Viennese Waltz Basic and Advanced Routine with Fleckerls

The short answer: this lesson gives you two Viennese Waltz routines. The basic routine is the simplest way to dance it, using Reverse Turns, Change Steps and Natural Turns. The advanced routine is the variation Madeline and I used for her medal test, with Natural Fleckerls and a Syncopated Pivot. The key to both is phrasing: aim to start a Natural or Reverse Turn on bar one, and use bar eight to finish a movement like a Change Step.

What is in this Viennese Waltz lesson?

Two routines, each danced in full, then every figure named and the timing counted. Basic doesn't mean easy. The advanced routine is a little different to the standard advanced routine you see at most competitions. It's our own variation, and it's a challenge, with an interesting way to get into the Fleckerls.

How do you count Viennese Waltz?

Take hold, use the 8-bar introduction and start on bar one. Then count each bar 1-2-3, 2-2-3, 3-2-3, up to 8-2-3. I count the basic routine from 2:34 and the advanced routine from 5:28 in the video.

How do you phrase a Viennese Waltz?

Phrasing is where it can get confusing. Aim to dance a Natural Turn or Reverse Turn on bar one, and use bar eight to finish a movement, like a Change Step. It doesn't always have to happen, but your goal is to make your changes where they make sense in the music, so you're not just randomly swapping from one turn to the other. In the advanced routine you'll see how we've placed the timing to hit the Fleckerls, come out of them and dance the Syncopated Pivot.

What steps are in the basic Viennese Waltz routine?

1. Reverse Turns: start in hold, dancing each Reverse Turn as a forward half and a backward half.
2. Change Step
3. 2 Natural Turns
4. Forward Change Step
5. Repeat: dance the combination one more time, finishing with a Forward Change Step.

What steps are in the advanced Viennese Waltz routine?

1. Forward Change Step: on the right foot for the man, left foot for the lady.
2. Forward half of a Reverse Turn: just the first three steps.
3. Backward Change Step
4. Backward half of a Natural Turn
5. Repeat: Forward Change Step, forward half of a Reverse Turn, Backward Change Step and backward half of a Natural Turn.
6. Natural Fleckerls: aim for all eight.
7. Natural Turns: the last Fleckerl comes out with a Natural Turn, then another full Natural Turn.
8. Forward Change Step
9. Reverse Turn and Backward Change Step
10. Natural Turn around the corner
11. Syncopated Pivot
12. Natural Turn and Forward Change Step: the Forward Change Step should finish on bar eight, so you can start again.

Common mistakes

• Swapping between Natural and Reverse Turns at random, instead of making the changes where they fit the phrasing of the music.
• Ladies bringing the head across to the man. Keep your head well to the left, even when everything is telling you to come across.
• Thinking basic means easy. Even the basic routine is a challenge.

Try this in your next practice

Dance the basic routine to the music and count the bars out loud. Check that each Natural or Reverse Turn starts on bar one and that bar eight finishes a movement, like a Change Step. Whatever happens, keep your focus on your footwork, your timing and your posture.

Frequently asked questions

How fast is Viennese Waltz music?

WDSF competition rules set Viennese Waltz at 58 to 60 bars a minute.

How long is the introduction in this routine?

Eight bars. Take hold, use the 8-bar introduction and start dancing on bar one.

Where should the lady's head be in Viennese Waltz?

Well to the left. Stay out to the left as much as possible, even when it feels like you want to come across to the man.

What makes the advanced routine different?

It's not the standard advanced routine you see at most competitions. It has an interesting way into the Natural Fleckerls, plus a Syncopated Pivot. The pivot is a bit unusual, and was something my coach first gave us, but it's really fun to dance as a performance piece.

Where will I get to dance Viennese Waltz?

It's not always the most social dance, unless you go to a big ball, but it's one of the most popular dances when a studio puts on a special night.

Related lessons

• 3 tips to master your Viennese Waltz
• How to count Waltz music
• Waltz basic and advanced routine with Contra Check
• How to hold your frame in Ballroom dancing

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.