European Waltz
A closed-hold waltz built from cross-rolled three-turns and back outside edges, every edge three beats long, with the couple's rotation reversing at each new lobe.
Not checked yet. The mechanics on this page are a first draft by a non-expert, and no coach has seen them yet. Read them as a starting point and check them with a coach. Corrections are very welcome.
The dance
Waltz in 3/4, 135 beats a minute. The hold is closed. The partners skate different steps. 18 steps and 54 beats to one pattern.
| Step | Hold | Lead | Follow | Beats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Closed | CR-RFO3 | LBO | 2 + 1 |
| 2 | LBO | RFO3 | 3 | |
| 3 | RFO | LBO | 3 | |
| 4 | CR-LFO3 | RBO | 2 + 1 | |
| 5 | RBO | LFO3 | 3 | |
| 6 | LFO | RBO | 3 | |
| 7 | CR-RFO3 | LBO | 2 + 1 | |
| 8 | LBO | RFO3 | 3 | |
| 9 | RFO | LBO | 3 | |
| 10 | CR-LFO3 | RBO | 2 + 1 | |
| 11 | RBO | LFO3 | 3 | |
| 12 | LFO3 | RBO | 2 + 1 | |
| 13 | RBO | LFO3 | 3 | |
| 14 | LFO3 | RBO | 2 + 1 | |
| 15 | RBO | LFO3 | 3 | |
| 16 | LFO3 | RBO | 2 + 1 | |
| 17 | RBO | LFO3 | 3 | |
| 18 | LFO | RBO | 3 |
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 European Waltz is a dance of steady turning. Each side lobe is three steps: the lead partner opens with a cross-rolled three-turn while the follow partner strokes onto a back outside edge, and every edge lasts three beats with the threes turned on the third count. Wider end lobes string together further three-turns and back edges.
US Figure Skating asks for closed hold the whole way, with the partners close and turning around a shared axis that changes direction at the start of every lobe. The rulebook singles out checking on each three-turn to stop over-rotation, and it wants upright carriage, strong stroking and an even rise and fall of the knees to give the waltz its lilt.
British Ice Skating lists it at National 6, one of three dances to choose from at that level. US Figure Skating tests it at Pre-silver.
Appears in
No test syllabus recorded yet.
Where it sits in one country's grades is on that country's copy of this page: UK, USA, Australia or New Zealand.