Viennese Waltz

Background

The Viennese Waltz, as we know today, was first danced in the courts of European royalty during the Strauss era (1800’s). It has the charisma and social grace that is so typical of that period of history. I was the only dance of that era that is still performed by the American public.

The music expresses, eloquently, the carefree gaitety of those bygone days that so closely linked in our minds with the names of Vienna, the blue Danube and Strauss. The most startling innovation was the close proximity of the partners so daring that it became socially acceptable in England only after it was danced in public, by Queen Victoria. It is a dance that requires a great deal of control and stamina, mainly due to the speed of the music.

Music and Tempo

The bronze Viennese Waltz is written in ¾ time and should be played at a tempo of 54-56 measures per minute for examinations and competitions.

Style and Characteristics

The bronze Viennese Waltz is a progressive and turning dance that moves along the line of dance. It also features some figures that are danced in place. The use F sway and or counter sway on Left Turns gives the dances a variety of expression and also helps with changes of dance position. The use of canter rhythm gives the Viennese Waltz an additional element which helps to slow down various turns and or running movements. Rise and fall is also used in the Viennese Waltz.

Rise and Fall

Rise and fall in Viennese Waltz is danced differently than in the other smooth dances. In the Waltz and Foxtrot we often rise above our normal standing height but in the Viennese Waltz we never do this. Rise is created more through the knees and body. When dancing the backward half of right or Left Turns the footwork for the second beat of the bar is given as “toe” only because it is a side step not because we are rising high on the toe and only body rise is used over “4,5,6”. Whenever toe and toe heel are used weight is supported on the toes with the knees flexed, when performing this action, you should be able to straighten the knees and lower the heels to the floor with no change in elevation.