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, like a wedding, you can still shine if you know two steps and the right position.
Dance Position
In the Waltz, the dance partners face each other, with about half of their bodies touching. The woman's left hand rests lightly on his upper left arm, grasping his bicep. The man places his right hand on her left shoulder blade, and he holds her right hand in his left. It's important to know that the man's body and forward movements lead, not the hands. Pushing with the hand instead of the body will confuse the woman trying to follow. A confidently poised body tone and slight resistance for both partners will allow him to lead by moving forward, and she will easily respond by moving backward. This takes practice, but this skill can be applied to other ballroom dances as well.
The Basic Box Step
The Box Step is the foundation of the Waltz. The man leads, so the woman's steps mirror the man's, as she is facing him in dance position. He steps forward with his left foot. Next, he takes a step to the right with his right foot. Third, he closes his left foot to his right. These three steps in sequence have served to turn the couple ΒΌ turn. The second half of the Box Step is the same, although the feet are from the first three: the man steps forward on his right, steps left and closes with his right. The woman does the opposite. This step alone will get you started moving around the dance floor for practice.
The Underarm Turn
The basic Waltz Underarm Turn is done by the man raising his left hand in the air, signaling for the woman to turn. She takes six steps to make a circle going forward and returns to place in front of him by the time she gets to the sixth step.
Now it's time to start moving. It's important to know that the Waltz is always three beats per music measure. The music is counted 1-2-3, 1-2-3, and the steps follow that pattern as well. The partners face each other, rotating a quarter turn at a time and revolving around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise pattern.
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
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. |
