Q&A for How to Dance the Waltz

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Question

How many steps are in a waltz?

Lorena Bravo, MA
Professional Dance Instructor & Competitor
Lorena Bravo is a Dance Instructor and the Founder of Bravo Dancing Ballroom Academy based in Los Angeles, California. Specializing in ballroom dancing for both American Smooth and International Standard Divisions, Lorena has over 20 years of professional dance experience. Along with running Bravo Dancing, Lorena has served on the faculty of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is currently on the faculty at Chapman University’s dance department. She is also the head ballroom coach for the University of Southern California (USC) Ballroom and Latin Dance Team. Lorena holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Bilingual Education from USC and is certified in Associate American Smooth by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Lorena Bravo, MA

Professional Dance Instructor & Competitor

Expert Answer

There are 6 steps in the basic form of the waltz. Some waltzes can get a little more complicated, but the most common form has 6 steps and follows a 3-count tempo.

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Question

What kind of shoes are best for dancing

Community Answer

Flats or flats with a bit of heel are the best for dancing the waltz, it would be best to stay way from running shoes and high heels.

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Question

Does the person who is leading always start with their left foot?

Community Answer

Yes, generally it is standard to start with your left foot if you're the lead.

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Question

In the waltz, does the man or the woman lead?

Community Answer

Generally, the man will lead, but it's entirely up to the couple to decide.

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Question

Do Belle and the Beast waltz? I'm doing a movie, and I'm Belle.

Lhowl8

Community Answer

This is up to the interpretation of the director, but often the dancing will be based on the waltz, but with variations suiting characterization, music choice, and determined by the skill of the dancers.

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Question

Are there other advanced moves?

Minmin4

Community Answer

Yes. You can spin the girl, do half turn switches, and other complicated moves.

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Question

Can I do the waltz in half time to start? I am worried I might fall or trip if moving too quickly.

Community Answer

That all depends on what your partner and you agree on while dancing. It is absolutely acceptable to take your time with it.

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Question

What partner is okay for waltz if I’m a woman?

Community Answer

A man or another woman is a a good partner for the waltz. Just make sure they can dance well, know the steps and want to pair with you.

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Question

What are good waltz song choices to add romantic touches to?

Community Answer

The Blue Danube is a good old-fashioned choice, while for a modern choice, the song Perfect by Ed Sheeran adds some romance to a waltz.

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Question

What are waltzes from the Nutcracker I can romantically dance to?

Community Answer

Try Waltz of the Flowers or Waltz of the Snowflakes, both romantically inclined waltzes from the Nutcracker.

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Question

What is a waltz song for a romantic dance?

MeowingFanFictions

Community Answer

Try Blue Danube, Waltz of the Flowers or Waltz of the Snowflakes. They're all good songs and they have a romantic touch.

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