The waltz is aballroom and folkdance in 3/4 time, performed primarily in closed position. The waltz became fashionable in Vienna around the 1780s, spreading to many other countries in the years to follow. It became fashionable in Britain during the Regency period, though the entry in the Oxford English Dictionary shows that it was considered “riotous and indecent” as late as 1825. The waltz, and especially its closed position, became the example for the creation of many other ballroom dances. Subsequently, new types of waltz have developed, including many folk and several ballroom dances. In contemporary ballroom dance, the fast versions of the waltz are called Viennese Waltz. International Standard Waltz has only closed figures; that is, the couple never breaks the embrace.
When you are learning a new dance, getting some good music to practice to, or just to enjoy, can be very difficult. The music is taking over and you want more of it in your life, but don’t know where to start.
To make the process a little easier, we’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite pieces by genre, and provided links to iTunes where available. If you have a particular track that you think should be featured here, let us know. Remember, musicians have to earn a living too. If you like it, please buy it.
Slow Waltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx7v8PlKwuU
Another Slow Waltz
Viennese Waltz (fast waltz)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEdJ6pQXmoU