I've been going to a social ballroom dance class every Friday night since the past 11 weeks and I still don't know how to waltz properly! So every time we have to do a dance with waltzing, I dread it!

I've borrowed out a book and searched online for instructional guides and so forth but its no help. Not because it doesn't make sense but I think the waltz we do is different to the one I've read about. The way we do is more "simple" I suppose, I'm not sure.

Its sort of like, two small quick steps to the right then something with the left foot with a turn (female's point of view) Does anyone know what I'm talking about? (Its done in dances like the barn dance, evening three step and so many others!)

So um yeah, my waltzing isn't too flash. To make things worse, I have minor cerebral palsey affecting the left side of my body, so my left foot is a little "laggy" ;-p

Anyway, can anyone help me out? How does this waltz go?!

Keep on dancin'...

Thank you for all your advice everyone (David, Howard, Stuart)

Well, to answer your question Stuart, I go to one class on Friday nights (this, in Ballarat) . What happens is the instructor puts on music and tells us what dance to dance and we do it! When a new dance is taught, she demonstates with one of her two daughters (who are pros) and we just follow. When music is put on, she talks us through it. The actual fact is that the new comers dont really get taught how to waltz...so like !
All the guys know how to waltz which is bit of an advantage for the girls who are clueless like me!

-Robyn

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I love to sing/I sound like a chicken
I love to dance/I'm a clutz
I'm smart/I'm failing math
I have glasses/ I wear contacts

Dirty Dancing, Center Stage, Save The Last Dance...gotta love those movies!

I love the samba and cha-cha

Kill the waltzing! ;-p

Oh pardon?! I don't think I needed to know all that, curl. I'm only a (young) beginner and some of those terms don't make sense ;-p

I dont want to confuse myself but um, thanks anyway.

-Robyn

---------------
I love to sing/I sound like a chicken
I love to dance/I'm a clutz
I'm smart/I'm failing math
I have glasses/ I wear contacts

Dirty Dancing, Center Stage, Save The Last Dance...gotta love those movies!

I love the samba and cha-cha

Kill the waltzing! ;-p

Hi Robyn

As David says the waltz part of the Barn dance or Evening 3 Step isn't much like the waltz as described in most books, or the 'standard' ballroom waltz you may also be learning.

The steps are described as rotary chasses ( a chasse is just three steps, step to the side, close feet together, step to the side). David's decsription is a good one but you might like to try a different approach to get the feel of the steps.

Start off just moving from side to side, dancing the chasse (side, close, side) first to the right and then to the left. Dance these as two quick steps and one slower one. The slow step allows time for the body to lose momentum and change direction. You'll probably find you sway slightly in the direction of travel, that's OK.

When you've done that about 300 times just keep on going but keep turning right at the same time.

When you've got the hang of it remember to stop after four chasses.

Happy Dancing,
Howard

Hi, Robyn. I sympathise with you. Many of us feel we will never understand something, and that it gets worse and worse. But don't give up! Waltzing – even the one you are being forced to do – can be great!

Now the easiest way is to have a lesson with someone you respect. But I might be able to help you a little. I am Australian, so I am familiar with the dances you are talking about.

The Barn Dance and Evening Three Step do use a 'waltz' action, but it starts one step into the descriptions you have read (hence you start with the right foot instead of the left)!!! This is confusing enough. But 'social dancers' often 'flatten out' your third step so that it goes to the side instead of forward, as it does in the printed description of the Barn Dance and Evening Three Step. And now the step looks nothing like how the Waltz is described in books on the Waltz. On the other hand, it now resembles a 'polka' turn, without the hop, which does have descriptions, so if you look that up you might get further.

In detail, what people are doing where you are dancing is probably:

1. Step to Side with right foot, perhaps with a little turn to the right (use the toe first);
2. Close your left foot to the right foot and change weight;
3. Step to the side with the right foot again.

You could be turning to the right (clockwise) all the time, but mostly after the last step, so ideally (see note at end) you have made about 1/2 a turn , now having 'swapped places' with your partner, so that he is on the outside of the circle if you are dancing a barn dance. The rhythm is 'dum-de-dum'

You then repeat, stepping with the left foot first (you would now be dancing the same steps that the man did when you danced your first three steps). You would then be in your original position, but further along the 'line of dance'.

When done really well, on that third step, you actually take your body and your right foot forward (heel first) but this requires good balance, which probably the men you are dancing with don't have. Still, if you can hold yourself up really straight (pretend you are petrified with fear, but smile!) that will help heaps. Keep your head up (don't try to follow feet when you are dancing) and feel your body moving.

Also, try sitting out some dances and watching any woman who always looks likes she is moving well, with plenty of time. You might be able to work it out from her. Don't feel that you have to take part in something if you have no idea. (OTOH, don't be afraid to have a go and make mistakes.)

Happy dancing.

David

Note: Most beginners cannot handle 1/2 a turn to the right over the three steps, so don't worry if you only get 1/4 the way round. It just means you will make just one complete revolution over the four groups of steps instead of two revolutions. Again, you should watch what others are doing first. It depends on your partner too, of course!

Thank you David. I gonna keep practising till I get it right - I love dancing too much ;-p
I get to sit out on dances if I have no partner, which is often for non progressive dances. (I'm such a clutz, no one wants to dance with me!)
I do watch the way the girls waltz, my brain just cant pick up all the correct movements.
I'll get there...eventually ;-p

---------------
I love to sing/I sound like a chicken
I love to dance/I'm a clutz
I'm smart/I'm failing math
I have glasses/ I wear contacts

Dirty Dancing, Center Stage, Save The Last Dance...gotta love those movies!

I love the samba and cha-cha

Kill the waltzing! ;-p

stand feet closed, weight on right feet.

1)step backward with left feet.
2)step side with right feet.
3)left feet closes to right.

start over with 1) with step backward right feet.

for men steps replace backward to forward and use other feet...

Thanks, Social Dancer (Howard). Really well put. It is always preferable to start with the simplest way possible (in this case, no turn at all) and build up, rather than try for the maximum (1/2 turn over three steps) and then have to settle for less.

Robyn, I also teach the method that Howard described, and it works. Howard mentioned 300 times without turn. He was only partly joking . It really helps if you can be comfortable with the simpler move before you try turning.

Also, when you are practising by yourself, try taking tiny steps at first. It is much easier to control your body when it doesn't have to move far. And keep you head up with a dreamy expression on your face, so that your body is all connected and you are not just thinking feet. You want your whole body working.

Keep the dreamy expression when you are being 'dragged around the floor' by your partner, and that should help too.

Regards,
David