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Friday, April 26, 2013

W is For Waltz

Waltz is the oldest ballroom dance, dating from the 18th century. When it was first introduced to ballrooms, it was met with outrage because it was the first dance with the man's arm around the lady's waist.

The first waltz was the Viennese Waltz but later slower waltz music was written that called for long gliding steps in place of the constant turning of the Viennese Waltz.

Both the slower version of Waltz and the Viennese are performed in competition today. The slower waltz is the one that is usually taught for social dancing.

Below, is a video of the Waltz in competition.
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39 comments:

  1. Did not know there were the two versions of the Waltz. This is so smooth and flowing. I do keep learning here. Thanks.

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    1. Patti
      I'm glad the 2 are close because now the difference is easy to see. The Viennese beat is more like a polka.

      Delete
  2. I like to watch Dancing with the Stars occasionally, and I love when they dance the waltz. It was a gentler time.

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    1. Cathrina
      This waltz is so much fun to dance. I like your phrase, "a gentler time."

      Delete
  3. My little one (5 yrs old) just popped out of bed and said, 'What?? You know I don't like this love stuff, why are you watching this?' So I guess even the little ones recognize the romance in dance.

    And with that, I guess it's time to get the kids ready, fed, and off to school. Happy weekend to you. :)

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    1. Rosey
      Hahahaha The proof of romance is with the 5 year olds. If you want the truth, just ask one. :)

      You have a great weekend too.

      Delete
  4. This has been such a fun A to Z... To my untrained eye, I couldn't tell the difference between this waltz and the other one. I know you said that the Viennese was slower, so I had to go back and watch it again. Manz...thanks! this has been fun and interesting.

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    1. turquoisemoon
      If you noticed, the first one is almost like a polka with that fast 123 beat. The 2nd is also 123 but slower and this allows time for rise and fall in the dance. The Viennese is more level

      Delete
  5. I had no idea that there was more than one Waltz. I reckon you learn something new every day :)

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    1. Keith
      That is because no one does the Viennese in social dance and all people see is the regular waltz. BUT Keith, maybe OTHER people learn something new every day but I thought you and I knew it all. Hahaha don't we wish, huh?

      Delete
  6. I love your posts on the different types of dance, Manzanita. I will be back to check this video! Thanks.

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    1. Julia
      I'm glad you are enjoying the dancing and the videos.
      Take care and have a great W-day.

      Delete
  7. With all the choices, more chances for me to fail

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    1. John
      Well I never looked at it quite like that before but I guess that could be right. But what the heck, you could just do the Happy Dance. :)

      Delete
  8. I remember enjoying a waltz when led by someone who knew what they were doing. Not knowing how to myself meant lots of stepping on toes if I had a partner who also didn't exactly know how.

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    1. River
      Nothing worse than the blind leading the blind, so to speak. Ouch.

      Delete
  9. LOL... all I ever knew was the Tennessee Waltz. Wasn't that a song or something? The waltz can be so relaxing to watch.

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    1. Terry
      I often use the Tennessee Waltz as the practice song for beginners because it is nice and slow and the right beat. I love doing the waltz. I can lead the waltz quite handsomely. Wanna Dance? LOL

      Delete
  10. Yeah one I could probably do
    After stepping on a toe or two
    And throwing out a hip
    But it would sure be a trip

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    1. Pat
      The waltz is gentle, flows like water
      When you do the things you aughtter
      Those who fall and break a hip
      Perhaps before should take a nip.
      (Just a teeny weeny one...hahaha)

      Delete
  11. Well, one thing I can say is that they seem to wear more clothes on the Ballroom Dancing videos than they do on the "Dancing With the Stars" show.

    Somehow, though, I think that's intentional :)

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    Replies
    1. Mark
      I think you might just be on to something. When ever the big bucks are involved, it's "gimme some skin."

      Delete
  12. I am fascinated by the lovely dresses!!

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    1. Fishducky
      Oh yes, half of the competition is the costuming. They flow and lilt with the dance.

      Delete
  13. Fran
    Dancing competitively is not a low-cost sport if you count up the dresses and the travel and expensive teachers. I could save a lot by the fact that I knew how to sew and made all my own dresses.

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  14. Hi Manzanita,

    The Waltz. I love that dance and I even danced to it myself. I think I looked amazing :)

    Not sure if you noted the email I sent you. It has a link I hope you might be able to see over there.

    My best,

    Gary :)

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    1. Gary
      I would wager you were terrific, not only looked the part.
      I did get it but I haven't had a chance to loo at it yet. Every kid I have and their kids either called or dropped in today. I should be glad they do, but it gets me behind. I'll look at it this evening. Thanks.

      Delete
  15. Loved the dresses, the steps, the music--loved it all. Left me feeling mellow and relaxed.

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    1. Susan
      Felling mellow and relaxed ain't all bad. It might be pretty high up on most people's list. But only you achieved it.

      Delete
  16. I like the waltz. One two three, one two three. Simple,yet elegant. The Vienna Waltz always makes me think of frantic prancing.

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    1. Su-sieee
      I agree. The V. Waltz reminds me of a polka in pretty clothes. Well it does look swishy but the slower version has style.

      Delete
  17. I think that might have been popular in better days. I like the imagination that accompanies such a dance. It is quite different than "gimme some skin," but sexy.

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    1. JJ
      Right you are. The "gimme some skin" is quite the opposite .

      Delete
  18. I have seen this one enough times on DWTS that I have really come to appreciate a smooth waltz that has some chemistry between the partners. I like to see the two people have an awareness of one another. Dancing is more than just performing perfect steps.

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    1. Robin
      Dancing is like acting. A couple can manufacture chemistry if it isn't there naturally. I've taught many couples, who were getting married, how to waltz. Ah, then there is a lot of natural chemistry

      Delete
  19. They are all so graceful, beautiful and romantic. How do you ever choose which one was best? Wow! Neither my husband nor I can really dance well together, but I love to watch those who can.

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    1. Kay,
      But at least you are getting out there and dancing. No one can be as good as these dancers unless you devote your life to it and most people want a well-rounded life. Ha

      Delete
  20. I am just getting to your blog late in the A To Z month (I hate to call it a challenge-it's not like anyone slapped me with a glove and asked me to duel)...I love your theme.

    Of course, as I scrolled through earlier posts, it kept reminding me that I CANNOT DANCE!

    Someday I really do plan to learn...

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  21. DiscConnected
    Hahaha I see what you mean. Sorry, but if you look through a month's worth of dance posts, I suppose it would be a reminder. Just get out on the floor and kick up your heels and have fun.
    Thank you for stopping.
    Enjoy your weekend.

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