Thursday, October 15, 2009

Waltzing it Easy

By John Craig

When the Waltz stormed England in the early 1800?s, the suggestive dance ignited a storm of controversy. The Waltz was the first dance where the male actually held his female partner at close quarters and led her through what was considered to be a series of suggestive movements.

In a successful Waltz, the movements of each dancer compliment the other. The woman always mirrors the male?s leading steps. The male leads the woman through boldly romantic steps, which explains why the dance has become so popular with brides or couples who want to share a memorable dance.

The waltz stems from a 17th century country folk dance developed in Austria and Bulgaria. Versions of the dance began to spread throughout Europe in the middle of the 18th century. These waltz?s original country folk dance roots explained the upbeat tempo of the lively dance. Interest in the Viennese Waltz peaked in the Strauss era in the 1800?s.

When the waltz arrived in the U.S. in the mid 1800?s, composers slowed the pace. Slower turns and longer gliding movements characterized the newest version, which was aptly name the Boston. Enthusiasm for the Boston faded but evolved into the new American Style Waltz.

The English were busily perfecting their version of the International Slow waltz. English composers encouraged longer steps that spanned the floor. Meanwhile, the American Style Waltz had become recognizable for its more flamboyant, theatrical movements so the tow versions were distinctly different.

The Viennese Waltz, the International Waltz and the American Style Waltz remain compelling and popular dances. Each embraces distinctive waltz qualities with turn and gliding motions unique to each version. Whichever waltz the dancers select, the movements should be progressive with long, flowing movements continuous turns and the definite rise and fall actions all delivered in the strikingly romantic waltz position.

The American Waltz is performed to a slow rhythm and is accentuated with theatrical spins and dramatic under arm moves. The American Waltz must always be fluid and melodic.

The International Slow Waltz consists of long, flowing moves, which are highlighted by many turns. The slow tempo enables powerful movements by both dancers while maintaining that perfect form.

The Viennese Waltz is fast by comparison. Johann Strauss is the most revered of Viennese Waltz composers. The music is characterized by orchestral sounds and very little use of percussion instruments. The movements are shorter and robust.

Whichever waltz you prefer, the position of the frame and the head are similar to all three varieties. This proper positioning allows for the close quarter movements and glorious intimacy unique to a properly performed waltz.

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