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A Visual Guide to
Waltz Position



Waltz Position

Here are illustrations of the proper waltz position through time.

Robert, 1875

Offenbach, 1876

Tousey & Small, 1878

Wehman Bros., 1881

Cartier, 1882

Koncen, 1883

Koncen, 1884

Dodworth, 1885

Giraudet, 1885

Warne & Co., 1886

Sause, 1889

Sause, 1889

Segadlo, 1889

Segadlo, 1889

Gilbert, 1890

Gilbert, 1890

Gilbert, 1890

Gilbert, 1890

Kolinyar, 1890

Scott, 1892

Scott, 1892

Witherspoon, 1894



Other Dance Positions

Here are illustrations of other dance positions.

Howe, 1886

Desrat, c. 1890
(Waltz Position Reversed)

Desrat, c. 1890

Desrat, c. 1890

Gilbert, 1890
(Practice Hold)

Gilbert, 1890
(Berlin Position)

Gilbert, 1890
(Ruchter Position)

Gilbert, 1890
(Military Schottische Position)

Gilbert, 1890
(Skaters Position)

Kolinyar, 1890

Perrin, 1890
(Position for La Berline)

Huntinghouse, 1892
(Position for The Illinois)



Bad Waltz Positions

Here are illustrations that demonstrate what not to do.

Dodworth, 1885

Dodworth, 1885

Dodworth, 1885

Scott, 1892

Scott, 1892

Scott, 1892

Scott, 1892

Scott, 1892


© 2017 Nick Enge


For more dance descriptions, see our three books on dancing:
The Book of Mixers: 100 Easy-Teach Dances for Getting Acquainted (2022) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge,
Cross-Step Waltz: A Dancer's Guide (2019) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge, and
Waltzing: A Manual for Dancing and Living (2013) by Richard Powers and Nick Enge.

For full-length teaching videos, visit: University of Dance.

For help crafting a life you love, visit: Project Quartz.


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