Introduction to International Waltz
International Waltz Introduction to International Waltz General - The waltz is a dance for couples in 3/4time. The dance was developed from the Weller, a German peasant dance and the Laendler , an Austrian dance. The two most danced forms of the waltz are the Viennese Waltz and the Slow Waltz. The International waltz is a structured form of the Slow waltz and is in the smooth category of ballroom dances. The character of International Waltz is that it has a late rise over the basic three steps which can be described as “step,” “balance” and “elevation.” This is also further described as “down,” “down,” “up,” to contrast it with “down,” “up,” “up” as used in American style. Timing - The timing for International Waltz is 3/4, or three beats to each standard measure (bar) of music. The BPM, or bars per minute, used can vary from 29 to 31. Although there is an accent on the first beat, the most important consideration is the long 2 count (2 & 5 on standard weaves) which allows for a momentary suspension of the body flight where most adjustments in direction are made. Rhythm - The normal rhythm of the waltz is 1, 2, 3. Each number represents a beat in a bar (measure) of music. Frequently, however, there will be figures with more than three steps taken over one measure. Where there are more than three steps taken, there will be syncopation. This syncopation can be on any beat of the measure. In describing the figures, in this manual, each beat in the measure will have an equal amount of time associated with it.
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