1. I think the most important and most popular dance in Austria is the Vienna waltz. It is one of the standard dances of the world dance program. It is a partner dance and has a three/fourth beat. So the children have to count: one two three, one two three, etc.

2. The most popular composer of the waltz is Johann Strauß (son). His waltz about the “Blue Danube” is very famous also in other countries. The first waltz was danced in the year 1770 during a performance of an old Vienna comedy. Many people were shocked because the partners “touched” each other during the whole dance, this was not usual at this time.

3. During the famous congress in Vienna (1814/1815) it became very famous and nearly all the people start to dance it. Only the gentry of Austria denied this dance. Josef Lanner, Johann Strauß (father and son) were the most popular composer of the Vienna waltz and many people came to listen to their concerts and to dance to their music.

4. I think many people know the “Opera ball” in Vienna. After the entrance one man says: “Alles Walzer”, which means “everybody shall dance the Vienna waltz. On the first of January the Vienna Symphony Orchestra plays a concert and one of the most famous composition is the “Blue Danube”.

5. So have fun dancing the Vienna waltz. It is very difficult to dance the waltz to the music of the “Blue Danube” and the children became so dizzy after dancing two or three minutes. So we decided to dance to another famous waltz, the”Snow- waltz”.

6. You can find a German declaration of the steps in http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AaG4dHJoFBU It is in German, but I think it is a very easy way to learn the steps of the waltz.

7. I wish you could spend some time in Vienna and visit the flat of Johann Strauß. His piano is still there and when you hear the “Blue Danube waltz” on this piano in his flat it is a wonderful and great experience! I hope whoever has to dance the waltz will enjoy it!