Until the 18th century, European dance was sharply divided between courtly forms—such as the Minuet, where movement was refined, formal, and performed with bows and curtsies—and country dances, which were livelier and more relaxed. Court dances required upright posture, precise turnout, and minimal physical contact.
The arrival of the Waltz changed everything.
The name Waltz comes from the Italian word "volver", meaning to turn or revolve. It evolved from the German and Austrian peasant dance known as the Ländler, and it became the first widely popular dance featuring a closed position between the partners.
This level of physical contact was shocking to polite society. Critics labeled the Waltz as scandalous and immoral, and many etiquette books warned against the impropriety of partners dancing so closely.
Despite the early controversy, the Waltz spread rapidly. It was eventually standardized with:
The Waltz dominated European and American social dancing throughout the 19th century. Its popularity only waned after the First World War, when newer dances like the Tango and Foxtrot captured public attention.
Waltz is known for:
Overall, Waltz has an elegant, floating quality, often romantic and sometimes slightly wistful or melancholy. It remains one of the most iconic and beloved ballroom dances.