Starlight Waltz

A sweeping waltz in the Viennese style, with long swing rolls, a run of closed-hold three-turns and repeated C steps before a Kilian finish.

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The dance

Waltz in 3/4, 174 beats a minute. The hold is closed, then open at step 17, closed from step 19b, changing from step 26, Kilian from step 30, closed at step 32b. The partners skate different steps. 36 steps and 102 beats to one pattern.

The steps are in the rulebook's own notation: foot, direction and edge, with Pr for a progressive, Ch for a chassé, SwR for a swing roll, XB and XF for a cross step behind or in front, 3 for a three turn, CSt and SSt for C and S steps, Op for open and Cl for closed. From the step chart in US Figure Skating's 2026-27 rulebook.

The Starlight Waltz shares its character and lilt with the Viennese Waltz. It opens in closed hold with three chassé sequences, each ending on a strong outside edge, then a six-beat change of edge and a six-beat swing roll. US Figure Skating then asks for a run of three-turns in closed hold, three for the lead partner and two for the follow, which must not be whipped.

The middle section alternates swing rolls with a chassé for the lead partner set against an open C step for the follow, three times over. A hand change through steps 26 to 28 lets the lead partner turn a three behind the follow, before Kilian hold, a cross roll and a swing three-turn back into closed hold.

British Ice Skating lists it at National 8, one of five dances to choose from. US Figure Skating tests it at Pre-gold.

Appears in