New Vogue Dances: Waltzes

For an Introduction to New Vogue Dance see:

New Vogue Dance Style

There are 5 recognised competition waltzes in the New Vogue style of dance. In approximate order of level of difficulty they are;

• Parma Waltz

• Swing Waltz

• Tracey-Leigh Waltz

• Lucille Waltz

• Twilight Waltz

The waltzes are danced to a slow Viennese rather than the slow waltz of Ballroom Waltz. Music is in ¾ time with a speed of approximately 130 beats per minute. The lilt or swing that is typical of waltzes makes the New Vogue waltzes quite difficult to dance, requiring good balance to manage both their speed and movement.

The exception is the Parma Waltz which has slow locking steps and little movement, and is therefore, although the easiest, is not a popular dance with most dancers.

The first video is from New Zealand's version of "Dancing With The Stars", week 5, series 3 when the group dance was the Swing Waltz. The professionals included some of Australia's and New Zealand's top New Vogue competitors. The introduction lasts for a while and the actual Swing Waltz starts at 1.02 on the timer. The Swing Waltz starts in open extended hold with partners side by side at arms length. It includes a free turn for both partners - which has to be absolutely together even though the couple is not holding! There are lots of kicks which have to be elegant and controlled. The music is Dave Dobbin's Welcome Home, proving how well modern music can be adapted to New Vogue.

The second video shows a medallist combining 2 New Vogue waltzes. She is partnered by her instructor and although the footwork is precise there is little shape or movement to her dancing, which is the next skill she has to develop. She dances 2 sequences of Tracey-Leigh Waltz segued into (1.34 on the timer) 2 sequences of Twilight Waltz. The Tracey-Leigh Waltz is unusual with the aerials by both man and woman simultaneously. Like the Swing Waltz the Tracey-Leigh starts in what is known as "open extended hold" with the couple at arms length side by side. The Twilight is a difficult dance starting in normal ballroom hold including an over-sway and then moving into open extended hold moving backwards, against the line of dance.