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Waltz

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Waltz

Waltz
Dance-styles-waltz.jpg
Stylized Waltz Frame

Overview


Waltz is a modern Ballroom Dance, first appearing in England in the early 19th century [1].


Background


Waltz is the oldest modern Ballroom Dance [2], having been introduced to the English ballroom on 1812 [3]. The name of the dance comes from the German "waltzen," meaning "to revolve[4]." This name comes from the primary form of the dance, in which couples are constantly turning and revolving as they make their way around the line of dance[5]. The waltz is danced in 3/4 time[6].

Technique


Many varieties of waltz exist, as detailed in the Varieties section. The most common variety, though, is known as International Waltz or Standard Waltz. In its most basic form, Standard Waltz is characterized by closed hold frame and the Closed Change step patterns.

Closed Hold

In closed frame for Standard Waltz, and in most other varieties of waltz, the leader places his right hand on the follower's left shoulder blade, with the side of his thenar and wrist crease against the back of her armpit. The follower places her left hand on the leader's upper arm, near the shoulder. The leader's left arm is raised to slightly lower lower than shoulder-height, and the elbow is bent sharply to extend the hand upward. The follower reflects this position with her right arm, wrapping her fingers around the leader's hand between the thumb and fingers. The couple then spreads their elbows wide to the side, maintaining light body contact with the follower slightly to the right of the leader.The leader and follower both look over their respective left shoulders [7].

Closed Changes


The Closed Changes, known separately as the Left Closed Change and the Right Closed Change, are the most fundamental steps of Standard Waltz, and of most other forms of waltz, as well.

Left Closed Change


For Leaders: At the beginning of this step, the leader's body weight is entirely on his right foot. First, he steps forward with his left foot on the count of one, steps diagonally forward with his right foot on the count of two, and finally closes his feet and changes his weight to his left foot on the count of three.
For Followers: Like the leader, the follower begins this step with her weight on her left foot. She steps backwards with her right foot on the count of one, steps diagonally backwards with her left foot on the count of two, and closes her feet and changes her weight to her right foot on the count of three.

Right Closed Change


For Leaders: For this step, the leader begins with his weight on his left foot. He then steps forward with this right foot on the count of one, steps diagonally forward with his left toof on the count of two, and finishes by closing his feet and changing his weight to his right foot on the count of three.
For Followers: The follower begins with her weight on her right foot, then steps backwards with her left foot on the count of one, steps diagonally backwards with her right foot on the count of two, and closes her feet and changes her weight to her left foot on the count of three.

Varieties of Waltz




References


  1. T. (n.d.). Waltz: Dance. Retrieved May 10, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/art/waltz
  2. Waltz. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2017, from https://www.americandancesportcenter.com/waltz
  3. Wilson, C. A. (n.d.). The Arrival of the Waltz in England, 1812. BRANCH. Retrieved May 9, 2017, from http://www.branchcollective.org/?ps_articles=cheryl-a-wilson-the-arrival-of-the-waltz-in-england-1812
  4. T. (n.d.). Waltz: Dance. Retrieved May 10, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/art/waltz
  5. Waltz. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2017, from https://www.americandancesportcenter.com/waltz
  6. Waltz. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2017, from https://www.americandancesportcenter.com/waltz
  7. Ballroom Dance Holds. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2017, from http://waltz-dance.com/ballroom-dance-holds.html



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