What is a waltz? A light female step, a swaying skirt, the confidence of a partner, music that penetrates deep into the soul, and whirling, circling, circling ... All this is a waltz! The name itself is common to ballroom dancing, performed in a position that is classified as closed.
What is a dance like?
Size 3/4, in some variations - 3/8 measure. In the older version, the music was much slower than in Vienna. The composers who wrote great music for this dance are Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert, Weber, Glinka, Chopin. The old Russian waltz is very popular - a melody familiar to many - “On the hills of Manchuria”.
In such a melody, the first beat of the accompaniment is the bass, then two chords follow. This creates the feeling that the music is exciting, lively, light, mobile.
Dance gained popularity at the end of the 18th century. According to the principle of a closed position, other varieties of ballroom dancing were founded. At the end of the 19th century, there were many variations of dance, the size of which was 6/8, less often 5/4 and 2/4. Viennese waltz is considered a faster style, the Argentinean includes elements of tango. The dance of the European program is slow. Each measure is 3 steps.
What is an English style waltz? It often changes the tempo of the melody, which affects the steps of both partners. This setting is not as easy as it seems at first glance. Behind the weightless turns of partners hides the strictest discipline and precise technique.
How to dance a waltz? English slow style
It is better to learn to waltz with an experienced choreographer. The basic movements can be learned in 3 lessons, but without practice you will soon forget them. For training, a partner is required. One-two-three 3 times - this is the desired rhythm. Partners should touch each other slightly with their bellies. The partner puts his right hand on the partner’s shoulder blade, and she puts it on his shoulder.
Movement - clockwise. The right leg always goes to the right and forward, and the left foot only to the left and back. When a woman starts from the right foot, the man starts from the left. Observe correct posture and counting. With a step back, the left leg is retracted, then with a sliding movement, we smoothly roll onto the toe, then we stand on the foot. The partner takes a similar step forward, starting with the right foot. In the second step, a full revolution of 180 degrees is performed. The foot is placed on the third step. When you train, you will learn what a waltz is of a slow or English type.
Viennese style
In principle, the movements are similar to the first view, but become faster. No need to perform the first step to the first beat from the feet of the partner. According to the rules, the partner’s leg should go between her legs. This allows you to make full turns. What is the difference between the dance movements of both partners? If the guy performs the movement of the first measure, the girl dances the second.
Figured style
In a figured waltz, different shapes are added to the main movements. What is most interesting - dancing this type of dance, you even out the heart rhythm, which means that in addition to the pleasure of waltzing, health is strengthened. Try to do a few movements yourself - and you will really know what a waltz is!