The Waltz dance steps everyone should know in order to get around the dance floor 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.
The Basic Box Step
In this step, the couple faces each other, making body contact, in dance position. The steps mirror each other, with the man stepping forward as the woman steps backward. Her steps are, therefore, on the opposite foot as his, moving the opposite direction.
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 partners have now completed ¼ turn. The second half of the Box Step begins on opposite feet: The lead steps forward on his right, steps to the left and then closes with his right foot. The woman will mirror his steps. The Box Step is the basis of all other Waltz steps.
The Underarm Turn
The lead signals his partner to begin the basic Waltz Underarm Turn, by raising his left hand in the air, for her to turn underneath. The woman takes six walking steps on the beat, moving forward in a small circle, until she returns to her original place by the sixth step. Graceful steps make this turn a winner.
Waltz Dance Position
Also important to learn is how to hold your body in dance position, how to lead and how to follow. Both partners holding their bodies straight and with firm tone provide enough resistance for the man to lead and for the woman to follow his lead easily.
To get into the dance position, the woman lightly sets her left hand on her partner's upper left arm, just above his bicep. His right hand rests on her left shoulder blade, and he holds her right hand in his left. Remember to keep a firm body tone to give the slight resistance necessary for leading with the body, rather than the hands. Learning leading and following will help you learn other ballroom dances easily.
The music for the Waltz has a ¾ time meter, counted 1-2-3, 1-2-3 with the steps on each beat of this rhythm. The Waltz follows the Line of Dance counter-clockwise, circling the dance floor. All couples move in the same direction, spinning and dancing, making a lovely group. When other couples are moving on the floor at the same time, following the pattern of Line of Dance keeps dancer collisions at a minimum.
 | 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. |
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. It is also important to receive instruction in the proper position and posture. |
