Our first week on the Waltz dance!! Slowing down quite a bit from the Cha Cha dance. Waltz is not considered a 'fun' dance really - it is more of an elegant & flowing dance. But once you start to feel the beauty of this dance with your partner - you will surely fall in love (with the dance, and if not already - with your partner).
> 1st pattern: The Box step: like painting a box on the floor with your feet >> The man steps forward onto L, to the side w/R foot, and then brings his L foot together to his R foot. NOTE: He just stepped on his L foot - SO-O-O - that means that he will then step Back on his R foot. And then a side step to his L with his L foot, and close together R foot to L. Gal's part is the exact opposite.
** To be a smooth dancer, and to let his partner know that something is about to happen (ie: that he is going to start a movement, or change direction), the Man should lower slightly into his knees first), and then take the step. *Try to avoid doing the lowering "during" the step - should be done just "before" stepping.
** VIP that both partners keep their head weight back over their shoulders, and not TIP into the centre twds their partner.
> 2nd pattern: Progressive Forwards: In this pattern, the man dances the 1st 1/2 of the Box step '4' times - except that on the 1st 1/2 Box - he steps Forward L, side on R, and together with L foot. Then he steps Forward R, side on L, and close R foot to L. (always changing feet, never using the same foot twice). Then, to get all 4 measures, he just repeats both forward 1/2 Boxes that he just did.
NOTE: His L foot will move forward just outside of the Lady's R foot - because of the offset position that they have to one another (she is to his R side somewhat). When he steps forward on his R foot though - he will step between her feet.
** ONE LAST THING: On a forward step, you should step onto the heel - no baseball slides. On a backward step, you should push the toe backward & only let the heel drop at the end of the step. *This is only possible if the head weight is held back over the shoulders.
On the last week of dance lessons We have a "wrap up party". Dance classes are not open to the public – members or guests only.
All students bring a food item – ie: appetizers, quartered sandwiches, veggies, or whatever. All foods are placed on tables at the front, and everyone helps themselves buffet style at intermission.
Students can bring their own water, pop, or juice.
