Waltz

What Is Waltz?

The waltz is a rotary partner dance performed in 3/4 time, characterised by a rise and fall action and a sweeping, flowing quality. It originated in German and Austrian folk dance traditions in the late eighteenth century and became widely popular in European ballrooms during the nineteenth century.

The International Standard Waltz is the version standardised for competitive ballroom dancing, featuring travelling figures, rotations and a characteristic sway. It is distinct from the faster Viennese Waltz.

Learning Waltz in London

Waltz is one of the most widely taught ballroom dances in London, offered at virtually every ballroom studio in the city. It is often one of the first dances taught to beginners due to its flowing, musical quality.

London's ballroom dance schools offer waltz as part of comprehensive ballroom programmes alongside the other standard and Latin dances.

Waltz classes in London are available at all levels from absolute beginner to advanced competitive preparation. Beginners learn the natural and reverse turns, the closed hold and the basic timing before progressing to more complex figures.

The dance is equally popular for recreation, social dancing and competitive ballroom.