ABOUT THE WALTZ

The term "Waltz" originates from the old German word walzen – to roll, turn or to glide. The Waltz is a dance born in the suburbs of Vienna and in the alpine region of Austria. As early as the seventeenth century, waltzes were played in the ballrooms of the Hapsburg court. Many of the familiar waltz tunes can be traced back to the simple peasant yodeling melodies. However even though it was extremely popular among the young, its appearance on the dance scene was met with opposition. Dancing masters saw the waltz as a threat to the profession. The basic steps of the waltz could be learned in a relatively short time, whereas, the minuet and other court dances required considerable practice, not only to learn the many complex figures, but also to develop suitable postures and deportment. The waltz was also criticized on moral grounds for its closer hold and rapid turning movements, considered to be quite racy at the time. Fortunately, the opposition faded and the dance continued emerging today in the two main forms, both reflecting the characteristics of the dance. They are known as the Waltz and the Viennese Waltz (danced at a faster tempo).

WALTZ SYLLABUS

Based on the International Style Standard Syllabus

* Right Foot and Left Foot Closed Changes
* Natural Turn
* Reverse Turn
* Whisk
* Chasse from Promenade Position
* Natural Spin Turn

TECHNIQUE FOCUS POINTS

* Topline and Frame, Head Position
* Timing
* Rise and Fall

DANCE ORIGIN

* Austria
* Captital: Vienna
* Official Language: German
* Population: 8,356,707 (2009 est.)
* Currency: Euro
* Government: Federal Parlimentary Republic
* Country Flag









* Map of Austria