Have you ever wanted to learn how to do the underarm turn in the waltz? Here's your chance to find out. The waltz is similar to the foxtrot in way of step pattern but different in timing. This page will lead you step-by-step in how to dance the underarm turn of the waltz.
Before attempting the underarm turn, you'll need to know how to dance the box of the waltz. This guide will continue using the box but add a flourish--the underarm turn. This page will lead you through three easy steps of doing the underarm turn of the waltz.
How to Dance the Underarm Turn of the Waltz
This video features John Cassese, also known as the Dance Doctor, teaching viewers how to perform a certain step of the waltz: the underarm turn. He explains what the female and the male should do and then performs the dance so viewers can see how it's done. At the end of the video, there are links provided that lead to videos of other dances being taught.
Step 1: Half Box
Before you do an underarm turn, you first need to complete the box again. The count is the same as the original invisible box: in 3/4 timing. This means you say the count as: one, two, three, one, two three, and so forth. By this point, you've been doing the the box already, but a review of it wouldn't hurt.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APoxxrDsbaU&feature=player_embedded
The female is going to be mirroring the male's steps who steps his left forward first. Ladies, move your right foot back. The pair then moves to the side, goes backward (for the female, it's forward), and to the side again to find their original box. If you trace their steps, they are drawing an invisible box with their feet. For purposes of this step in the waltz, the female is only going to perform half of the box, while the male continues to do the full box.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APoxxrDsbaU&feature=player_embedded
Step 2: Perform the Underarm Turn
This step is for the ladies. The males are still performing the box, while the females are doing the underarm turn. The females walk under the male's arm for six counts while the male is still dancing the box. Make sure to count the beats out loud so you know you're in time. This is during the second half of the box, but the females will only be doing the underarm turn.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APoxxrDsbaU&feature=player_embedded
Step 3: Finish with the Box
Now that the female has finished her underarm turn, it's time to continue the invisible box. This is the step you'll be finishing the waltz with. Remember that the females mirror the males' steps. The count is still 3/4. Count out loud: one, two, three, one, two, three, one, two three, and so forth.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APoxxrDsbaU&feature=player_embedded
More How Tos about Dancing the Waltz on Mahalo
Check out these other helpful How Tos about dancing the waltz on Mahalo:
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
The waltz is a ballroom dance.
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Fact:
This page will incorporate the invisible box.
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Fact:
The waltz is in 3/4 timing.
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Fact:
Say the count out loud so you know your timing is correct.
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Fact:
Males and females have different steps.
