How to Sign up for Waltz Lessons

The waltz is the most evocative and easily recognized of the ballroom dances. The dance of Fred and Ginger, weddings and grand balls, it brings to mind tails and gowns, love and royalty. Waltz is the dance of European peasants and kings, and its historic allure persists in its popularity today. Capture the elegance and beauty of the dance. Sign up for introductory lessons and hit the floor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lots of practice space
• Waltz music

Set Your Sights

1. Fashion a goal out of your desire to learn to waltz. Decide whether you want to dance occasionally, at weddings, or more frequently, at staged social dances. Amateur and professional competitions are other options.
2. Watch dancers at social functions and on television shows and movies to get acquainted with the waltz. Check out a how-to DVD such as "Invitation to Dance: Ballroom" at Amazon to become familiar with the steps and turns before you sign up for class (see Resources below).
3. Get a feel for the waltz, whose motion is a gliding rise and fall, like ocean waves or like the movement of horses on a carousel. The rise should not be sudden and vertical.
4. Be conscientious to get the most out of your dance investment. Be on time for class, don't skip lessons and practice, practice, practice all you can.

Sign up for Waltz Lessons

5. Learn with a partner at home or in a practice space, with the help of an instructional system, such as "Ballroom Dance Pack" at Amazon (see Resources below). This should provide enough direction for you to grasp waltz fundamentals and enjoy yourself at a wedding or party.
6. Advance to instruction that concentrates on position and timing. Sign up for lessons at a dance studio to learn how to dance elegantly and in step with any partner.

Tips & Warnings

• Waltz is one of the easiest ballroom dances to learn, with its simple three-quarter time signature, straightforward position and sweeping motion.
• Forming study goals will help to guide your investment in lessons, dance clothing and any extras.
• Dance lessons range in price from free to expensive. Beginners can spend less. Ambitious competitors should spend more for quality instruction.