Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance the box of the waltz? Here's your chance to find out. The waltz has the same step pattern as the fox trot dance and is only differentiated by the count. This page will lead you step-by-step in learning the box of the waltz.

The waltz dance can be traced back all the way to the 17th century in Vienna, Austria. The word 'waltz' comes from the German word 'walzen' which means to roll, glide, or turn. In the early 17th century, waltz were played in ballrooms of the Hapsburg court. Many of the waltz tunes can be traced back to peasant melodies. The waltz is a 3/4 timed dance with an emphasis on the first beat and holds the pattern of step-step-close. The waltz was popular, but it was also criticized because there were many turns and partners had to hold each other close. There are two types of the waltz: the Modern Waltz and the Viennese Waltz.http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/waltz.htm

Whether you're trying to impress someone, taking a ballroom dancing class, or just want to know the steps of the waltz, it's important to get down the basics. This page will guide you through three simple steps of learning the box of the waltz.

The count for the waltz is what makes it a simple and easy-to-learn dance. It is slow so you are able to get your footwork and steps in with enough time in between transition. The timing it 3/4 meaning that it is only one beat per step. Saying the count out loud would sound like thi—one, two, three, one, two, three, and so forth. Practice saying the count out loud so that you understand the timing of your steps. You should also say the count out loud when you are actually practicing the waltz so that you know your timing is perfect.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBtqV_i0d0M

Now that you've learned the count of the waltz, it's time to put your feet into action. Remember that this is a fairly simple dance, but you should still take it slowly to begin. There are two parts to this: the male's and the female's.

Let's start out with the male first because he leads the dance. Men, start with your left foot forward. From this, you’ll step to the right, step back, and to the left back to your original starting place. Make sure to count along as you are stepping.

Ladies, you will mirror the male's steps. You will start by putting your right foot back, then moving to the left, then forward, then to the right to reach your original starting place. Count along as you are stepping to make sure you're in time.

This creates an invisible box which is why this step pattern was named the 'box.'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBtqV_i0d0M&feature=player_embedded

The next step is a little more detailed than Step 2 because you're embellishing what you previously just did.

Ladies start out with feet together and men put their right foot between the female's two feet. Hold your partner: the female's left hand go on the man's shoulder and man’s right hand goes on the female's left shoulder blade. The other hand of each gender is held by each other. Do the same box movement as in Step 2, but this time you are closer together. The step is now broadened and you are stepping to make a larger invisible box. This is called rotating the box. The man rotates the pair after each count (one, two, three).http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBtqV_i0d0M&feature=player_embedded

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