The Waltz is arguably the most popular Ballroom dance style. It sways, rises, falls and gracefully travels around the dance floor. There is definitely something romantic and magical about it!

Derived from the original European Waltz (nowadays referred to as the Viennese Waltz) the Waltz uses the basic box step but adds a variety of moves and poses. It is also sometimes referred to as the Slow Waltz, as this Ballroom variation is danced at about half the speed of the Viennese, giving it the romantic and elegant feel.

The Waltz is danced to 3/4 music at a relatively slow 90 beats per minute. Sometimes it is danced to slow 4/4 music, but this makes it difficult to dance to, due to the 3 step boxes that make up the Waltz.

Beginner Routine

Natural Box Step:

(1) (Lower body) Right foot forward;
(2) Left foot diagonally forward (raise on toes, tilt left torso up);
(3) Right foot closes with pressure (on toes);
(4) (Lower body) Left foot back;
(5) Right foot diagonally back (raise on toes, tilt right torso up);
(6) Left foot closes with pressure (on toes); (ready to repeat)

Natural Turn:

This involves doing the Natural Box Step (above) while holding the torso (shoulders) twisted 1/4 turn clockwise. This forces the box step to turn to the right during the diagonal steps:
(1) (Lower body) Right foot forward;
(2) Left foot diagonally forward (raise on toes, tilt left torso up);
(3) Right foot closes with pressure (on toes);
(4) (Lower body) Left foot back;
(5) Right foot diagonally back (raise on toes, tilt right torso up);
(6) Left foot closes with pressure (on toes); (ready to repeat)

Reverse Box Step:

(1) (Lower body) Left foot forward;
(2) Right foot diagonally forward (raise on toes, tilt right torso up);
(3) Left foot closes with pressure (on toes);
(4) (Lower body) Right foot back;
(5) Left foot diagonally back (raise on toes, tilt left torso up);
(6) Right foot closes with pressure (on toes); (ready to repeat)

Reverse Turn:

This involves doing the Reverse Box Step (above) while holding the torso (shoulders) twisted 1/4 turn anti-clockwise. This forces the box step to turn to the left during the diagonal steps:
(1) (Lower body) Left foot forward;
(2) Right foot diagonally forward (raise on toes, tilt right torso up);
(3) Left foot closes with pressure (on toes);
(4) (Lower body) Right foot back;
(5) Left foot diagonally back (raise on toes, tilt left torso up);
(6) Right foot closes with pressure (on toes); (ready to repeat)

Some Intermediate Steps

• Chasse
• Reverse Turn
• Walk