Categories
Linktastic social dancing

Why we like to waltz

At every ballroom dance I’ve been to, the waltzes are the most popular. Everyone gets up to dance when a waltz is played. I’ve never known why, but this piece from NPR gives a nice explanation–and a bunch of good music links. And NPR.org is one of the few websites where it’s safe to read the comments without despairing for the future of humanity. You might even learn something from the comments that will help your dancing!

As an 18th-century specialist/ballroom dancer I love knowing that the waltz originated in the 18C and that it was considered scandalous because of the close body contact. Good fact to share with teenagers or anyone who can’t shake the mindset that ballroom dancing is stodgy and old-fashioned.