennessee Waltz"   ...   Patty Page

The English International Style is in a class by itself. The figures are far more complicated and require considerable skill and practice. It is used almost exclusively as exhibition and competition dances and it is very strict in its rules. Understandable, for it must be judged and danced according to the rules set down.

The Latin styles vary also in the step pattern according to the music. Most of it is danced in a chassè and you can tell by the music which resembles the Viennese in the beat.

But they also have music that can be danced in the American style. Latin-Country music veers towards the Polka. Yet some of the most beautiful Waltzes come from Latin America and are played all over the world.

"Till I Waltz Again With You"   ...   Theresa Brewer.

The Waltz is a progressive dance that requires smooth and continuous movement along the Line of Dance. It is characterized by an erect posture and the more advanced will have a rise-and-fall in their dancing. But for social dance and American style, it is just a three beat and you can just enjoy moving to that beautiful music. The kids can dance whatevah!  *  *  *  *

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