Viennese Waltz

A light, lilting waltz on strongly curved edges, with an unusual one-one-three-one timing on its progressive and swift changes of side between partners.

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, 156 beats a minute. The hold is closed with partners slightly to one side, then closed from step 8, open at step 9, closed from step 11, outside at step 14, closed from step 15. The partners skate different steps. 24 steps and 60 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 Viennese Waltz is light and lilting, and US Figure Skating asks for strongly curved edges, soft knees, neat footwork and elegant carriage. Its progressive sequences are skated with the partners slightly offset in a partial outside hold, and their timing breaks the usual waltz count: two one-beat edges, a three-beat edge, then a one-beat cross roll. The rulebook insists this timing be kept.

The changes of edge on steps 5 and 20 are where the partners swap sides, with the free foot passing close to the skating foot. Steps 9 to 11 combine a closed S step for the lead partner with an open C step for the follow, timed two plus one. The pattern closes on a six-beat swing roll in closed hold.

The Viennese Waltz is not on the British Ice Skating national pattern dance lists. US Figure Skating tests it at Gold.

Appears in