If you're learning the different components of the waltz, you may be interested in learning how to dance the waltz fifth position break. The steps for men and women vary slightly, as the moves have to correspond correctly in order to keep the couple together. The fifth position break is one of many different steps and components to dancing a complete waltz.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8L6ayo3b9E

You start off the fifth position break with a half box step. The man begins by stepping forward with his left foot, while the woman simultaneously steps back with her right foot. The man then steps forward and to the right with his right foot, while the woman steps back and to the left with her left foot. Opposite steps allow the couple to keep together.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8L6ayo3b9E

After the half box step is complete, the couple will need to perform a side step. The woman steps to the left while the man steps to the right. The side step is made up of the third and fourth steps (the first and second steps are the half box), while the fifth step involves turning and placing the foot at a 90 degree angle. The man performs the fifth step with his left foot, and the woman performs it with her right foot.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8L6ayo3b9E

After the fifth position break, the couple moves back in the direction the came and then "opens" so that both people face the same direction. The man's left hand will be holding the women's right hand. After the break is opened and closed, the second half of the box step will need to be completed in order to return to the starting position.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8L6ayo3b9E

Check out these other helpful How Tos about dancing the waltz on Mahalo:

1. How to Dance the Waltz Enter and Exit
2. How to Dance the Waltz Fifth Position Break
3. How to Dance the Waltz Open and Close Walk Around
4. How to Dance the Waltz the Box
5. How to Dance the Waltz Underarm Turn