Waltz is a ballroom dance in 3/4 time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close. You move or glide in a lively or conspicuous manner.

The Waltz is a dance born in the suburbs of Vienna and in the alpine region of Austria. As early as the seventeenth century, waltzes were played in the ballrooms of the Hapsburg court. The weller, or turning dances, were danced by peasants in Austra and Bavaria even before that time. Many of the familiar waltz tunes can be traced back to simple peasant yodeling melodies.

However popular the waltz, opposition was not lacking. Dancing masters saw the waltz as a threat to the profession. The basic steps of the waltz could be learned in relatively short time, whereas, the minuet and other court danced required considerable practice, not only to learn the many complex figures, but also to develop suitable posture and deportment.

The waltz was also criticized on moral grounds by those opposed to its closer hold and rapid turning movements. Religious leaders almost unanimously regarded it as vulgar and sinful. Continental court circles held out obstinately against the waltz. In England, the waltz was accepted even more slowly.