Waltz

An extremely popular ballroom dance of the 19th century in triple meter. The waltz originated in the 18th century, and by the early 19th century, it was objected to because of the risk to health it induced by whirling around the room so quickly, and also on a moral basis, because the gentleman's hand was placed around the woman's waist. Despite these objections, the waltz gained in popularity, and many major composers produced compositions for it including Strauss, Hummel, Beethoven, Schubert, and others. Today the waltz is performed in a slow triple meter or in a fast triple meter (with typically one beat per measure) known as the Viennese waltz.See also Viennese waltz.Also [Eng.] waltz; [Fr.] valse; [Ger.] Walzer; [It.] valzer; [Sp.] vals.