Image: dance.about.com
Based in Encinitas, California, Kristin Gaspar oversees all business development aspects of Gaspar Physical Therapy in her role as chief financial officer. Earlier in her career, Kristin Gaspar participated in competitive ballroom dance.
A historic style of ballroom dance, the waltz first gained popularity among the noble societies of early 19th-century England. Since then, the dance has become a standard in the international competitive ballroom circuit, developing unique variations along the way. Here are a few of the variations on the traditional waltz:
Viennese Waltz: The most common style found in competition, the Viennese waltz is also one of the most formal styles. Danced in a closed position, this waltz includes only a few figures. The Viennese waltz is performed to a tempo of 180-200 beats per minute, making it one of the fastest styles.
American Waltz: After the waltz first came to the United States halfway through the 19th century, American composers began creating music that slowed its traditional pace. This eventually gave rise to the American style of waltz, which is known for its fluidity and versatility. Dancers may move in closed or open position, incorporating a wider range of movements than in the European style.
Country Western Waltz: Similar to the American form, the country western waltz utilizes a slow tempo but makes heavy use of the shadow position throughout each dance. In addition, choreography in this style more often uses running progressive steps than American or Viennese waltzes. Most importantly, participants dance this waltz to country-western music instead of traditional orchestral pieces.
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