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Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and twirl around because it's National Dance The Waltz Day on March 4! This elegant and graceful dance has been around since the late 18th century and is still popular today. It originated in Austria and was considered a scandalous dance at the time because of its close contact between partners. But it quickly gained popularity and became a staple at formal events and weddings. So why not celebrate this day by learning how to waltz or attending a ballroom dance class? It's a great way to have fun, get some exercise, and embrace the beauty of this classic dance.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of the Waltz</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Waltz originated in the latter part of the 16th century in Southern Germany and Austria.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>19th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Peak of Waltz Popularity</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the early 19th century, the Waltz had spread and became the popular dance in Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Waltz in the USA</div><div class='timeline-text'>Immigrants from Europe brought the Waltz to the United States where it gained popularity, especially among the upper class.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mass Waltz Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1920s, "Waltz evenings" became a popular event where people would gather to dance the Waltz.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Viennese Waltz Standardization</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1987, the Viennese Waltz was standardized for competitive dance, giving it formal recognition and status.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dance Reality Shows Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the advent of reality dance shows like Dancing with the Stars, the Waltz experienced a resurgence in interest in the new millennium.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a waltz class</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a local dance studio or community center for a waltz lesson. You'll learn the proper techniques and be able to dance the waltz with confidence at any event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a waltz-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a waltz-themed party. Decorate with elegant decorations, play waltz music, and have a dance-off to see who can pull off the best waltz moves.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a live performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local listings for any upcoming performances of the waltz. Watching professionals perform this beautiful dance is sure to inspire you to celebrate National Dance The Waltz Day in style.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn the history of the waltz</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research the history of the waltz and its cultural significance. Share your newfound knowledge with friends and family to enrich their understanding and appreciation of this dance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a waltz playlist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a playlist of your favorite waltz songs and have a romantic evening dancing with your significant other or a group of friends. Bonus points for dressing up in period-appropriate attire!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a romantic and elegant dance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The waltz is often considered to be the most graceful and romantic of ballroom dances. Its sweeping movements and elegant postures make it a favorite among couples, and a perfect choice for special occasions like weddings or anniversary celebrations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a great form of exercise</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dancing the waltz is not only beautiful, but it's also a great way to stay active and get some exercise. The constant movement and turns during the dance can help improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an opportunity to connect with others</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you're dancing with a partner or in a group, the waltz is all about connecting with your fellow dancers and moving together in harmony. It's a great way to socialize and meet new people, as well as build strong relationships with your dance partner.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Waltz is Recognized by its Time Signature</h3><p class='facts-content'>The waltz is most commonly recognized by its 3/4 time signature, which sets it apart from many other types of dance, allowing for a distinctive rhythm of "one-two-three, one-two-three".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Waltz was Initially Seen as Scandalous</h3><p class='facts-content'>When the waltz first swept across Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it was seen as scandalous due to the closeness of the dancing couples, which was remarkably different from the group dances common at that time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Many Variations of the Waltz</h3><p class='facts-content'>There exist numerous variations of the waltz, including the Viennese Waltz, International Standard Waltz, and American Style Waltz - each with subtle differences in technique, style, and tempo.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Waltz has a Significant Cultural Influence in Films</h3><p class='facts-content'>The elegance and romance of the waltz have made it a favorite for film directors. Some of the most iconic movie scenes, from The Sound of Music to Cinderella, showcase this beautiful dance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Notable Composers Have Written Waltzes</h3><p class='facts-content'>The waltz has a rich musical history with countless compositions created by famous composers like Johann Strauss II, Frédéric Chopin, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. These timeless classics continue to inspire dancers today.</p></div></div>
National Dance The Waltz Day is celebrated on March 4 every year. In 2024, the holiday will take place on a Monday.
2023
Mar 4
Saturday
2024
Mar 4
Monday
2025
Mar 4
Tuesday
2026
Mar 4
Wednesday
2027
Mar 4
Thursday
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