Stand with your feet together. Stride forward on step with the left foot. Stride up and out to the side with the right foot.
Bring the left foot back beside the right foot. Stride backwards on step with the right foot. Stride back and out to the side with the left foot.
Bring the right foot back beside the left foot. Keep legs straight during the dance.
Continue working the box step -- the basic waltz motion -- with a dance partner. Clasp the left hand of the dance leader with the right hand of the partner. Position the leader's right hand on the hip of the partner and the partner's left hand on the leader's shoulder.
Stand with your feet together. Stride a short step forward with the left foot. Stride a long step forward with the right foot. Bring the left foot another short step forward passed the right foot. Stride out with the the right foot at a diagonal. Bring the left foot up beside the right foot.
Stride out again in a diagonal with the right foot. Step forward a short step with the left foot. Stride a long step forward again with the right foot. Step up another short step forward with the left foot. Bring the right foot up to the side of the left foot.
Repeat steps one and two -- beginning with the right foot and stepping diagonally to the left. Position the leader's right hand on the lower back of the partner. All other hand positions remain the same as the waltz. Keep knees bent during this dance.
Listen to ballroom and dancing music on a regular basis -- particularly music for the waltz and the tango. Allow yourself to become acquainted with the rhythms so your body grows familiar and comfortable with the beats.
Practice daily stretching of the back, legs, arms and torso to increase strength and flexibility in your body. Keep your back and neck straight during the day. Watch your posture at all times. Maintaining awareness of your body is a key to preparing yourself for ballroom dancing.
Find a clear area in your house or outside free from furniture or objects. Practice walking back and forth with varying degrees of speed. Keep your eyes focused on a fixed position. Walk left to right at different angles increasing and decreasing speed as well. Movement and focus rehearsals help you establish an innate sense of balance and poise.