Viennese Waltz Dancing

The Viennese Waltz dates back to the 1700's in Vienna.  Traditionally Viennese is dance in closed position as the two dancers glide and circle around the dance floor.  Danced in ¾ time the waltz and Viennese are like other dances which are primarily written in either 2/4 or 4/;4 timing. The time signature denotes how many beats there are in a measure, in this case 3 beats per measure, and thus affects the way the dance is counted and performed. The difference between Viennese and regular waltz is simply the meter at which they are danced.  Slow waltz is traditionally written at around 90 beats per minute where as Viennese is usually written for 180 beats per minute.  Much like Waltz, Viennese incorporates a rise and fall action when dancing it that gives onlookers the illusion that a couple is floating around the dance floor. 

The Viennese Waltz began to gain extreme popularity and status when composers, such as Strauss, began writing music in quick ¾ tempos.  As the popularity of this music grew so did the dance's culture.  It soon found its way to the top of social class and society where Viennese women became known for dancing the night away with ease and without ever leaving the dance floor.  A rotary dance, couples glide and rotate gracefully around the floor.  

Traditional Viennese Waltz has grown and spread world wide and has thus grown into new and modernized versions and has found its way into International ballroom studios and competitions.  With this growth, the dance has expanded into several holds and positions and displays of grace and poise.  

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