BASIC WALTZ STEPS

Learning to waltz is as easy as 1 -2 -3. Waltz music has a distinctive 1 - 2 - 3 rhythm pattern to it, and the design of the dance is the basic movement of a three step sequence. The waltz should be danced, gently and romantically with smooth movements throughout the body. The head turning in the direction of your foot movements.

WALTZ STEPS -1

Dance position. A couple should face each other on the dance floor. Whoever is to lead, should place their right hand on their partners waist slightly to the back, with hand open and splayed, so as to support your partner. They then place the left hand in your partners right hand with elbow bent, but near to you side, and palm upwards. Hold your partners hand firm but not tight. Your partner should have her left hand on your right shoulder, with elbow bent, and slightly away form her body. The position of your bodies when first starting to dance is very important, you both need to flow together with the music.

WALTZ STEPS - 2

On the first beat of music, step forward with your left foot, as though you are just walking a normal step, and your partner should step back with her right foot. Your partner has to follow your lead only doing the opposite to what you are doing, for example you move forward she moves back.

WALTZ STEPS - 3

On the second beat step forward with your right foot, and place it to the right, so there is a comfortable gap between your feet. When moving your right foot for this second step, move your foot in the air, do not slide it across the floor, and imagine an upside down letter L. You have started at the base for your first step to arrive at the right angle of the L , then the second step takes you to the right tip of the letter.

WALTZ STEPS - 4

Now alter your body weight onto your right foot. But do not move your left foot at this moment. This helps you sway with the music and when practiced will give you the elegance needed for this dance, and its only a small thing to remember.

WALTZ STEPS - 5

On the third beat of the music, slide gracefully your left foot to your right, now you should have both feet together.

WALTZ STEPS - 6

The fourth beat step back with your right foot.

WALTZ STEPS - 7

Fifth beat, step back to the left with you left foot again remember to visualize a backward L, your foot moving in the air to this position. Now again move your weight to you left foot.

WALTZ STEPS - 8

On the final beat glide or slide your right foot towards your left, until they are together. Now you start again with your left foot. Repeat these steps and you are waltzing

When you first start to waltz, it helps to count the beat to yourself or with your partner. ONE, two, three. ONE, two three. Also practice the moves slowly at first, without music, just counting ONE, two, three, so you can get the feel of the steps, and the sway of your body. The movements of the waltz are always smooth and confident, so remember you have to glide gracefully with the music. Now you have had a practice, dance with music.

You can change direction by slightly moving your first move to the right or left.