How to Waltz With Music

The waltz is a staple of ballroom dance. It can be danced to classical piece of music like "The Danube Waltz," a traditional tune like "The Tennessee Waltz" or to any more modern music written in 3/4 time. The waltz is fun to learn and is one of the most beautiful dances to watch.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Man's Part of the Waltz

1. Place your right hand on the woman's back just under her right shoulder. Take her hand in your left hand and hold it shoulder high.

2. Step forward on your left foot, heel first.

3. Take a step forward and over to your right with your right foot, staying on your toes. At the same time, rise up onto the toes of your left foot.

4. Bring your left foot over to your right foot, staying on your toes. Set both heels down.

5. Step back on your right foot, landing on the ball of the foot, then setting your heel down.

6. Step back and to the left with your left foot, staying on your toes. At the same time, rise onto the toes of your right foot.

7. Bring your right foot next to your left, landing on the ball of the foot. Set both heels down.

Woman's Part of the Waltz

8. Place your left hand on the man's right shoulder, resting your left arm lightly on his right. Take his left hand in your right.

9. Step back on your right foot.

10. Step back and to your left with your left foot, staying on your toes.

11. Bring your right foot over to your left. Set both heels down.

12. Step forward on your left foot, staying on your toes

13. Take a step forward and to your right with your right foot, staying on your toes.

14. Bring your left foot over to your right foot. Set both heels down.

Tips & Warnings

• The man should wear smooth-soled shoes and the woman should wear high heels.
• All couples move around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise pattern with the more advanced dancers in the center of the floor.
• Take care not to bump into other couples. If necessary, stop dancing long enough to avoid a collision. Give a hand signal to invite the other couple to "dance through" before continuing.