THE SQUARE FORMS THE BASIS OF WALTZ STEPS

Southland Times, Issue 23586, 13 August 1938, Page 17

THE SQUARE FORMS THE BASIS OF WALTZ STEPS

Rhythmic Dancing In Waltz Time Is Easy

By LAWRENCE HOSTETLER That dreamy delightful three-four time! Who is immune to its rhythm? It’s waltz time and the body just naturally sways to it. Note the decided emphasis on the first beat of each measure. The count is always ONE, two, three. The definite pattern of the music demands a definite pattern of the feet on the floor. You learn this pattern with the Waltz Square. In two measures of three counts each, the feet describe the four points of a square. But once you grasp the rudiments of the waltz step you forget the square. The feet move smoothly and easily. Start on the first or accented beat in Waltz Square diagram: Count 1, step directly forward with left foot. (This is a long step, to correspond with the accented first beat in each measure. To keep your balance, bend the supporting knee slightly when taking this onger step.) Count 2, step to side with right. Count 3, bring left to right shifting weight to left foot. (Guard against bringing feet together on count 2.) A second measure of music—counts 4-5-6 —completes the waltz square. For the Forward Waltz, diagramed

above, the feet are in the same position to start as in the Square, and the first measure (counts 1-2-3) is made in the same way. But on 4, instead of stepping backward, take another forward waltz step (counts 4-5-6).

Use this diagram to practise forward waltz steps. Then learn to waltz equally well backward.

Next, consider the waltz turn. The forward and backward waltz steps, forming the Square, are the basis for the waltz turn.

A waltz turn should occupy two measures of music, but before learning to turn to two measures, a beginner will find it easier to try a Practise Turn of four measures, following diagram. Count 1, step forward with left foot, toe and shoulders turned left. Count 2, make quarter turn left, placing right foot to side of left. Count 3, close left foot to right. Count 4, take a long step directly back (not diagonally) with right foot, toe turned in. Count 5, make quarter turn left, placing foot to side of right. Count 6, close right to left. Repeat counts 1 to 6 .to make two more quarter turns left. Finish with feet in starting position. Now you are ready to try the waltz turn to two measures, as diagramed in

the Progressive Turn at upper right: Count 1, step forward with left foot, toe turned out, shoulders turned left. Count 2, make a half turn left _by pivoting on ball of left foot; swing right 'foot around in a semi-circle, placing it to side of left. Count 3, close left to right. Count 4, step back with right foot, toe turned in, shoulders turned right. Count 5, complete left turn by pivoting on ball of right foot; swing left foot around in a semi-circle, placing it to side of right. Count 6, close right foot to left, and the turn to two measures is completed. To alternate waltz turns, left and right, waltz directly forward for one measure after each turn. This is the Connecting Link. For instance, if you are waltzing forward and wish to turn right, the right foot must be free to start the turn. If you wish to turn left, the left foot must be free. The Connecting Link makes this possible. As in all turns,, the primary lead should be indicated by a turning of the shoulders, supplemented by gentle but firm pressure with the right arm and hand. The backward waltz step in the turn is accompanied by a slight pulling which is followed by a partial relaxation of the arm when waltzing forward. "■