The waltz first originated in Austria in 1781 and became increasingly popular throughout the 19th century. The term waltz originated from German word walzen, meaning to roll or revolve. The waltz developed from the Austrian dance called the ländler and the German peasant dance called the weller. The waltz first shocked polite society as waltz partners held each other as if in an embrace.

The waltz is a 3/4 time or 3/8 time dance, based on three steps. The first of the 3 beats is strong and propulsive, followed by 2 lighter beats. It sounds like this: ONE, two, three, ONE, two, three...

The steps for the basic waltz are:

1. LEFT foot forward
2. RIGHT foot forward, to the right
3. BOTH feet together
1. RIGHT foot back
2. LEFT foot back, to the left
3. BOTH feet together
Repeat.