Video Program: Intermediate Waltz

The International-style Waltz is an iconic dance and one that everyone should master. Danced the same way all around the world, knowing the technique gives you confidence and social skills you can utilize no matter where you travel.

This is a comprehensive course. Though presented in video form, it's the same program we teach in our six-week Intermediate Waltz group class series. Totaling just over two hours in length, this thorough course is broken down into 13 individual pieces that match the groups listed in our downloadable choreography guide.

You'll learn Bronze, Silver and even some Gold figures, and you'll learn how to put the different figures together to create interesting choreography for your dancing. Each group includes one new figure that we show you in considerable detail so that you understand the principles you'll need to know to look great on the dance floor and to lead or follow the figure effectively.

This video program is available to all Delta Dance members.

Curriculum

This course totals just over two hours in length, but is divided into 13 different choreography groups to make it easy for you to learn in a proven step-by-step process.

Introduction to Rotational Movement (length 7:48)
In this introductory section we cover some basic principles of rotational technique that applies to all dances. Since the Waltz consists of many rotational movements, it's important to apply this technique throughout the dance.

Group 1: Whisk and Chasse (length 20:05)
This lesson focuses on two of the most common basic figures, the Whisk and the Chasse. There are several different kinds of Whisk and we show you the technique for all of them. We also cover some key aspects of the Chasse to make it easier and more visually appealing.

Group 2: Natural Spin Turn & Outside Change (length 17:24)
The Natural Spin Turn is used throughout the Waltz. The Outside Change is a unique figure, but is also used as the ending of several other figures. We share some of the key technique that helps you dance both these figures in a way that makes you stand out on the dance floor.

Group 3: The Basic Weave (length 6:36)
This Bronze figure includes a basic line figure known as a Check Step, followed by the Weave action. We share the proper technique including information about the alignments needed to make the group work.

Group 4: Weave from Promenade (length 7:37)
This version of the Weave begins from Promenade Position. To dance the alignments correctly, it's important to begin with the PP alignment in the right direction. For this group, we use one of the Whisk variations discussed in Group 1 to achieve the right angle in relation to the floor.

Group 5: Reverse Corte (length 6:44)
This group incorporates the Reverse Corte, a Bronze figure in which the gentleman performs a heel turn. This is typically followed by the Back Whisk covered earlier in Group 1.

Group 6: Whisk to Wing (length 10:21)
This group again draws on one of the Whisk variations covered in Group 1, followed by this unique figure in which the couple switches from right side to right side position to left side to left side position. We complete the group with a Progressive Chasse to Right and an Outside Change, ending with a Natural Turn.

Group 7: Combination (length 1:41)
For this group, we put together a series of figures that have been covered in the groups up to this point. It consists of a Whisk, Weave from Promenade Position also ending in Promenade Position, Wing, Progressive Chasse to Right, Outside Change and Natural Turn.

Group 8: Closed Impetus (length 11:32)
In the Impetus turn, the gentleman performs a heel turn to the right. We show you the technique to perform this figure, and add on the Open Impetus variation with additional insight on how to lead the opening action correctly.

Group 9: The Telemark (length 5:38)
The Telemark is a left-turning figure in which the lady performs a heel turn. It can finish in closed position or in Promenade Position. For this group we focus on the open finish followed by a Chasse. A following group will utilize a closed finish.

Group 10: Turning Lock (length 6:03)
The Turning Lock is a back lock typically performed right after a Natural Spin Turn. We show you both the closed and open finishing actions so that you can utilize either version in your dancing.

Group 11: Double Reverse Spin (length 8:51)
The Double Reverse Spin, while a bronze figure, is one of the more challenging Waltz patterns. It requires a clear lead and good technique to dance it effectively. The lady utilizes a heel turn with a focus on continuing the rotation to activate the final two foot positions. We've put this figure after a Hesitation Change to make it as easy as possible to incorporate into your dancing.

Group 12: The Curved Feather (length 5:31)
This figure is actually drawn from the Slow Foxtrot, but can be very effective in the Waltz. It's not too difficult and gives some great options for choreography. In this group, we precede the Curved Feather with a Closed Telemark and follow it with a Closed Impetus.

Group 13: The Contra Check (length 11:22)
The Contra Check is an advanced figure from the Gold syllabus, but we include it here because there is such a high demand to learn the figure and once the principles are understood it isn't too difficult to learn. We also provide a timing variation that you can use once you master the step, as well as an alternate choreography arrangement that will be more challenging but can be a lot of fun.

Preview the Program

If you want to see a sample of what this teaching looks like before signing up for your membership, here's a free preview of Group 12, the Curved Feather.