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How to Compare Waltz Styles

Friday, May 30, 2008
Related Tags: waltz | waltzes | dancers | viennese | styles
 

Instructions

The International Standard Waltz

  • Step 1:
    Expect a slow tempo of music, about 84 to 90 beats per minute, that allows the dancers to glide around the floor with graceful, elegant movements.
  • Step 2:
    Look for a firm hold that has the lady’s head tipped back at an angle, looking away from her partner.
  • Step 3:
    Watch the dancers remain in hold throughout the dance.
  • Step 4:
    Expect a formal dance with stylish, but not showy, movements.
  • Step 5:
    Listen for melodic instrumental or vocal music.

The American Style Waltz

  • Step 1:
    Expect a slow tempo of music, about 84 to 96 beats per minute, that allows the dancers to glide around the floor with graceful, elegant movements.
  • Step 2:
    Look for beautiful underarm turns.
  • Step 3:
    Expect that the dancers may perform solo spins as well as dancing in hold.
  • Step 4:
    Watch if the dancers perform open movements such as a twinkle, or three steps with a rise and fall.
  • Step 5:
    Listen for melodic instrumental or vocal music.

The Viennese Waltz

  • Step 1:
    Expect a much faster tempo than the other waltz styles, about 162 to 180 beats per minute.
  • Step 2:
    Look for quick rotation and subtle rise and fall.
  • Step 3:
    Watch for frequent turns.
  • Step 4:
    Expect American Style Viennese waltzes to include underarm turns, and International Standard Viennese waltzes to remain in hold.
  • Step 5:
    Listen for quick music that’s traditional, such as the Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss, or contemporary.

Tips & Warnings

  • There are many other variations in waltzes that have been popular over the years. The Hesitation Waltz uses pauses to create a dramatic effect, while the Cross Step Waltz allows more variations in movement by using frequent crossing steps.
  • Other countries have their own waltz styles, such as the Peruvian Waltz and Mexican Waltz. These are similar to the waltz styles listed here, but use a style of music influenced by that country.
  • There is also a country western dance based on the waltz that often uses a less formal style than ballroom waltzes.

Resources


How to Compare Waltz Styles Provided by eHow.com
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