The waltz is a simple but elegant ballroom dance, sometimes performed during formal receptions (such as weddings) or just for leisure. This guide will show you how to dance it step by step.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Imagine the Waltz
Step 1. View the square
The basic steps of the waltz create the outline of a square on the floor. This is why the basic step is called the Counterclockwise Square. Your feet will stop at the corners of the square, moving along the sides and diagonals through the center. Imagining this figure will help you as you learn.
Step 2. Count in 3/4
The waltz is known for its ternary beat counting. As you go through the steps, you should be able to count 1-2-3, 1-2-3, etc. Two counts in 3 times should complete the square.
Step 3. Perform basic steps or add laps
You can limit yourself to the basic movements of the square especially at the beginning, when you are learning. However, it often happens in the waltz to insert turns. They are easily added after gaining greater mastery in dance.
Step 4. Dance alone or with other people
The waltz is obviously a couple dance, so you will have to dance with at least one other person after practicing for a while. However, you can dance as a single couple or with other couples around. When dancing with other couples it is important to observe how they dance. If spins are added, you should move with the others so you don't collide.
Method 2 of 5: Assume the Correct Posture
Step 1. The knight holds the lady's right hand in his left
Keep it at shoulder height.
Step 2. The rider places his right hand on the lady's shoulder blade
Step 3. The lady grasps the knight's right shoulder joint with the fingertips of her left hand
Step 4. Place your elbows at shoulder height
Step 5. Stand with your back straight and your knees relaxed
Method 3 of 5: Basic Knight Steps
Step 1. Start with your feet together
Step 2. Step forward with your left foot
Step 3. Step diagonally with your right foot
This should bring your feet shoulder-width apart.
Step 4. Put your feet together
Move your left foot to your right so that your feet are together again.
Step 5. Step back with your right foot
Step 6. Step diagonally with your left foot
So you should place your feet shoulder-width apart again.
Step 7. Join the feet again
Bring your right foot towards your left so that you are once again with your feet together. You have returned to the starting position and can start over.
Method 4 of 5: Basic Checkers Steps
Step 1. Start with your feet together
Step 2. Step back with your right foot
Step 3. Step diagonally with your left foot
This way you should bring your feet roughly equal to your shoulder width apart.
Step 4. Put your feet together
Bring your right foot towards your left foot so that you are back together again.
Step 5. Step forward with your left foot
Step 6. Step diagonally with your right foot
This will position your feet again shoulder-width apart.
Step 7. Put your feet together
Bring the left foot towards the right foot, so that the feet are brought together again. You are back to the starting position and can start over.
Method 5 of 5: Add Embellishments
Step 1. Add a quarter turn
Once you have taken the diagonal step, place your weight on the fixed foot and turn a quarter to bring the foot diagonally one step away from the fixed foot. The body should therefore be with the feet apart and a quarter turn to the left from the starting position.
Step 2. Add a round of ⅜
This is done in a similar way to the above movement, but with a more pronounced rotation. In fact, you can turn any degree between ⅛ and ¾.
Step 3. Use combinations
You can use various combinations of the basic turns to make the dance more complex.
Step 4. Move to the Clockwise Square
You can vary the basic steps by changing the direction to follow on the square from counterclockwise to clockwise.
Step 5. Use more complex steps
After you get better at the waltz, you may want to try more complicated steps. The waltz is a dance with a long history behind it and there are a large number of steps and combinations. Learn chassé, hesitation, spins and changes.
Advice
- Try to be as graceful as possible
- If you really want to learn the waltz, consider taking lessons at a dance school, gym or leisure center. Even a parent or grandparent may be able to teach you the waltz.
- Watch videos online to see how other people waltz. It will give you a general idea of the dance and correct posture.
- Watch costume films to be in the mood to dance the waltz!
- Stay on your toes most of the time, unless you are moving forward. If so, lean back slightly and bring your heels forward.
Warnings
- Don't step on each other's feet!
- Dancing alone is more complicated than with a partner. Try both ways.
