History:
The Waltz originated as a folk dance from Austria in 1780. Predecessors are the "Matenick" and that were performed during rural festivals in Bohemia. Waltz was in opposition to the court dances danced in Austria or the German. These court dances such as the minuet, were very formal under the influence of the French court Versailles. But it is the French Revolution that ensured the decline of these court dances and the common practice of the waltz. The waltz was considered inappropriate due to partner in position "couple closed", the man facing the woman and not to the side as in the court. Nowadays, many different Waltz co exist but with 2 main stream: In International Standard of WDC is closed position with limited steps. In American Smooth in US with more flexibility to open and more steps
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