How to Make a Viennese Waltz - Oleosymusica.blog

Viennese Waltz is a captivating dance that originated in Vienna, Austria. Known for its fast-paced movements and elegant style, mastering the Viennese Waltz requires understanding its basic steps, timing, footwork, posture, and musical elements. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of the Viennese Waltz and provide a comprehensive guide on how to perform this enchanting dance.

Basic Steps

The Viennese Waltz consists of three fundamental steps: the reverse cross, the natural waltz, and the closed changes. In the reverse cross step, both partners turn to the left, creating a graceful rotation. Conversely, in the natural waltz step, the partners turn to the right, adding variety and fluidity to the dance. The closed changes involve a series of smooth transitions between steps, allowing dancers to maintain a continuous flow throughout the dance.

Timing

Timing plays a crucial role in the Viennese Waltz. It is danced in a 3/4 time signature to faster music, typically around 120 beats per minute. The rhythm of the Viennese Waltz can be counted as “123” or as it is phrased, “123, 223, 323, 423, etc.” This phrasing provides dancers with a better understanding of the choreography’s placement within the musical structure, enabling them to synchronize their movements seamlessly.

Footwork

The Viennese Waltz emphasizes smooth and gliding footwork. Throughout the dance, the feet maintain contact with the floor, creating a graceful and effortless appearance. Both the leader and the follower perform a basic step that involves a combination of forward, backward, and side steps. This sequence of steps forms a “Waltz box” pattern on the dance floor, adding elegance and symmetry to the dance.

Posture

Maintaining proper posture is essential in executing the Viennese Waltz with finesse. Good posture involves specific key elements: keeping the head back, shoulders down and back, rib cage flat with the core engaged, and hips in a neutral position. By practicing good posture, dancers enhance their balance, poise, and overall presence on and off the dance floor.

Musical Information

Viennese Waltz is danced to faster music compared to the slower Waltz. The tempo of Viennese Waltz is approximately 54 beats per minute (MPM). The dance follows a 3/4 time signature, with three quarter notes per measure. Dancers usually commence their movements at the beginning of a new musical phrase, which typically consists of a minimum of six counts. Becoming familiar with the musical structure of Viennese Waltz through active listening and exposure to various songs is highly beneficial for dancers.

Throughout this article, we have explored the fundamental aspects of the Viennese Waltz, including its basic steps, timing, footwork, posture, and musical elements. By understanding and practicing these essential elements, dancers can embark on a journey to master the captivating and elegant Viennese Waltz.

Sources:

“The Viennese Waltz – Waltz Dances” from waltz-dance.com [Link: https://waltz-dance.com/viennese-waltz.html]
“How to Dance Viennese Waltz” from blog.dancevision.com [Link: http://blog.dancevision.com/how-to-dance-viennese-waltz]
“Learning The Viennese Waltz – Dance Lessons Houston” from justdanzehouston.com [Link: https://justdanzehouston.com/learning-the-viennese-waltz/]

FAQs

What are the basic steps of the Viennese Waltz?

The basic steps of the Viennese Waltz include the reverse cross, the natural waltz, and the closed changes. The reverse cross involves turning to the left, while the natural waltz involves turning to the right. The closed changes consist of smooth transitions between steps, creating a continuous flow.

How is the timing of the Viennese Waltz counted?

The Viennese Waltz is danced in a 3/4 time signature to faster music, typically around 120 beats per minute. It can be counted as “123” or as “123, 223, 323, 423, etc.” to align with the phrasing of the music and better understand the choreography’s placement within the musical structure.

What is the footwork like in the Viennese Waltz?

The footwork in the Viennese Waltz emphasizes smooth and gliding movements. The feet maintain contact with the floor throughout the dance, creating a graceful appearance. Both the leader and the follower perform a basic step that involves a combination of forward, backward, and side steps, forming a “Waltz box” pattern on the dance floor.

What is the importance of posture in the Viennese Waltz?

Good posture is essential in performing the Viennese Waltz with finesse. It involves keeping the head back, shoulders down and back, rib cage flat with the core engaged, and hips in a neutral position. Maintaining proper posture enhances balance, poise, and overall presence on and off the dance floor.

What is the musical information related to the Viennese Waltz?

The Viennese Waltz is danced to faster music compared to the slower Waltz. It has a tempo of approximately 54 beats per minute (MPM) and follows a 3/4 time signature. Dancers typically begin their movements at the beginning of a new musical phrase, which consists of at least six counts.

How can I practice and improve my Viennese Waltz?

To practice and improve your Viennese Waltz, it is recommended to take dance lessons or join a dance class with a qualified instructor. Practicing regularly, focusing on technique, and actively listening to Viennese Waltz music can also greatly enhance your skills. Additionally, attending social dances or events where you can dance the Viennese Waltz will provide opportunities for practice and refinement.