English Waltz

Nead to know about English Waltz

English Waltz dance

Count: 3/4
Pace: 30 to 31 counts per minute
Dance variation: standard tournament dance

English waltz, also known as slow waltz, started to be danced in the beginning of XX century in England and originates from merging fast spinning Viennese waltz with slow ambling American dance called Boston (the name derives from city of Boston, USA). Boston was danced in close proximity - hip to hip contact and much slower pace.

Boston as a dance is no longer performed and danced.

The Viennese waltz itself was not popular in Britain, most probably because of aversion of the English to fast dances. Besides, long and complex pin ups of the dresses were preventing fast moves during the dance itself.

As the professional literature states, in 1921 during �??Informal Conference�?� of teachers of ballroom dancing (przyp. t??um.) the rules of slow dances were precisely described: step, step, feet together. The same leg movement is obligatory while moving forwards, backwards and in turns. Presently, the English waltz is always performed as the first in dance tournaments.

The English waltz may be seen as a simple dance, however it requires harmony between partners and the steps must be fluent, graceful and light.

Posture, rhythm:
The English waltz is danced in ž rhythm, with the emphasis on 1, in close proximity and requires maintaining constant, so called "frame", during the entire dance. The man embraces his partner, placing his hand under her left shoulder blade. The woman rests her left hand on her partner's right shoulder. Their hands connect on the height of the woman's face.

The rhythm of the steps is even. During the dance the vertical movement (rising and falling) needs to be emphasised.

The first step is danced flat, at the end of the step the raising movement begins and continues through the second step and the falling movement begins third step.

It means that in every ž of the tact the vertical movement needs to be emphasised.

English Waltz is, at presen,t one of the favourite standard dances, performed in ballrooms and minor dance events throughout the world.

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