Beginners’ Guides:
English Instrumental Folk Music

Waltzes

Tunes in 3/4 time

A waltz is a smooth and flowing type of tune that evolved alongside the dance of the same name in Germany and Austria in the 16th century. The dance was originally seen as quite scandalous as it was danced as a couple in close contact, and it became very popular in Vienna where many waltz tunes were composed by Johann Strauss and his children. The waltz spread throughout Europe and became popular in England. At ceilidhs and other folk dances, waltzes are still played for people to dance to. They have the same steps as a classic ballroom waltz but are danced in a less formal manner and hold.

Used for dances such as:

• The ceilidh dance Rozsa, written by the ceilidh dance caller Gordon Potts
• St Bernard’s Waltz dance for pairs
• General waltzing in a pair at ceilidhs

Some examples of waltzes:

• The Sherborne Waltz (also known as Orange in Bloom/Orange and Blue)
• Margaret’s Waltz
• The Sussex Waltz

Below, you can find an audio recording of Miss Dillon's Waltz, performed on fiddle by Laurel Swift.