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What is the
Waltz?
This is a form
of Bavarian folk dance that became famous in the
European countries, sometime in the 18th
Century. It is known as the ‘backbone’ of all
modern ballroom dancing and hence is a very well
known form of dance all over the globe. Unlike
other forms of active dance like the jive, it is
a continual dance pattern that makes you move
across the floor. The highlights of the Waltz
are the sudden turning and posture of the
figure, which is totally graceful and eloquent.
Much of the waltz music and tunes come from
melodies created by the peasants. The word
‘Waltz’ is derived from the German word called
‘Walzen’ which literally means to glide, turn or
roll. Which is exactly what you do when you
Waltz. It was always a very important part of
the political scenario and balls held by famous
people like Napoleon Bonaparte. Initially it was
not seen as a respectable dance, but later
through the years it gained popularity as an
‘artistic’ dance.
It was
originally…………
Initially it
was a fast paced and exciting form dance which
required a lot of stamina. And to add to that
even the footwork was so methodical that you had
to learn it. So people who didn’t know the steps
were advised against dancing it. The original
dance would contain only turns or a change in
the steps but today’s International version is
different. For example, the side sways and
underarm turns are all a part of the new age
waltz. The ‘slow’ waltz that the English know,
is still actually a new version of the active
dance that still forms a part of France or
Germany. And I must say, is not slow at all.
From the dance that it was over 200 years ago,
the waltz is finally a slow paced dance, that
literally ‘sweeps you off your feet’.
Do you want to
learn?
It is not at
all difficult to learn and is quite easy in
fact. It has a simple and rhythmic pattern which
blends with the music. The movements are smooth.
Initially, the first Waltz consisted of a step
forward or maybe backward, a step to your side
and lastly, a step to bring your feet together.
It is about perfect timing between all three
steps and the rhythm of the music playing. Later
on, it developed into a slower style, which was
known as the ‘Boston waltz’. And today we have
the International or American version, which is
even slower and danced with much hesitation.
Just one step to three beats. The slower the
pace gets, the more you relish it.
Think about the
waves when you are about to start. It is similar
to them in the movements of sway, rise and fall.
Every step you take should be smooth as silk and
confident like a cat. For beginners, you have to
be smooth in your movements and not at all
abrupt and intense. It is a romantic rendezvous,
and is symbolic of love with its long sweeping
movements across the floor. It must be graceful
and gradual, and that is when you get it right.
You should never make any sudden movements or
drops. But ensure that you start at the toe and
very gently drop slow and steady to the heel.
Your body should be movable, as a waltz demands
that you snake across the floor, and never dance
in a straight line.
There are
plenty of dance schools and good tutors that you
can find, if you really want to pursue it. Go
ahead and spend on a hobby, that is so truly
gratifying.
What does it
truly represent?
Grace, beauty
and pride. Even in a dance competition, the
judges tend to look at the poise and lift of the
head. The waltz is symbolic of all that is
beautiful. In the time that it became famous in
Boston as a ballroom dance, it was slated as
being a dance for the rich and famous, polished
and perfect. It is such a combination of music
and dance that it is really one of the most
outstanding dance. A perfect blend of art that
leaves you feeling light and elevated.
Are you dressed
right?
The outfit is
definitely a part of the whole make up. The
exquisite formal gowns or the crisp tuxedos are
all a very crucial part of the Waltz scenario.
You can never dream of being in casuals and
Waltz. The two do not suit each other. It is a
formal affair and best done in the right kind of
attire. Do you know you must have the
appropriate shoes too? Yes. Women normally opt
for stilettos as they get a lot of balance and
sway because it is high. Never ever wear flats.
You just won’t be able to flow. Men on the other
hand, stay away from rubber soles. Nowadays you
do get special ‘dancing’ shoes which are Teflon
coated. This is necessary as the right amount of
friction between shoes and floor is what gives
you a lift. In our links page are some
links that should help you get
more information on the same.
The right kind
of music……….
We all know
that music is an extension of our soul. And
combined with the Waltz, it becomes an extension
of our personalities, and what we really are.
You need the right kind of music to get that
‘feel’. Waltz is truly enjoyed with the right
kind of ‘beat’. Opt for the music that makes you
feel free and light, when you dance the Waltz. A
good combination of both could actually make you
feel as if you are flying. Famous musicians like
Fred Astaire and Johann Strauss are people whose
music makes you dance the waltz.
Practice
often……..
Finally, it is
only by practice that you can become a great ‘Waltzer’.
Have a few parties, or just feel free to dance
at home. But the more you keep at it, the more
refined will be your steps and movements. Just
‘fly away’ and don’t let anything stop you. Set
yourself free from all inhibitions and let the
music take control. You need to just imagine you
are flying, and that is exactly what a Waltz can
do to you, mentally. Dance away to the feel of
the wind, my friend……………..
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