History Of Waltz

The waltz was originated in the suburbs of Vienna and in the alpine region of Austria, in the 17th
century; waltzes were played in the ballrooms of the Hapsburg court. The German, folk dance,
"Landler", is supposed to be the precursor of the Waltz. Throughout the 18th Century, a dance
developed, which was called the waltzen, German for to roll, turn or slide.
When the Waltzen was introduced into the ballrooms of the world in the early 19th century, the older
generation showed their indignation, because it was the first dance where the couple danced in an
adapted closed position-with the man's hand around the waist of the girl.
Waltz became popular through many parts of Germany and Austria and much more when two great
Austrian composers - Franz Lanner and Johann Strauss: they set the standard for the Viennese waltz (a
very fast version of the Waltz), in 1830.
During the middle of the eighteenth century, the waltz was very popular in France. By the end of the
eighteenth century, the high society accepted this old Austrian peasant dance, and three-quarter
rhythm was here to stay.
Religious leaders almost collectively considered it as vulgar and sinful. Continental court circles were
against the waltz. In England, the waltz was accepted more slowly, because it was a land of severe
morals.
In 1834, Lorenzo Papanti (Boston dancing master) danced the waltz for the first time, in an exhibition in
Mrs. Otis' Beacon Hill mansion, in the United States (Boston). Social leaders were astonished at what
they called "an indecorous presentation." By the middle of the nineteenth century, the waltz was firmly
established in United States society.
Fortunately, the aggressive disagreement faded out and the Waltz weathered an exciting and diverse
career, rising today in two established forms, both reflecting the most important characteristics of the
dance. They are known as the Modern Waltz and the Viennese (Quick) Waltz.
Actually, Waltz is popularly identified as the "traditional American wedding dance" and is often used for
Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances.