Waltz Dancing is an umbrella term for a series of styles of dance involving turning and change steps. Most styles can be practiced competitively and socially.

The waltz is a type of closed position ballroom and folk dance. It is an umbrella term used to describe a series of waltz styles including the Viennese, International Standard and American.

In competition, the goal is to perform the dance with a partner and score more points than the competition.

The earliest record of the waltz can be traced back to 1750 in the countryside of Bavaria and Tyrol, although at that time the dance was called the walzer. By the late 18th century, the dance had spread to Vienna and become widely popular. From that point on, it gained popularity and spread to other countries in the region. As it spread throughout the region, it underwent a number of changes and picked up elements from other dances. Since then the waltz has developed into different types and has also been the basis for many ballroom dances.

Ballroom Attire (competition only)

Initial training consists of learning basic timing, steps, and proper form. As training progresses, various styles are introduced into the learning curriculum. In training for competition, couples spend a lot of time working on their chemistry and learning various routines.

American Style Waltz - contrasts the international standard as couples leave closed position and break contact almost entirely

Cross Step Waltz - a newer style of waltz where the first step is a
cross-step into the line of direction

International Standard Waltz - a waltz where the couple never leaves closed position

Viennese Waltz - a faster version of the waltz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waltz