WALTZ

The Waltz is the "princess" dance for the lady. Graceful, elegant, almost magical, this dance should make it seem to the lady like she is being swept off her feet by her dashing gentleman. Dancers doing the Waltz should feel -- and look -- like they are floating cross the dance floor. To achieve this, the right Frame and Style for the Waltz is very important.

Frame -- In Waltz the gentleman and lady are positioned off center from each other. This is achieved by having the the lady stand further to her gentleman's right (her left.) Arms should be out at the side, with the dancers bringing only their hands into their Waltz partner by bending the arms at the elbow, creating a wide frame. The gentleman's left hand is at the level of his partner's cheek or eye. His right hand is "cupping" the lower part of her shoulder blade. The lady's right hand rests in the palm of her gentleman, wrapping her fingers around his hand without "clutching" it. The fingers should not be interlocked.

Style In Waltz-- The dance partners should stand tall, chins up and -- yes -- noses in the air. She doesn't look at him, he doesn't look at her. The lady looks to her left, the gentleman straight ahead. While this may seem to be a somewhat "arrogant" pose, this is the correct style for the Waltz, and it is what gives the Waltz its classical "look," grace and beauty.

Timing and Basic Step -- Gentleman -- The count for Waltz is "1, 2, 3." Beginning our basic box step , the gentleman steps forward on his left foot, moving directly into his partner for the "1" count. He then moves his right foot to the side on a diagonal for "2" count. There is no bringing the feet together on this step, it is a diagonal move to the side. On the "3" count, the gentleman closes his left foot to his right foot.

Timing and Basic Step -- Lady -- In the basic box step, the lady steps back on her right foot, moving directly back for the "1" count. She then moves her left foot to the side on a diagonal for "2." Again, she doesn't bring her feet together on this step, it is a diagonal move to the side. On the "3" count, the lady closes her right foot to her left foot.

Several important things when doing the basic Waltz step are: 1. You should completely close your feet-- bring them together -- on the 2, 3 count. 2. Completely square up to your partner. Although your dance frame is off center, the lady's and gentleman's shoulders and hips should remain parallel to each other at all times. 3. On the first step of the basic, the "1" count, step directly into, or toward, your partner if moving forward, and step directly away from your partner, if moving back. Don't step off to the side.