Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz originated in the South German Alps area from the German dance Allemande and in Austria from the 18th century dance Ländler. Between 1800 and 1820 the steps and figures from the Ländler were reduced due to the speed of music and the 6 step Viennese Waltz was born. In the middle of the 20th century, the German, Paul Krebs choreographed the Viennese Waltz style to which we dance today. The Viennese Waltz is a fast Waltz normally danced in 3/4 or 6/8 meter where couples whirl around the dance floor first one way and then the other. It is often associated with the music of Joseph Lanner and Johann Strauss who wrote the first waltzes in the early 19th century. The dance enjoyed a great deal of popularity not only in Europe but also in America and has been used in many Hollywood productions.