The waltz may sound familiar to you because it’s one of the most popular and romantic ballroom dances out there. If you’re looking to turn up the heat with your significant other, the waltz is a fun place to start. Characterized by a step, slide, and step in 3/4 time, the waltz, with its turning, embracing couples, had scandalous origins; yet, it revolutionized dance and the acceptance of free form with close positioning of dancers.
Imported from Germany and Austria, the waltz became popular in the United States, especially following the Civil War. American versions of the dance sprang up, such as the Boston Waltz, or Boston Dip. Today, the waltz is still considered the backbone of many ballroom dances, and many of our favorite dances today incorporate familiar moves from the waltz.