Walking Through the Waltz Webquest

with Magda Georgiadis

and

Nathan RoderEDU 505

Fall 2009

Task: Learning the Basics of the Waltz

• Your task for this 10th grade Physical Education class is to learn the process of the Basic Waltz.

• With a partner, preferably of the opposite gender, you will learn about the early history of the Waltz, its current role in our culture, and how to perform it.

• By reading the content on the following slides as well as accessing the included links, you will be evaluated on your knowledge and performance of the Waltz.

• Put on your dancing shoes. It is time to Waltz!!

Introduction: The History and Now

• The word Waltz is derived from the German word Walzen. To learn more about the history of the Waltz, as well as its current popularity in society, take a walk through "The History of the Waltz."

Process: Learning From the Experienced

Women’s Steps

• Sarlota Eke’s Interpretation of the Women's Steps of the Basic Waltz.

Men’s Steps

• Tamas Kassai's Interpretation of the Men's Steps of the Basic Waltz.

In Words

Process:Looking at the Women’s Steps

1. Step back with the right foot

2. Left foot step sideways to the left

3. Bring your right foot next to your left foot

4. Step forward with the left foot

5. Step forward sideways with the right foot

6. Bring your left foot next to your right foot

Process:Looking at the Men’s Steps

In Words

1. Step forward with the left foot

2. Right foot step sideways to the right

3. Bring your left foot next to your right foot

4. Step back with the right foot

5. Step back sideways with the left foot

6. Bring your right foot next to your left foot

Process: Positions

• To keep your balance and maintain a strong lead and follow, you should become familiar with the basic Waltz positions. The Waltz focuses primarily on Closed Position. Two other dance positions that you should familiarize yourself with are Right and Left Parallel Positions.

• The three dance positions needed

for the Waltz are:– Closed Position

– Right Parallel Position

– Left Parallel Position

Resources• "Aidan Brooks: Trainee Chef: The Chef Waltz." Aidan Brooks: Trainee Chef. 29 Oct. 2009

<http://aidanbrooks.blogspot.com/2008/01/chef-waltz.html>.

 • "Basic Waltz Step With a Partner: How to Dance the Waltz | eHow.com." eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To

Videos & Articles. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.ehow.com/video_4395619_basic-waltz-step-partner.html>.

• "Basic Waltz Steps | Learn Dance Steps For The Waltz." Dancing For Beginners | Beginner Dance Lessons and Tips Online. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.dancing4beginners.com/dance-steps-for-waltz.htm>.

 • "Dances - WALTZ DANCE - history of the waltz." Learn to dance with DanceCrazy, the definitive collection of dance videos. Learn

Ballroom dancing, learn Salsa dancing, and any other Latin dance. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.dancecrazy.com/history-of-the-waltz.htm>.

• "How To Waltz - Life123." Life123 - Answers at the Speed of Life. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.life123.com/sports/dance/waltz/how-to-waltz.shtml#STS=g1f38b47.g6o>.

• "Ladies Basic Waltz Step: How to Dance the Waltz | eHow.com." eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.ehow.com/video_4395618_ladies-basic-waltz-step.html>.

• "Lesson1: The Basic Pattern ." Dancetv.com: Learn the Waltz, Fox Trot, and East Coast Swing online with the Ballroom Dance Group's free online dance tutorial.. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.dancetv.com/tutorial/waltz/waltz1.html>.

• "Men's Basic Waltz Step: How to Dance the Waltz | eHow.com." eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.ehow.com/video_4395617_mens-basic-waltz-step.html>.

 • "Someplace Awesome: Waltz." TOY - Illustration Label / Direction. 29 Oct. 2009 <http://www.thisistoy.com/someplaceawesome/?

p=513>.

Evaluation: Knowing the FactsDirections: Below are five questions, worth ten points each, pertaining to the Waltz that you should be able to answer based on the information within the slideshow accompanied by the web resources provided.

1.How many inches away from your partner should you be while in the closed position?

2.What is the musical timing of the Waltz in fraction form?

3.Name two settings in which the Waltz is danced in today's society.

4.How many foot movements are involved in the process of a Basic Waltz motion ?

5.Which partner leads during the Waltz ?

Evaluation: Doing the StepsBelow, you will find a copy of the rubric that will be used to grade you on your performance of the Waltz. Poor, Good, Great, and Mastery levels will be determined based on the opinion of your instructor.

Total Score: ________

Conclusion• Now you should be a Basic Waltz professional.• The steps of the Waltz that were explored in

this Webquest are only the basic steps of the Waltz.

• You can use the same resources to expand your knowledge of the Waltz.

• Next time you go to a wedding or dance you can make a request for a ¾ time song and Waltz across the hardwood.

A Page For Teachers

• This lesson can be implemented in a number of ways.– This slideshow can be loaded onto all the computers in a computer lab

so that students can have an opportunity to integrate technology into their Physical Education classes.

– Another option is to send this slideshow home with students. Some students may want to practice the steps as they learn, but find that they would be self-conscious to perform something they are unfamiliar with in front of their peers.

• This lesson can be taught in Physical Education classes or it can be introduced into Drama or Music classes. It is a great way for students to feel the rhythm.

DanceAway

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