Dance Steps For Waltz

The basic step for the waltz is a box step. It is named after the pattern it creates on the floor (box or square) and forms the foundation of the dance.

A box step can be divided into two parts - a forward half box and a backward half box. Each half box has three steps - a step forward or backward, a step to the side, and a step to close the feet together.

The leader starts with the left foot and executes a forward half box, followed by a backward half box. The follower performs the opposite – she starts with the right foot and executes a backward half box, followed by a forward half box.

The basic box step pattern uses three counts - slow, quick, quick, which is repeated twice to create the box step. Timing is 1,2,3,1,2,3 or 1,2,3,4,5,6.

When dancing waltz someone has to lead and someone has to follow. Usually the man will lead and the woman will follow.

Basic Waltz Steps

Men's Steps for Waltz:

1. Step forward with the left foot
2. Right foot step sideways to the right
3. Bring your left foot next to your right foot
4. Step back with the right foot
5. Step back sideways with the left foot
6. Bring your right foot next to your left foot

Lady's Steps for Waltz:

1. Step back with the right foot
2. Left foot step sideways to the left
3. Bring your right foot next to your left foot
4. Step forward with the left foot
5. Step forward sideways with the right foot
6. Bring your left foot next to your right foot

Once you've mastered the basic box step, it's time to start rotating that box. It will usually be rotated to the left (counterclockwise), so it's called the Left Box Turn.

It's quite simple: with each half box, you turn 1/4 of the turn to the left. After two boxes (or four half boxes) you will complete the turn and end up where you began. Then start all over again.

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