Standard Dance - Slow Waltz

• Slow Waltz = English Waltz

• Like the Viennese Waltz, the Slow Waltz is characterized by its 3/4 time signature and the rising and falling motion.

• The continuous rising over the ball of the foot and lowering over the heel creates a wave-like movement (this is also important for body extension).

• Step 1 is done by lifting off the heel and then rising over the ball of the foot for step 2. In step 3, the foot remains raised and then lowers over the heel to initiate the next step.

• The leader and follower form a frame in their dance position with corresponding body extension, which is also characteristic of standard dances.

• The distance between partners should always be small, perhaps even touching.

• During the dance, we move along the edge of the dance floor counter-clockwise.

• Time signature: 3/4 at approximately 30 bars per minute.

• Division:

  • 1/4 - slow - forward over the heel, rolling over the foot and lifting.

  • 1/4 - slow - forward-sideways, starting over the ball of the foot.

  • 1/4 - slow - close, first rising through body extension and then lowering over the ball of the foot towards the heel.

• The gentleman starts in a closed dance hold, facing the direction of dance; the lady starts facing the opposite direction. Our feet are positioned in four rows facing each other, slightly offset, so that the gentleman can step his right foot between the lady's feet.

• We always start on the 1.

• The rhythm of the Slow Waltz is reminiscent of a pendulum swing; therefore, we have the most momentum on the 2.

History

• The Slow Waltz is one of the classic dances. The Slow Waltz is a standard dance and is danced in pairs in three-quarter time.

• The tempo of the waltz music is around 30 bars per minute, or 84-90 bpm.

• The Slow Waltz is the slow form of the Viennese Waltz and accordingly developed from the Viennese Waltz through the Boston (a hesitancy waltz danced without turns – originating in North America in 1875) to the Slow Waltz in England around 1910.

• Due to its flowing movements, the dance belongs to the category of swing dances.

• Since 1963, the Slow Waltz has been part of the World Dance Program and also of the competition dance program as the first standard dance to be judged.

• A characteristic feature of the dance is the continuous rising and falling of the body.

• The lowering of the body on the first beat is achieved by bending the knee.

• On beats 2 and 3, the knee is straightened, thus lifting the body.

Half Right Turn Forward - Leader's Steps

• The forward-turning half right turn begins for the leader, as in the Slow Waltz, in a closed dance position. The leader stands facing slightly outwards towards the wall. Furthermore, the weight is on the left foot.

• 1. The leader's first step begins with the right foot forward between the lady's feet. During this step, a 3/8 turn to the right is performed.

• 2. The leader's second step is danced with the left foot, a sideways, slightly offset step.

• 3. In the third step, the half right turn is executed, and the leader brings his right foot to meet his left.

Half Right Turn Forward - Follower's Steps

• The forward-turning half right turn begins for the lady, as in the Slow Waltz, in a closed dance position. The lady stands facing away from the wall. Diagonally to the wall, outwards. Furthermore, the weight is on the right foot.

• 1. The lady's first step begins with her left foot back. During this step, she executes an almost half turn to the right (3/8 turn), allowing the gentleman to pass.

• 2. The lady's second step is danced forward with her right foot slightly to the side.

• 3. In the third step, the half turn to the right is completed, and the left foot is brought together with the right foot.