Types of Dance ✦ Ballroom & Smooth
The Waltz is the dance most people picture when they think of ballroom: smooth, elegant and gliding across the floor in three-quarter time. At VM Ballroom Dance Studios, our waltz lessons take you from your very first box step to graceful turns, whether you're preparing for a wedding, a gala, or simply want to learn a timeless dance.
Prefer to talk? Call (321) 477-9959 or text (689) 334-0707
The Waltz grew out of Austrian and German folk dances in the late 1700s and was the first popular dance where couples held each other in a closed embrace, which made it scandalous at the time. The slower English, or "slow" waltz, developed in the early 1900s and is the version taught in ballrooms today.
It is known for its rise and fall: dancers lower into the knees on the first beat, then rise onto the balls of the feet through beats two and three, creating a floating, wave-like motion.
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Getting to know it
Waltz music is in 3/4 time, counted "1-2-3, 1-2-3," with a strong accent on beat one. The slow waltz runs about 84–90 beats per minute. Faster waltz music, around 180 beats per minute, is danced as the Viennese Waltz.
No. The Waltz is one of the best first dances for beginners. Its basic pattern, the box step, uses just six steps, and most new students can waltz around the room comfortably after a few lessons. Polished rise and fall, sway and turns come with practice.
We teach both, and we'll help you choose based on your goals.
On the playlist
Many country ballads in 3/4 time work beautifully too.
The box step: forward, side, close, then back, side, close, tracing a square on the floor in two measures of music.
Most beginners can dance a basic waltz after 3–5 private lessons. Adding turns and smooth rise and fall typically takes a few months of regular lessons.
Yes. It's one of the most popular first-dance choices because so many romantic songs are in 3/4 time and the dance looks elegant even with simple steps.
The Viennese Waltz is roughly twice as fast and built around continuous rotating turns, while the slow Waltz has more varied figures and pronounced rise and fall.
Shoes with a smooth or suede sole that let you glide and pivot. Avoid rubber-soled sneakers. Ladies often start with a 2–2.5 inch heel.
Learn it with us
Book your first waltz lesson at VM Ballroom Dance Studios in Lake Mary, FL today. Call 321-477-9959.
New to the studio? Ask about our introductory offer for new students. And if you enjoy the Waltz, you may also like the Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.
Our Introductory OfferStart dancing
Tell us what you would like to dance and we will be in touch.
New Student Special ✦ VM Ballroom
Get your intro offer when you sign up — $79 for (2) private ½-hour lessons.
