Discover How to Dance Variations of the Waltz

The standard Waltz following the mode of the day becomes more old-fashioned each moment. However, there is a new idea of combining two figures of the Boston and then a few figures of the Hesitation and then the Lame Duck, which again changes to the standard step.

It is really an achievement to gracefully melt these changing steps one into the other and is really most interesting to dance, quite as much so as a series of intricate steps.

The following detailed explanation of the difference between the four Waltz steps will be valuable for home practice in changes of the figures and the facility gained will enable one to lead more cleverly, avoiding passing couples and also to follow with greater quickness the leader's changes. No clever and skillful dancer has ever been a wall flower or lacked many invitations to dances!

The Standard Waltz

3 counts to 3 beats of music
1. Measure. Gentleman steps back with left foot - count one. Steps backward and to the right side with right foot - count two. Left foot brought over right foot - count three.

2. Measure. Step forward with right foot - count one. Bring left foot forward but to right side - count two. Bring right foot to left foot - count three.

The Boston

3 counts to 3 beats of music
1. Measure. Gentleman steps backward with left foot - count one. Brings the right foot with a circular movement at the side, back to back of the left foot - count two. One-half pivot turn to the right on the ball of the left foot, which will also bring the right foot pointing toward the right side - count three.

2. Measure. Step forward with the right foot - count one. Bring the left foot in circular movement to the front of the right foot - count two. One-half pivot on the right foot to the right, also turning the left. Always keep the left foot advanced in making left hand turns and the right one forward for right turns.

The Hesitation

3 counts to 3 beats of music
1. Measure. Gentleman steps with left foot to left side, leaving the right foot pointed to the right side - count one. Places weight on left foot, continuing to count - two, three.

2. Measure. Step back with right foot - count one. Step backward and to left with left foot - count two. Bring right foot over to left foot - count three.

These two measures may be considered as one figure of the Hesitation Waltz.

The Lame Duck

This much resembles some of the steps of the Camel Walk but in a modified form. Two counts or steps to three beats of music.

1. Measure. Gentleman steps forward with left foot - count one. Takes a long dragging step with the right foot, bringing it slightly in advance of the left - count two, three.

2. Measure. Turn on right foot to the right - count one. Then long dragging step around right foot by left one - count two, three.

3. Measure. Turn on left foot to the left - count one. Then the long dragging step with left foot around the right one - count two, three. As these variations of the Waltz step are only slightly progressive the necessity for introduction of the standard Waltz step and its reverse will soon be apparent.

With just these simple additions the common waltz can be revitalized. You will enjoy the old-fashioned waltz so much more now!

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