The Waltz
Below is an excerpt on the history of the Waltz, one of the most venerable social dances in the world. The book is called "Ballroom Dancing," written by The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Here is the excerpt from this excellent book:
When the Waltz was introduced into England during the early 19th century it scandalised society. Never before had the man clasped the lady to him in a facing position with his arm round her waist and rotated round the ballroom in what was almost an embrace; and rarely, if ever, had the dancers appeared to be dancing for their own pleasure as opposed to providing entertainment for admiring onlookers. Add to this the turned out toes derived from classical ballet which were still in use in the Ballrooms of that time and the impact must have been considerable. We hear much of the disapproval voiced by the older generation, but seldom mentioned is the fact that the reigning Queen (Victoria) was a keen and expert ballroom dancer with a special love of the Waltz. |
Fortunately, the violent opposition faded out and the Waltz weathered an exciting and varied career, emerging today in two accepted forms, both reflecting the main characteristics of the dance. These are known respectively as the Modern (or Diagonal) Waltz and the Viennese (or Quick) Waltz.
It would be necessary to study a detailed history of ballroom dancing to follow the various changes that finally brought us the present-day version, but briefly it can be said that just before and during the First World War and the Waltz went out of fashion in England, and a craze for the new syncopated rhythms brought over from America swept the country.
So although waltz music was still popular the tempo was slower and the steps had no set form. In the early 1920s, attempts were made by the teaching profession to find a uniform basic step that expressed this music, while at the same time following the accepted natural walking action. Finally, it was agreed that the feet should close on the third beat of a bar whether Forward Forward Close, or Forward Side Close. Right and Left Turns alternated by Change Steps were recommended, the man making a whole turn from the position at which he started, sometimes dancing as many as two or three complete Right and Left turns to sequence.
This style became the basis of the dance and, indeed, is the essence of the Waltz as described in this chapter. Over the years exponents have extended and developed the number of figures which are available to the dance but the elegant foundation remains.
It would be necessary to study a detailed history of ballroom dancing to follow the various changes that finally brought us the present-day version, but briefly it can be said that just before and during the First World War and the Waltz went out of fashion in England, and a craze for the new syncopated rhythms brought over from America swept the country.
So although waltz music was still popular the tempo was slower and the steps had no set form. In the early 1920s, attempts were made by the teaching profession to find a uniform basic step that expressed this music, while at the same time following the accepted natural walking action. Finally, it was agreed that the feet should close on the third beat of a bar whether Forward Forward Close, or Forward Side Close. Right and Left Turns alternated by Change Steps were recommended, the man making a whole turn from the position at which he started, sometimes dancing as many as two or three complete Right and Left turns to sequence.
This style became the basis of the dance and, indeed, is the essence of the Waltz as described in this chapter. Over the years exponents have extended and developed the number of figures which are available to the dance but the elegant foundation remains.
Music
Time-signature 3/4, indicating three beats to a bar of music. The best music for this should have a strong melody, such as The Last Waltz, Fascination or Charmaine.
Balance
This can be defined as the ability of the dancer to maintain an upright and controlled position of the body whether in movement or still. This is especially important when rising on to the toes - as in the Forward and Backward Change steps and Turns. Many factors are involved in achieving good balance, but the first point to consider is the positioning of the arms and head, i.e. the hold.
- from "Ballroom Dancing," by The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
- from "Ballroom Dancing," by The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing