The Waltz

The waltz came into existence as a peasant dance for couples around 1750.  It was a dance of three/four time and was started in Austria, Bavaria, and Bohemia spreading throughout the countryside and then into the outskirts of the cities.  During the middle of the eighteenth century the waltz was introduced to all of Europe.  It was a smash hit from the beginning, allowing each maiden, her lover, and their burning love to be illustrated through the dance.  The melodies allowed the couples to demonstrate feelings of longing, desire, and tenderness.

The waltz got its name from the Italian word, ‘volver,’  which means, "to turn or revolve with graceful, elegant, gliding movements." The waltz was opposed by religious leaders and criticized as being immoral, vulgar, and sinful.  Slowly, the aristocrats and those of prominence accepted it. It has been said that the waltz never goes out of fashion, just hides around the corner and then on occasion it returns with a bang.

Johann Strauss and Josef Lanner, musicians and composers of the 19th century, wrote compositions allowing the waltz to gain an air of sophistication and a distinct light-hearted spirit.  Lorenzo Papanti introduced the waltz to the United States in 1834.  Around the closing of the 19th century, several modifications were made to the waltz.  A slower long gliding waltz step, (the Boston Waltz) was added and a hesitation was implemented which gave one step to three beats of a measure.  This slowed the waltz down, giving it the present modern day air of beauty and elegance.  
 
Today’s form of the waltz, the Modern Waltz and Viennese Waltz, reflects the main characteristics of the original waltz providing elegant lines, beauty, and feelings of the couple’s love.