Thursday, October 15, 2009

Do You Like to Waltz?

By Jack Gamble

The waltz came on to the English ballroom scene in the early 1800?s. A storm of religious, political and social resistance soon followed as the suggestive nature of the dance came under scrutiny. After all, the waltz was the first dance where the male actually held the woman closely to the body as he led his partner through the flowing waltz steps.

In a successful Waltz, the movements of each dancer compliment the other. The woman always mirrors the male?s leading steps. The male leads the woman through boldly romantic steps, which explains why the dance has become so popular with brides or couples who want to share a memorable dance.

The earliest versions of the waltz were found in a 17th century country folk dance developed in Austria and Bulgaria. The dance quickly spread through Europe, to England and even to the U.S. By the mid 1800?s each group had begun to develop variations of the dance. The dance was considered a very upbeat tempo.

American composers slowed the pace of the Waltz when the dance arrived in the mid 1800?s. The first American Waltz included many slow turns and longer gliding movements. This version was named the Boston and was the predecessor to the current American Style Waltz.

Ever since the English and Americans have branded their separate versions of the Slow Waltz. The English changes resulted in the International Slow Waltz just as the American Style Waltz became distinguished for the dance?s more theatrical movements.

The Viennese Waltz, the International Waltz and the American Style Waltz remain compelling and popular dances. Each embraces distinctive waltz qualities with turn and gliding motions unique to each version. Whichever waltz the dancers select, the movements should be progressive with long, flowing movements continuous turns and the definite rise and fall actions all delivered in the strikingly romantic waltz position.

The American Waltz is performed to a slow tempo but features those theatrical solo spins and under arm movements. The more flamboyant the waltz, the more American the waltz is. The American Waltz tempo should be fluid and melodic.

The International Slow Waltz embraces long, flowing movements and emphasizes many turns that add drama to the dance. The very slow tempo allows for powerful movements and retention of perfect form.

The Viennese Waltz is faster than its counterparts. Johann Strauss had a major influence on upbeat tempo of the Viennese Waltz. Strauss advocated the uses of an orchestra without percussion instruments. The dance steps are short and powerful.

Whichever waltz you prefer, the position of the frame and the head are similar to all three varieties. This proper positioning allows for the close quarter movements and glorious intimacy unique to a properly performed waltz.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment