Waltz Lessons In Boise
Looking to add some elegance and romance to your routine? Look no further. At Fred Astaire, we offer both Viennese Waltz and classic Waltz lessons in Boise!
What’s the difference? The Waltz is defined by long, flowing movements where dancers appear to glide around the floor, while the Viennese Waltz is a quick rotating ballroom dance with a subtle rise and fall.
If you want to try these classic dances and explore the wide range of other dance styles we teach, stop by our studio during Downtown Boise’s First Thursdays! We host a free open house with dance demos, a newcomer group class and social dancing. Check our Studio Calendar for the next First Thursday Free Open House.
Once you’ve mastered the basic steps in our welcoming, fun studio, you’ll feel more confident to hit the dance floor, whether that’s at a ballroom dance competition, a wedding reception, or your own kitchen!
What to Expect at Your First Waltz Lesson
After an introductory lesson — sign up for a $40 intro lesson! — you can join our Beginner Dance Program where you’ll start to learn basic ballroom dance patterns, foot position, directional movements, and more.
Your new skills will grow even faster (and you’ll have a lot of fun) with access to unlimited group classes (including Waltz lessons!) and social dancing parties, where you can practice your moves to a variety of musical styles alongside the rest of your studio dance family.
Our knowledgable instructors are welcoming and passionate about teaching dancers of all levels. They strive to make each class a fun and positive experience.
Get Started In Three Easy Steps!
Step 1
As a beginner, you’ll learn the basic steps and rhythm of the Waltz. Your instructor will help you learn the basic count and show you how to move with the music.
Step 2
Practicing with a partner, you’ll get the hang of leading and following.
Step 3
Before you know it, you’ll be effortlessly counting the music while dancing and having a great time!
Contact us at (208) 514-0440 and let’s get you dancing!
The History of the Waltz
The Waltz has its origins in the country folk dances of Bavaria, dating back 400 years, and made its debut appearance in English ballrooms in 1812. While we now think of the Waltz as a classic, elegant dance, it caused quite a scandal in the early 19th century. People were shocked by the dance’s stance, where one partner has their hand on the other’s waist.
Despite its dangerous reputation, the Waltz spread to the United States where it quickly became popular. By the latter part of the 19th century, composers were beginning to write Waltzes to a slower tempo than the original Viennese style. The box step, typical of the American style Waltz, was being taught in the 1880s and an even slower Waltz emerged in the early 1920s.
The result is three distinct tempos: (1) the Viennese Waltz (fast), (2) medium Waltz, and (3) slow Waltz — the last two being American inventions.
The Waltz is a progressive and turning dance with figures designed for both larger ballrooms floor and the average dance floor. The use of sway, rise and fall characterize the smooth, lilting style of the Waltz.
Seen now as a very traditional dance style, the Waltz is perfect for modern dancers who want to add some elegance to their life!
Waltz Video Demo
In this video, watch for the smooth rise and fall movement as the dancers glide across the floor. Feeling inspired to master this timeless dance style? Get started with Waltz lessons in Boise!