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Where does the word "waltz" come from? It comes from German Walzer, and was adopted directly into English (1780s-1800s).
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Where does the word "waltz" come from? It comes from German Walzer, and was adopted directly into English (1780s-1800s).
Waltz’s story begins in German: Walzer meant “a turning dance.” From "walzen", to roll or turn, describing the dance's turning steps. It reached English by 1780s-1800s as waltz. Considered scandalous at first for its close hold between partners. Today, waltz means a ballroom dance in triple time, or the music written for it.
- Stage 1 · German · 1700s Walzer "a turning dance", from "walzen", to roll or turn, describing the dance's turning steps.
- Stage 2 · English · 1780s-1800s waltz "a ballroom dance in triple time", considered scandalous at first for its close hold between partners.