Viennese Waltz

Viennese Waltz could be called the queen of ballroom dances due to its lightness and beauty. The root of Viennese Waltz was the traditional Austrian dance the ‘Landler’. Its origins are from the 18^th century Austrian countryside inns where due to the looser etiquette the lower society dared to dance in such an embraced position which is now called close hold or “waltz’ position (actfa.com). It was scandalous at first, but slowly it reached the ballrooms of the higher society as well, where thanks to the parquet floor the movements developed into elegance and the steps became faster.  By the musical compositions of Josef Lanner and Johann Strauss Sr., Viennese Waltz gained popularity in the middle of the 19^th century and it is now the national dance of Austria (aboutvienna.org).

   The difference between the English, or else called slow waltz, and the Viennese Waltz is the number of beats per minute. While the slow waltz is danced in 90 beats per minute, the Viennese Waltz danced in approximately two times more; however, they have share the one-two-three count (actfa.com). One may prefer the Viennese Waltz because even if English waltz is more aristocratic, it is too slow and this way it seems halting. On the contrary, Viennese Waltz feels and looks like the dancers were floating in the air across the ballroom. Nevertheless, on account of the speed of the dance it is harder to keep up to the music and to move along with the partner. Another hardship is the constant rotation of the pair, so one can easily get dizzy.  This can be sidestepped by always sticking one’s glance on one point, and the good thing is the partners hold each other tight so there is no need to be afraid of the possibility of falling. Although it is true that the position of the female dancer is uncomfortable because she is leaning backward a bit, but the male partner’s hands are always there to support the lady’s back. Moreover, who has difficulty learning the choreography can be happy because it is just one step and placing your other leg next to the other with a half turn.

What can be the most admirable about Viennese Waltz is that the woman is treated like a princess. She is always in the protection of the man’s arms, she has this beautiful dress that always follows the movement of her body, and she only has to fly across the room like a swan. What makes the performance more spectacular is when the whole ballroom is filled with dancing couples and whirling dresses, and in many cases they gather into a circle and create for example a rose by the girls being in the circle made by the men grabbing each other’s arms and leaning back. In addition to all this, if the music is well chosen it can be marvelous. If the classics like Josef Lanner or the typical songs heard on every prom like “Anastasia-Once Upon a December“ are not satisfactory one can make innovations like dancing to Brian Adams. Due to personal experience I know that it is really breath taking. 

It is true that Viennese Waltz can seem old fashioned for the R&B lovers and for those who would rather dance with their breasts out. In addition to this, waltz of any kind is really not a sexually overheated dance. However, if one is looking for beauty and tranquility Viennese Waltz is a perfect start. Those who like to be appreciated by men and who enjoy feeling light and floating in the lake will love dancing the queen of ballroom dances.