Slow Waltz

The Slow Waltz, or the English Waltz, is the first and perhaps the most famous of the International Standard dances. It comes from a traditional Austrian dance called “Matenick,” and overtime has developed to have many different cultural and competitive variations all over the world. The International Slow Waltz is like the Smooth Waltz in musicality and rhythm, however, like all standard dances, the lead and follow remain in closed position and do not separate throughout the dance.
The Waltz is very characteristic because of its rise and fall action. As a couple dances the waltz, they rise and fall according to the beat of the 3/4 timing of the music. On count one, the couple starts in a lowered position with knees bent, on count two, the couple rises onto their toes for their highest position, and on count three lowers once more. This, in addition to beautiful shapes created with the upper body, creates the beautiful rolling, smooth action of the Slow Waltz. The Slow Waltz is danced with 28-30 beats per minute, making it difficult for dancers to maintain perfect smoothness. Thus, the Slow Waltz challenges a dancer’s core strength and balance, and it takes skill to dance so smoothly.We cover Waltz in the Level 1 through 4 Smooth and International Standard classes. To take a look at our current calendar of classes please click here.

Simeon and Kora, International Waltz

American Smooth Waltz

Basic Figures Competition

Professional-Amateur