American Viennese Waltz
Also known as: American Rotary Waltz
History & Cultural Context
American Viennese Waltz emerged as American dancers adapted the traditional Viennese Waltz for American ballroom contexts. While maintaining the fast rotational action and three-quarter rhythm, American Viennese Waltz permits greater separation, more varied figures, and theatrical styling than traditional Viennese Waltz. The dance developed in American ballrooms during the 1920s-1960s and found a competitive home with the formalization of American Smooth in the 1960s. American Viennese Waltz allows dancers to showcase both technical skill and theatrical presentation.
Cultural Significance
American Viennese Waltz represents American adaptation of the Austrian rotational tradition, emphasizing theatrical flexibility over traditional formality.
Peak Popularity
Key Historical Figures
- Natural Turn
- Reverse Turn
- Fleckerl
- Chassé
Notable Codifiers
- American ballroom teachers
- Arthur Murray
Dance Lineage
Watch American Viennese Waltz
Professional American Smooth Viennese Waltz Grand National Dancesport Championships 2022 — USDC
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