The waltz originated during the late 1600s, and it continues to be a popular dance for people of all ages. If you’re gearing up for prom, it can’t hurt to make sure you’re ready to hit the dance floor to do some waltzing. The waltz movements are typically smooth and flowing, and the three-quarter timing and rhythmic patterns of waltz steps blend perfectly with many styles of music.

Waltz History

The word “waltz” originated from the German word “walzen,” which means to glide, roll, or turn. The waltz dance step originated in Vienna, Austria, where people danced this step in the Habsburg court ballrooms. Even before the waltz debuted, peasants in Bavaria and Austria were doing similar turning dances, sometimes to yodeled melodies. In France during the 18th century, people danced another form of the waltz that involved intertwining their arms at the shoulder level. Gradually, this version of the waltz became a different type of dance, and the waltz was changed to have a closed hold. By the end of that century, what started as a peasant dance had made its way firmly into high society.

Dance masters of this era were threatened by the waltz, as almost anyone could spend a short time learning the waltz steps and become relatively proficient on the dance floor. Others criticized the waltz because of the close hold and the quick turning movements. Most religious leaders of the day considered the waltz to be sinful and vulgar.

The prince regent hosted a ball in London in 1816, and the waltz was featured as one of the dances. Several days later, a local newspaper published an editorial criticizing the inclusion of the waltz by the English court. Even 50 years later, the waltz was still being criticized as scandalous and indecent, referred to as a “wicked dance.” What may have saved the waltz was Queen Victoria’s personal love of the dance; she was also considered an expert waltzer. Joseph Lanner and Johann Strauss, two notable Austrian composers, helped ensure the popularity of the waltz with their musical scores.

As so commonly happens, the more opposition to the waltz grew, the more it received attention. The dance soon made its way to the United States, although at first, it was rejected by social leaders as indecorous. Within a few decades, United States society was firmly on board with the waltz.

Around the end of the 1800s, two adaptations to the waltz were created. A slower waltz with longer steps was developed. Another development was the introduction of a hesitation step. Both the modern and the Viennese quick waltz have become accepted forms of the dance.

Basic Waltz Steps

The box step makes up the foundation of the waltz. It is known as the box step because when you dance, your feet trace a box or square on the floor. The box step divides into two parts, the forward half box and the backward half box, with each part consisting of three steps. You step forward or backward, step to the side, and then step to close your feet together. The leader begins with the left foot to do the forward half box, while the follower starts with the right foot and does the backward half box. Then, the leader executes a backward half box while the follower executes a forward half box. Counting while stepping simply consists of repeating one-two-three, one-two-three. You’ll be twirling and dancing in prom dresses in no time, and you’ll surely stand out not just for your beautiful formal dress, but your dance moves, too.

The Leader’s Steps

  1. Step the left foot forward
  2. Step sideways to the right with the right foot
  3. Move the left foot beside the right foot
  4. Step the right foot backward
  5. Step sideways to the left with the left foot
  6. Move the right foot beside the left foot

The Follower’s Steps

  1. Step the right foot backward
  2. Step sideways to the left with the left foot
  3. Move the right foot beside the left foot
  4. Step the left foot forward
  5. Step sideways to the right with the right foot
  6. Move the left foot beside the right foot

After mastering the basic box step, dancers can rotate it to the left, which becomes the left box turn. As you execute each half box, turn one-quarter of the way to the left. After completing two full boxes, you will have completed a full turn to be back to your starting position. Repeat the process as desired. You can also move around the dance floor, with the leader moving forward and the follower moving backward.

Additional Resources