Ultimate Strictly

WALTZ

History

When you mention ballroom dancing, most people would think of the Waltz; this classic ballroom dance should be an elegant, flowing, lyrical dance that is a joy to watch. Originally based on the Volta and popularised in Vienna, it scandalised polite society in England due to the close contact required in the dance, but it wasn't long before it had spread across Europe and become a firm favourite of the ballroom.

The costumes are classic ballroom, with white tie and tails for the gentleman, and full length, swirling gowns for the ladies.

The dance

The dance itself is danced in 3:4 time, and the classic Waltz step is a step with the heel leading on the first step, followed by two steps up onto the balls of the feet, giving the rise and fall movement to the dance. The classic ballroom hold must be maintained throughout the dance no matter what variation of steps are performed. Professional dancers will incorporate into their choreography the classic step with natural and reverse turns (where the couple move forward across the dance floor), and whisks (where whilst maintaining the promenade position, the dancers feet end up crossed with one foot behind the other).

The judges in Strictly Come Dancing will be looking for these basics along with a smooth rise and fall movement with sway, and checking that the posture, top line and hold of the dancers is maintained throughout the dance.

The best of Strictly

As at the end of 2008, so far, two dances have received a perfect '40' from the judges. In the semi-final of Series 5, Matt di Angelo & Flavia Cacace performed the Waltz to Open Arms, while in the Christmas Special following Series 5, Gethin Jones & Camilla Dallerup danced to Amazing Grace. Whilst not achieving the perfect score, other highlights have included Zoe Ball & Ian Waite stunning us all with her first Strictly dance in Series 3, a beautiful routine from Matt Dawson & Lilia Kopylova in Series 4 prompting head judge Len Goodman to say it was "the best waltz in all four series of the programme", and the princess-like Alesha Dixon & Matthew Cutler in Series 5.

The worst of Strictly

From the female celebrities, Fiona Phillips struggled with most dances, and on her first outing on the programme in Series 3, she and Brendan Cole managed to score only 11 points for their Waltz, while nerves got the better of actress Siobhan Hayes dancing with Matthew Cutler in Series 3 earning them only 15 points. Meanwhile, from the male celebrities, in Series 4 Nicholas Owen & Nicole Cutler were the first couple to leave after earning 15 points, while in Series 5, Brian Capron danced with returning champion professional Karen Hardy, and as Brian was suffering from flu, they managed only 18 points from the judges.

Scores for all Waltz performances:

*Arlene Phillips judged series one to six, while Alesha Dixon judged series 7 onwards.