The Viennese waltz is a ballroom partner dance that is so named for the waltz position, which refers to a closed hold. It originates from the slow or English waltz which is 30 measures per minute; the Viennese waltz is danced at a faster pace of 60 to 98 measures per minute.
When dancing the Viennese waltz, partners turn in a rotary motion, either clockwise or counterclockwise, switching directions with occasional non-rotating change steps. A true Viennese waltz contains only change steps and turns, with no figures, side sways or passing.
The tango has roots in Argentine dance and has been influenced over the years by European and American dance styles. There are two types of tango: American style and International style.
Both styles use a closed dance position, but American tango allows for the execution of open moves such as underarm turns, dancing apart and alternate hand holds. International tango is more commonly used for competitive ballroom dancing.
Many believe the foxtrot originated from vaudeville actor Harry Fox, although there is no proof of this. The foxtrot is a fast-paced dance that makes use of several basic and stand figures.
The basic figures of the foxtrot are the feather step, three step, closed impetus, reverse turn and natural turn. Standard figures include the wave, open impetus, hover cross, hover telemark, hover feather, open telemark, closed telemark, basic weave and natural weave.
The social foxtrot, also known as the rhythm foxtrot, is a version that is easier to learn and uses a closed ballroom hold.