Start here

Waltz Lessons: Where to Start

If you're new to Waltz, or you know a few figures and want a clear path, this page is for you. I've put my Waltz lessons in a simple learning order: timing first, then two sets of basic and advanced routines, and finally an advanced demonstration. Work through them in order, and come back to any step whenever you need it.

Step 1 · Timing

How to Count Waltz Music: Base Time and Phrasing

Waltz is in 3/4 time, counted 1, 2, 3 with the accent on 1, and once you can dance on time you start counting the 8-bar phrase as well.

Watch the lesson

Step 2 · The routine

Waltz Basic and Advanced Routine with Contra Check

Two Waltz routines in one video: a basic one built from core figures such as Change Steps, Natural and Reverse Turns and a Whisk, then an advanced one with a Weave, Back Lock and Reverse Corte that finishes with a Contra Check.

Watch the lesson

Step 3 · The second routine

Waltz Basic and Advanced Routine with the Wing

Two more Waltz routines built around the Wing, where the lady comes around onto the man's left side, with figures such as the Hesitation Change, Closed Telemark, Open Telemark and Promenade Ronde.

Watch the lesson

Step 4 · Advanced demonstration

Advanced Waltz Demonstration

An advanced Waltz routine danced to music with my student Maddi, the one she uses for her Gold Star medals and Pro-Am, so you can see how advanced Waltz figures flow together.

Watch the demonstration

More dances

Every dance has its own start-here page.

Ballroom: Slow Foxtrot · Tango · Viennese Waltz · Quickstep

Latin: Cha Cha Cha · Samba · Rumba · Paso Doble · Jive

More: New Vogue · Practice · Mindset

Keep learning with the rest of my Ballroom lessons.

Explore all Ballroom lessons