How to Compare Waltz Styles

The waltz originated from folk dances in Austria and Bavaria that scandalized upper class society by having the man and woman touch each other while dancing. The fast pace of these dances can still be seen in the modern Viennese waltz, while a much slower waltz is popular in ballrooms in either the International Standard or American Style (or Smooth) waltzes. While competitive standards for waltzes are very specific, social dancing, such as wedding waltzes, may include moves from a number of different styles. All waltzes use music in 3/4 time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

The International Standard Waltz

1. Expect a slow tempo of music, about 84 to 90 beats per minute, that allows the dancers to glide around the floor with graceful, elegant movements.

2. Look for a firm hold that has the lady’s head tipped back at an angle, looking away from her partner.

3. Watch the dancers remain in hold throughout the dance.

4. Expect a formal dance with stylish, but not showy, movements.

5. Listen for melodic instrumental or vocal music.

The American Style Waltz

6. Expect a slow tempo of music, about 84 to 96 beats per minute, that allows the dancers to glide around the floor with graceful, elegant movements.

7. Look for beautiful underarm turns.

8. Expect that the dancers may perform solo spins as well as dancing in hold.

9. Watch if the dancers perform open movements such as a twinkle, or three steps with a rise and fall.

10. Listen for melodic instrumental or vocal music.

The Viennese Waltz

11. Expect a much faster tempo than the other waltz styles, about 162 to 180 beats per minute.

12. Look for quick rotation and subtle rise and fall.

13. Watch for frequent turns.

14. Expect American Style Viennese waltzes to include underarm turns, and International Standard Viennese waltzes to remain in hold.

15. Listen for quick music that’s traditional, such as the Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss, or contemporary.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many other variations in waltzes that have been popular over the years. The Hesitation Waltz uses pauses to create a dramatic effect, while the Cross Step Waltz allows more variations in movement by using frequent crossing steps.
• Other countries have their own waltz styles, such as the Peruvian Waltz and Mexican Waltz. These are similar to the waltz styles listed here, but use a style of music influenced by that country.
• There is also a country western dance based on the waltz that often uses a less formal style than ballroom waltzes.

Resources

• Find out more about dance styles, terms and steps.