WALTZ

Waltz

Until the 18th century, dance was strictly divided between courtly and country forms. In royal courts, dances like the Minuet were refined affairs with little physical contact. Everything changed with the Waltz. The name Waltz comes from the Italian world "volver" which means to revolve. Because of the closed hold, Waltz was denounced as scandalous and immoral. The Waltz was ultimately standardized with the Box pattern and the dance hold we know today. The Waltz dominated much of the European and American dance scene until the First World War, when the Tango and Foxtrot enraptured a whole new generation.

Waltz is a progressive dance, moving counter clockwise around floor. Waltz has an elegant gracefulness with a romantic and sometimes sad feel, the steps being long, smooth, continuous, and flowing.