This is a dance I have avoided for years because I feel that I just don't have enough grace and confidence to do it justice. Are there some tricks of the trade to help me achieve the beauty of the dance?

To help yourself be a good dancer I feel you should: 1.Take some group lessons then practice,practice,practice. 2.If your a lady dancer "DON'T BACK LEAD". You must learn to "Follow your dance partner (I think this is the most important but also most difficult thing for lady dancers to learn). It's the males responsibility to lead you around the floor (let him do that). Having good technique is very important because without good technique all a dancer is doing is moving their feet and the rest of your body may not look very graceful.
I'm sure there are lots of other things to help you enjoy dancing.. Having the correct instructor,dance partner and a positive attitude are right up there on the list. Good luck,get dancing and Have Fun!

Dollmaker wrote:

I think you are referring to the arm styling while doing Am style waltz with all the open figures? or is it any particular reason that you have avoided this dance? or rise and fall? could it be because you have difficulty taking a large side step?

We can address your question better by knowing the specific problems.

Keh Gough

Do you like watching the dance? Have you ever wished you could dance it? If the answer is yes, I think you have enough interest to carry you through the learning process.

I was in the same predicament a year and a half ago but just like what Twinkle said dive in there and practice, practice, and practice. At your stage, there is nothing to lose, everything to gain. People in this board are very helpful along the way. BTW, waltz is now my favorite. Good luck.