Things You'll Need:
- Partner (although additional practicing on your own is encouraged)
- Music (after some basic practice)
- Wood or linoleum floor for practice (any smooth, non-carpeted surface will work)
-
Step 1
Partners (from hereon man and woman) stand facing each other, slightly apart, standing up straight. The man's left arm extended, palm up, to the side, with the right arm encircling his partner and his hand against the middle of the woman's back. Note: The man is not hanging on to the woman as much as providing a frame for her to hold on to. A well-danced waltz has numerous turns and changes of direction at considerable speed. The man, making a frame with his arms, prevents the woman from going the wrong way. For the woman, her right arm is extended and her hand is atop the man's. Her left arm is raised with her hand on back of the man's upper arm or shoulder, depending on his height.
-
Step 2
Man, basic box-step. Stand with your feet slightly apart. On the first count (one), step forward on your left foot. On two, bring right foot parallel to left and feet slightly apart. For three, slide the left foot so that it touches the right. Now, (One) step back on right foot, (Two) bring left foot back parallel to right, (Three) slide the right foot so that it touches the left. At this point, if you need to watch your feet, do so--one-two-three, one-two-three, step-step-slide, step-step-slide--you've just drawn a box with your feet. As you and your partner progress, your first step will become longer and glidy-er, the second and third closer together.
-
Step 3
Woman, basic box-step. Stand with feet slightly apart. On the first count (one), step back on your right foot. On two, bring left foot parallel to right, feet slightly apart. For three, slide the right foot so that it touches the left. Now, (One) step forward on left foot, (Two) bring the right foot up parallel to left, (Three) slide the left foot over so that it touches the right. The woman needs to match his forward and backward steps to yours. Otherwise you'll get stepped on (when you're moving backward) or pull away from him (as you go forward). Stand up straight with your chin up.
-
Step 4
Practice to music: Hold hands, facing each other. Watch your feet, count out loud and practice until your steps are pretty much matching each other's and the music. If you start tripping on each other, back away to hand-holding and ease slowly closer.
-
Step 5
Now that you've mastered that, it's time to turn. To turn, the man takes a forward step (One) , then, using the frame you have made of your arms, pull your left hand back slightly, signalling your partner that you will both pivot slightly (Two, Three). Adjust your backward step (One) to complete a turn and do Two, Three in the new direction you are now facing. Both your steps and arms need to signal the turn, every time. If you have to, go back to holding hands (but signalling with them) and count out loud. Get closer and try again.
-
Step 6
You have begun to see why the waltz has such a close relationship with weddings. To do this well, you have to communicate clearly, read each other's nonverbal signals, and work together. Now you are ready to take on the whole ballroom floor.
