Wedding Waltz Ultimate Guide: Learn the Steps & the Songs
Couple: Olivia and James / Photographer: Bird Eye Media
A romantic ballroom dance, the waltz is a superb choice for weddings. If you are considering the waltz for your wedding then allow us to help.
We are expert wedding dance choreographers, here to share the waltz’s background, show you the basic steps, help you pick romantic songs, and offer dance lessons that will enable you to truly enjoy dancing with your partner on your big day together!
Table of Contents:
What is the Wedding Waltz?
A waltz is a classic ballroom dance, characterized by couples rhythmically turning while stepping and sliding in the waltz box step. The word waltz comes from the German word Walzer, meaning “to revolve.” This dance is one of the easier ballroom styles to learn.
From its beginnings in the 18th century, the waltz was steeped in romance. The dance scandalized polite society by bringing men and women close together as they danced and embraced. Initial religious pushback couldn’t stop the waltz from becoming a popular ballroom dance that transcended both distance and time.
Today the waltz is still bringing couples together around the world. The waltz even has a special name when it is the first dance at weddings, the Bridal Waltz.
Time Signature of the Waltz Dance
One of the waltz’s defining traits is its unique timing. All waltz songs have 3 beats in a measure. Waltz songs are often composed with a 3/4 time signature.
4 Popular Waltz Styles to Choose for Your Wedding
American Waltz
When the waltz came to America in the 1800s, many dancers found the speed to be too fast. The dance was slowed down and the American style evolved to include theatrical arm movements and open foot patterns. American Waltz is a popular style of dance for weddings, being more accessible than some other styles and having more freeform potential.
Viennese Waltz
Originating from Europe, the Viennese Waltz is the fastest style of the waltz. It involves continuous fast turns to the left and to the right for the duration of the dance. With its high speed and complex steps, this style of waltz is not recommended for the weddings of beginner-level dancers.
International Style Waltz
Also known as the Slow Waltz, International Style Waltz is practiced throughout the world and is popular in dance competitions. The slower pace of this style, about 84 to 90 beats per minute, makes it accessible for beginner-level dancers. This is a good style of dance to choose for your wedding if you like slower waltz music.
Country Waltz
Country Waltz is one of the faster styles. This variant of waltz features turns and spins that move in straighter lines than other styles. A feature that makes the Country Waltz suitable for country line dancing. This style of waltz is accessible to beginner-level dancers and opens the door for wedding line dances.
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How to Waltz Dance
In a waltz dance, there is a leader and a follower. Traditionally the groom leads and the bride follows. If you are a same-sex, gender-diverse, or non-traditional couple, this article can help you and your partner choose who leads and who follows.
Waltz Dance Steps for the Leader
At the start of the waltz, the dancers stand a foot apart and face each other. The leader places their right hand on the follower’s left shoulder.
Leader’s Steps:
Step forward with your left foot
Move your right foot forward & sideways to the right
Bring your left foot next to your right foot so both feet are parallel
Step back with your right foot
Step back & sideways with your left foot
Bring your right foot next to your left foot so both feet are parallel
Waltz Dance Steps for the Follower
The follower moves in the opposite direction as the leader. The dancers stand a foot apart and face each other. The follower places their right hand on the leader’s left shoulder.
Follower’s Steps:
Step back with your right foot
Move your left foot backward & sideways to the left
Bring your right foot next to your left foot so both feet are parallel
Step forward with your left foot
Step forward & sideways with your right foot
Bring your left foot next to your right foot so both feet are parallel
Wedding Waltz Songs
Celebrate your wedding with the people you love and with music you will love too! It can be difficult to identify good waltz songs because of the 3/4 unique time signature. This is why we have prepared a collection of 30+ romantic waltz songs for your consideration. When selecting songs for your bridal waltz, we recommend songs that are not too fast or too slow. Try to visualize yourself stepping to the tempo as you listen.
Classic Waltz Dance Music
Waltz has a rich history, full of romantic classical songs that can set the perfect mood for your wedding.
Modern Waltz Dance Music
Waltz songs and romance are still blossoming today. There are many contemporary waltz songs that you can choose for your bridal waltz.
Slow Waltz Dance Music
Looking for songs that are slow and romantic? Slow dance lovers have plenty of waltz songs available to choose from.
Wedding Waltz Dance Lessons In San Francisco
Invest in the epic bridal waltz of your dreams!
We can help you become totally prepared and confident to waltz with your partner. You’ll be ready to dazzle your guests and truly enjoy yourselves during the big moment of the most important day of your lives together!
