Smithsonian Associates Seminar
"In the Spirit of Vienna: Learn to Dance the Viennese Waltz"
Smithsonian Associates Viennese Waltz Class, 2000
The beautiful and graceful Viennese waltz continues to thrill dancers today. Its tempo is 60 beats per minute, which means that a pair of dancers take 180 steps and make 30 complete turns every 60 seconds!
In this very special course, held in the exquisite Victorian Rotunda of the Arts and Industries Building, participants learn to dance the rechtswalzer (waltz to the right), the linkswalzer (waltz to the left), and the hesitation step used to make smooth changes of direction. They learn the origins of the Wiener walzer in the landler, as well as the polka, gallop, and quadrille that are danced at Viennese balls today.
Participants also learn how to deal with the physical demands of the waltz, such as dizziness, and the elements of ball etiquette, such as the traditional handkuss (hand kiss). Traditional music (recorded) like that enjoyed at balls in Vienna, accompanies the lessons.
The first three sessions are devoted to basic rhythm, the rechtswalzer, and the hesitation step; the fourth and fifth sessions, to the linkswalzer and quadrille; the final three sessions, to the Wiener walzer (rechts-linkswalzer), gallop and polka.
For the dance lessons, women should wear skirts that allow long steps; gentlemen should wear coat and tie. All dancers should wear leather-soled shoes that allow them to pivot (no metal heels).
Changing into dancing shoes at the lessons is recommended, especially in inclement weather. Singles as well as couples may register for the course.
The series is taught by Herbert and Carol Traxler, who are known for their success in teaching dance (especially to beginners). They taught the Viennese Waltz to the cotillion of young ladies and gentlemen who performed in the opening ceremonies at two recent Viennese Opera Balls in Washington. Hundreds of Washingtonians attended their waltz lessons at the Austrian Embassy in preparation for the Viennese Opera Ball. They are recipients of the Austrian Decoration of Merit in Gold, awarded by the Austrian government, for their longstanding efforts to perform, teach, and promote Austrian folk dance and the Viennese waltz.
The ball is a festive, formal dinner dance in Austrian style, held in the
crystal-chandeliered grand ballroom of the Officers Club, Fort Myer, Virginia.
An elegant dinner is followed by hours of dancing to live music, and at
midnight, the Fledermaus Quadrille. Dance music consists primarily of
Viennese waltzes by Strauss, Lehar, and Waldteufel, with some traditional
Viennese polkas and a variety of other ballroom dances.
Black-tie (white-tie optional). Sponsored by the American-Austrian Society.
DANCE LESSONS ONLY OR DANCE LESSONS AND CHRISTMAS BALL. No class Nov. 23, 2000.
In the Spirit of Vienna: Learn to Dance the Viennese Waltz (Wiener Walzer) |
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WALTZ LESSONS *ONLY*: Thurs., Oct. 12-Dec. 7, 2000, 6:30 p.m. | |||
| TICKET TYPE: |
Resident Associate Member | General Admission | |
| TICKET PRICE: | $ 98.00 | $ 143.00 | |
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CODE: AMHG WOMEN CODE: AMHF MEN Lessons ONLY |
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| TICKET PRICE: |
$ 175.00 | $ 220.00 | |
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CODE: AMHE WOMEN CODE: AMHD MEN Lessons & Ball |
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Smithsonian Associates
Questions for the Smithsonian Associates? Call (202) 357-3030.
Author:
Carol Traxler
caroltraxler@yahoo.com