VIENNESE WALTZ

The Viennese Waltz is a light and lilting dance that must be skated with strongly curved edges. Soft knee action, neat footwork and elegant carriage are essential.

Steps 1 to 3 (also 16 to 18) form a progressive sequence. During these sequences the partners are not precisely opposite each other but slightly to one side in a partial outside hold skating an evenly round, continuous lobe. The timing of Steps 1 to 4 (and 16 to 19) is unusual for a waltz and, since it adds a pleasant and distinctive touch to the dance, must be closely followed. Steps 1 and 2 (also 16 and 17) are one-beat edges, followed by the three-beat edge Step 3 (also Step 18) and another one-beat cross roll Step 4 (also Step 19). Care should be taken to follow this timing that is a departure from the typical 1-2-3, 1-2-3 waltz rhythm pattern of the rest of the dance. Steps 4 and 19 start the new circle that curves toward the long barrier with an anticipated body weight change.

On Step 5 (also Step 20) a smoothly performed change of edge is taken with the free foot passing as closely as possible to the skating foot on deep, well-rounded, strong edges. During this change of edge, the partners change sides. After the changes of edge, Step 6 should continue the well-rounded lobe toward the side/long barrier rather than cutting prematurely toward the end/ short barrier.

Care must be taken to direct Step 8 onto a true edge with the lady trailing the man. There must be a definite change of body weight at the end of Step 8 for Step 9 to be accomplished without difficulty. The man must skate ahead on Step 9 with the lady following and paralleling his tracing. During Step 9 they are momentarily in open hold with the shoulders parallel to the tracing. Steps 9 and 10 form a closed choctaw for the man, while Steps 10 and 11 form an open mohawk for the lady that must be performed with the correct timing (2 + 1) and correct edges. On Step 12, the lady places the left foot to the side and slightly behind the right foot that is held forward afterward.

On Step 13, the partners change from closed to outside hold for a proper take off for Step 14. Step 14 (also Step 23) is a cross roll. Step 24 should be skated in closed hold with strong edges, a rising knee action and free leg swing to emphasize the character of the dance.

MUSIC RHYTHM: Waltz 3/4
TEMPO: 52 three-beat measures per minute; 156 beats per minute
ISU MUSIC INTRODUCTION: 48 beats, 18.4 seconds
PATTERN-TIMING: 1 = :23; 2 = :46; 3 = 1:09; 4 = 1:32
DURATION: Test 2 = :46 Solo after partnering 2 = :46 Competition 3 = 1:09 Adult Competition 2 = :46
SKATER’S CHOICE TIMING: See Skater’s Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart on usfgureskating.org under the “Technical Info” link
PATTERN: Optional
TEST: Gold

INVENTORS: Eric van der Weyden and Eva Keats
FIRST PERFORMED: Streatham Ice Rink, London, England, 1934

VIENNESE WALTZ-MAN — OPTIONAL PATTERN DANCE

VIENNESE WALTZ-LADY — OPTIONAL PATTERN DANCE