How to Do the Viennese Waltz

The Viennese waltz may have originated in the 1700's, and it was a quick dance. In the 1930's, the Viennese waltz became slower and was danced in competition.

Instructions

Natural Turn

1. Remember the beat of the music. The emphasis will be on the first and fourth beats, and the turns will be on the quick beats. It goes: ONE, two, three, FOUR, five, six. ONE, two, three, FOUR, five, six.

2. Have both feet facing about 60 degrees just to the left of the direction in which you will be dancing, or the line of the dance. Step forward with your right foot so you rotate to face the line of the dance, and continue rotating on the toe of your right foot so you will turn about 90 degrees.

3. Move your left foot in the direction of the line of the dance, and stay on the toe of your left foot. Move your right foot so it is next to the left foot. Have your back facing about 60 degrees toward the left of the direction you are dancing.

4. Rotate your body as you step backward with your left foot. You should be facing in the direction of the dance.

5. Put your right foot down in the direction of the dance, facing about 60 degrees to the left of the line of the dance. Slide your left foot over so it's next to the right foot.

6. Repeat the above steps.

Reverse Turn

1. Do the same as above, but move with your left foot first instead of your right.

2. Move your left foot over your right foot on the third step.

3. Place it between your partner's feet.

4. Continue the turn.

Change Figures

1. Use change figures to make the transition from natural to reverse turns.

2. Take 2 steps down the line of the dance.

3. Move the moving foot next to the standing foot on the third step.

4. Use the change figure step to help negotiate through a crowded dance floor.

5. Be sure to guide the woman as you dance the change figures.

Fleckerl

1. Turn in a circle with your partner. You will step with your left foot in front of the right foot as you turn, then step with your left foot behind the right foot, then step with your left foot before your right foot. Your partner will do the same.

2. Reverse direction by checking your movement, rock forward onto the left foot, back on the right, step on the left, then begin rotating in the other direction.

3. Use the fleckerl in competition.

Take Lessons and Practice

1. Find ballroom dancing classes. You can find them by looking in the phone book.

2. Take lessons to learn even more about the Viennese waltz.

3. Practice with and without your partner until you become familiar with the Viennese waltz.

Resources

• Harold and Meredith Sears has Viennese waltz figures.
• Dance Select has Viennese waltz info.