How to Do the European Waltz Step

The waltz is done to 3/4 tempo, as in "1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3." The waltz is a very elegant ballroom dance. Imagine men in tuxedos and women in exquisite ball gowns, gracefully twirling around the floor, dancing in unison, as if they were one. There are various types of waltzes including the box waltz, the round waltz and the European waltz, which is described below. The European waltz differs from the box and round waltzes in that the dancers must make half turns.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A partner

1. Step to the front on your left foot on the count of "1." Your partner will step to the back on her right foot.

2. Bring your right foot up to your left heel and step down on the count of "2." Your partner will bring her left foot up to meet the heel of the right shoe on the count of "2."

3. Step on your left and make a one-half turn to the right. Your partner will step on the right foot and make a one-half turn to the left. This is done on the count of "3."

4. Step to the back on your right foot on the count of "1." Your partner will step to the front on the left.

5. Step to the back on your left foot and step down when your left foot is next to your right toe. Do this on the count of "2." Your partner will step to the front on the right foot and step down on the right foot next to the left toe.

6. Step down on the right foot and make a one-half turn to the right on the count of "3." Your partner will step down on the left foot and make a one-half turn to the left.

Tips & Warnings

• The man leads and the woman follows, as much as some women may object to that. When the man steps to the front, the woman steps to the back and vice versa. Dancing as a couple is quite different from performing by yourself or with a group of other dancers because you're a mirror reflection of what your partner is doing and, in regard to the female partner, you're doing it backward. Elegance, grace and synchronization are required. A light touch and elegance are the keys of ballroom dancing.

Resources

• Dance Demonstration You Tube