Waltz Dance Steps

Talk about ballroom dancing the first thing that comes to your mind is Waltz. No wonder this is the case because Waltz forms a significant part of ballroom dancing. Waltz is flowing, graceful and absolutely romantic. That is perhaps another reason why many a times people find it hard to differentiate between Waltz and other ballroom dance forms. But all said and done, if you want to get those appreciating glances at a wedding or a get together where there is dance, may be learning a few waltz dance steps would not hurt, right?

Learn to Dance Waltz

Characteristics of Waltz
Waltz has its characteristic ¾ time, accompanied by smooth gliding moves, rotating traveling steps and ultimately a rise and fall. In addition in some waltz styles, the feet pass each other on every move while, in other styles the feet end up closed in each step. The basic step though, is the box step in waltz. Moreover, there are 2 forms in which waltz is done as the dancers glide effortlessly on the floor. One is the slow waltz, the American style and the other is the dancing style distinguished by a faster tempo. Let's now learn how to dance the waltz.

Waltz Dance Steps for Beginners

Box Step
The box step is the most basic step of Waltz. Body contact of a couple facing each other is the starting position. Let's take it from this position onwards.

* To start off, the leader (the man) will step forward with his left foot.
* Now he will step to the right with his right foot.
* Now get the left foot together with the right on the right side.
* Next, you need to take a step back on the right side with the right foot.
* Follow the earlier step by taking a step back sideways with your left foot.
* Again, bring the right foot on the right together with the left on the left side.
* The follower or the woman basically has to mirror the leader's steps. For instance, when the leader goes a step ahead towards her, she has to step back.

This was one of the primary waltz dance steps for beginners. Read more on how to waltz.

Under Arm Turn
Here, the leader will give a signal to the partner for starting the underarm turn. He will raise his left hand, which will indicate her to turn underneath. Consequently the woman will take 6 walking steps on the beat. She will be simultaneously moving forward in a small circle till she returns to her original place by the sixth step. This seems great but if the circular movements are not done gracefully, it can be a total damp squib. Grace and posture are crucial in Waltz dancing for beginners, it involves this very essential aspect of grace.

Posture for Waltz

As you know by now that partners have to face each other and the woman's left hand rests slightly on the man's upper arm. In turn, his right hand is placed on her left shoulder blade, holding her right in his left. Likewise during the initial step forward, the weight on the heel has to be reduced. This is followed by transferring weight on the front part of the foot. A continuous and steady rise and fall commences when the first beat comes to an end. It is carried on till the 2nd and 3rd beat of every music section. As soon as the third beat comes to an end the dancers should lower to a normal position. This will be done till the time the heel carries the weight. Read more on ballroom dance steps.

All in all, dancing the Waltz is an extremely enjoyable activity and believe me even if you may not look like a la Fred Astaire, with a little bit of practice of these Waltz dance steps, you would surely become a decent dancer!

All the Best!