Easy Waltz steps such as the basic Box Step and Underarm Turn can help a beginning ballroom dancer get a feel for rhythm and footwork. Besides these steps, it is important to receive instruction in the proper position and posture.
Waltz Dance Position
In this partner dance, the woman lightly rests her left hand on her partner's upper left arm, holding it just above his bicep. The man's right hand sits on her left shoulder blade, as he holds her right hand in his left. A firm body tone allows for the slight resistance necessary for the male partner to lead as he steps forward. His partner will gracefully respond by stepping backward. Leading and following are essential skills for other partner ballroom dances, so take the time to get coordinated.
The posture, or frame, is the way partners hold their bodies during the dance. In Waltz, this is particularly important because it allows the man to lead, and the dance posture for the Waltz gives the couple a grace and elegance that makes the Waltz special.
The Waltz tempo is counted 1-2-3, 1-2-3 with the steps following a pattern on this rhythm. Dancers follow the Line of Dance, moving counter-clockwise around the dance floor. When all dancers move in the same direction, collisions are prevented, and a beautiful pattern appears on the dance floor.
The Basic Box Step
The basic Waltz Box Step is likely the first step you will learn. The man steps forward as the woman steps backward. This is how the man leads. To keep from having her toes stepped on, the woman's steps mirror her partner's, as they face each other. First, the man steps forward with his left foot. Second, the man steps to the right with his right foot. Third, he closes his left foot to his right. The couple have now completed ΒΌ turn. Simply repeat the previous three steps on the opposite feet for the second half of the Box Step: the man steps forward on his right, takes a step to the left and closes with his right foot. His partner will mirror his steps.
The Underarm Turn
To initiate the basic Waltz Underarm Turn, the man raises his left hand in the air, which is a cue for the woman to turn underneath. She will take six walking steps forward in a small circle, returning to her original place by the sixth step.
 | Learning how to waltz is a rewarding and enjoyable activity. The grace and coordination you develop by learning the posture and flowing movements, and the way you and your partner coordinate your steps can help both of you bond. |
 | Basic Waltz steps, combined with proper posture, are the two main components of a beautiful and graceful Waltz. If you're a dance novice learning for an event, you can still shine if you know two steps and the right position. |
 | The traditional Waltz dance is graceful, romantic and flowing. The dancers gently dip and raise their bodies with each step, enhancing the flow of their movements. |
The Waltz is easy to learn and harder to master. In Waltz dancing, the dancers need to be aware of the steps and the posture. |
The Waltz dance steps everyone should know are the basic Box Step and the Underarm Turn. Once you know these steps, you can be ready for a wedding dance or a beginner's ballroom dance class. |
