When the Waltz stormed England in the early 1800?s, the suggestive dance ignited a storm of controversy. The Waltz was the first dance where the male actually held his female partner at close quarters and led her through what was considered to be a series of suggestive movements.
The waltz is an intimate dance. When each partner understands his or her role, there is no more romantic dance. This sense of romantic respect has long made the waltz one of the most popular bridal dances.
The earliest versions of the waltz were found in a 17th century country folk dance developed in Austria and Bulgaria. The dance quickly spread through Europe, to England and even to the U.S. By the mid 1800?s each group had begun to develop variations of the dance. The dance was considered a very upbeat tempo.
American composers slowed the pace of the Waltz when the dance arrived in the mid 1800?s. The first American Waltz included many slow turns and longer gliding movements. This version was named the Boston and was the predecessor to the current American Style Waltz.
Meanwhile, the English were busy branding their version of the Waltz. The English changes resulted in the International Slow Waltz. The steps were precise and dramatic. At the same time, the new American Style Waltz incorporated more theatrical movements.
The Viennese Waltz, the International Waltz and the American Style Waltz remain compelling and popular dances. Each embraces distinctive waltz qualities with turn and gliding motions unique to each version. Whichever waltz the dancers select, the movements should be progressive with long, flowing movements continuous turns and the definite rise and fall actions all delivered in the strikingly romantic waltz position.
The American Waltz is danced to a slow tempo. Theatrical solo spins and under arm movements typify the dance. The more theatrical the waltz, the more American the waltz is. Despite its flamboyant moves, the American Waltz is always fluid.
The International Slow Waltz embraces long, flowing movements and emphasizes many turns that add drama to the dance. The very slow tempo allows for powerful movements and retention of perfect form.
The Viennese Waltz is faster than its counterparts. Johann Strauss had a major influence on upbeat tempo of the Viennese Waltz. Strauss advocated the uses of an orchestra without percussion instruments. The dance steps are short and powerful.
All Waltzes provide a well-framed position with the head position similar to all three dances. This positioning allows for the close quarter movements and glorious intimacy unique to a properly performed waltz. - 29874
The waltz is an intimate dance. When each partner understands his or her role, there is no more romantic dance. This sense of romantic respect has long made the waltz one of the most popular bridal dances.
The earliest versions of the waltz were found in a 17th century country folk dance developed in Austria and Bulgaria. The dance quickly spread through Europe, to England and even to the U.S. By the mid 1800?s each group had begun to develop variations of the dance. The dance was considered a very upbeat tempo.
American composers slowed the pace of the Waltz when the dance arrived in the mid 1800?s. The first American Waltz included many slow turns and longer gliding movements. This version was named the Boston and was the predecessor to the current American Style Waltz.
Meanwhile, the English were busy branding their version of the Waltz. The English changes resulted in the International Slow Waltz. The steps were precise and dramatic. At the same time, the new American Style Waltz incorporated more theatrical movements.
The Viennese Waltz, the International Waltz and the American Style Waltz remain compelling and popular dances. Each embraces distinctive waltz qualities with turn and gliding motions unique to each version. Whichever waltz the dancers select, the movements should be progressive with long, flowing movements continuous turns and the definite rise and fall actions all delivered in the strikingly romantic waltz position.
The American Waltz is danced to a slow tempo. Theatrical solo spins and under arm movements typify the dance. The more theatrical the waltz, the more American the waltz is. Despite its flamboyant moves, the American Waltz is always fluid.
The International Slow Waltz embraces long, flowing movements and emphasizes many turns that add drama to the dance. The very slow tempo allows for powerful movements and retention of perfect form.
The Viennese Waltz is faster than its counterparts. Johann Strauss had a major influence on upbeat tempo of the Viennese Waltz. Strauss advocated the uses of an orchestra without percussion instruments. The dance steps are short and powerful.
All Waltzes provide a well-framed position with the head position similar to all three dances. This positioning allows for the close quarter movements and glorious intimacy unique to a properly performed waltz. - 29874
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