Culture and History of Two Romantic Dances: the Waltz and the Flamenco
A brief history of two romantic dances to practice this upcoming Valentine's Day.
1, 2, 3, 4, and turn! 2, 3, 4.
Want to keep your loved ones on their toes this Valentine’s day, or sweep them off their feet? Consider practicing one of these two romantic dances: the waltz or the flamenco. With rich and diverse backgrounds, stories of the dance origins offer a lens of culture and history.
The waltz
The waltz originates from Ländler folk dance; 18th-19th century dance in Austria and southern Germany (Bavaria) commonly involved groups of dancers twirling to music in ¾ time. Earlier dances involved minimal physical contact of the hands only. But the waltz was more scandalous. Performed in pairs, the waltz requires passion, direct physical contact with your partner, and speedy whirls. Younger generations enjoyed the thrill and facilitated the spread of the dance, and Johann Strauss I (1804-1849), a Viennese composer and conductor, popularized the Waltz through public performances. His career especially peaked after the death of well-known composers in the region. He took the dances to large halls and optimized the music to which dancers moved. Though Strauss forbade his children from pursuing music, his eldest son, Johann Strauss II earned the title “the Waltz King” following his creative and romantic take on the dance. He elevated the waltz and took it to different European cities, as well as parts of North America.
The flamenco
If you’re celebrating Valentine’s with a multi-talented group, flamenco might be a suitable option for you. Originating in Andalusia, Spain, flamenco combines three elements: singing, dancing, and guitar-playing. This style emerged from influences from Gypsy, Jewish, Moorish and Romani cultures, as different groups immigrated and brought unique practices and instruments. The flamenco songs can range from lighthearted to serious. The guitarist rests their instrument on crossed legs and utilizes different strumming techniques to match the intensity of the dancer. The forte of the flamenco is the dancer. They express the singer, whose message lies in the lyrics. Female dancers rely on upper-body movement, while males deliver complex footwork. Though flamenco does not typically involve a pair of dancers, the trio delivers a vibrant, rich, and romantic performance together. In 2010, UNESCO recognized flamenco as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, the dance is performed both at religious events and private parties, with bold movements, rich expressions, and flowy dresses.
So, whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone, or with family, friends, or a partner, pick a style, find a song (or practice playing one), and hit the dance floor!
