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Waltz
How Does One Dance Waltz?
People can learn to dance this rhythm at a level which matches their experience and goals:
• Beginners can master the rhythm and some easy patterns from theWalk In, Dance Out lessons which prepare them for dancing in a social dance situation (Lesson 5 introduces Waltz). These lessons and those in other rhythms also prime folks with dance experience so they can excel in round dance classes.
• Round dancing provides opportunities to learn a tremendous variety of figures and sequences to expand knowledge in a fun, non-competitive setting with abundant opportunities for practice (“floor time” is essential). There are classes for beginners, even non-dancers (Waltz begins at Phase 1), and for those wishing to expand their knowledge of Waltz (Phases 2-6). Find an instructor near you (Make selections at top of spreadsheet). If one isn’t available, gather some friends and persuade a round dancer/instructor to teach you. Attending the ICBDA annual convention (link in right-hand menu) also provides an excellent opportunity to increase dance knowledge!
• Ballroom coaches offer group classes and personalized instruction to improve dancing technique and/or to prepare those desiring to compete.
Resources Available on This Website:
| Waltz Figures and Sources for How to Dance Them | |
• A chart of Roundalab standard figures, grouped by phases to: |
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| The Character of Waltz - coming soon | |
| • Timing patterns and the basic components. • Other characteristics which comprise the character of Waltz. • Origins and history with video comparison demonstrating Waltz evolution. • Comparisons of International and American Styles. |
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| A Teaching Cuesheet – to be developed | |
| • Provides step-by-step instruction plus possible cues to use in round dance settings. • Describes techniques aligned with the character of Waltz. • Includes sequences which can be used in a social dance situation. |
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| Supplemental Notes - to be developed | |
| • Amplifies descriptions of the figures and components used in the teaching cuesheet including movement between weight changes. • Explains leading techniques. |
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| Modern Ballroom / Smooth Figures Chart - to be developed | |
| • Lists basic figures used in multiple Modern Ballroom / Smooth categories. • Presents similar figures and synonymous ballroom names for figures. • Focuses attention on the similarities of figures to maximize learning them. |
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Other Round Dance Resources
• Phase 1-3 figures are DEFINED and DIAGRAMMED in
Cold Feet II: Beginning Waltz & Two-Step Basics, pp. 115-156. Available FREE to anyone in the world at icbda.com public page, left menu, and in
Fancy Figures: Easy Level Waltz, pp 1-136. Available FREE to MEMBERS of ICBDA (on member home page in right-hand menu, find "How to Dance" and select "Beginning Manuals").
• A video catalog is a data base with links to many Waltz routines being danced (select “Waltz” at the bottom of the spreadsheet). Then select a dance title to see the video (the green 2 indicates the easiest dances) and the corresponding cuesheet is available by selecting “CS” on the same line. Scroll through the entire list to find dances at phase 3, 4, 5, and even 6. These are just a few of the many Waltz dances in the round dance repertoire.
• An Index of Rounds provides ready access to cue sheets for hundreds of Waltz routines. In the “Rhythm” window type “waltz” and the list appears. Select a specific cue sheet to print out. The latest dances submitted are listed at the top of the list. One can limit the search (for example select “2” in the Phase column or choose a favorite choreographer). As soon as a selection has been made, the appropriate results appear.
• Clinic Notes from ICBDA Conventions featuring Waltz and Modern Ballroom / Smooth.
• Cue Sheet Writing Guidelines, from Roundalab, provides information about how to read cue sheets.
• Roundalab also has a list of Abbreviations which are used in cuesheets.
• Sears' Website ( > Round Dance Manual and > Articles) and Worlocks' Website have information about how to dance this rhythm.