Whether you’re dancing or listening, the waltz helps you relax. There’s something magical about the 1-2-3 beat that brings on a feeling of elegance and grace. The accent is on the first beat, with the second and third beats responding in a light manner. You want to dance along or sway to the beat. Try listening to some waltzes by Strauss, and let yourself flow with the beautiful light beat. Dance with the music, either by yourself or with a partner. It may improve your mood, help you lighten up and forget your worries.
THE WALTZ WAS ONCE THOUGHT TO BE “AN INDECOROUS PRESENTATION”
The waltz was first introduced in Vienna in the 17th century. The older generation were astonished because the man’s hand was around the waist of the woman. This indignation has faded away. Today the waltz is a valued form of music, and often recommended as the traditional American wedding dance.
DANCING TO THE WALTZ IS GOOD EXERCISE
Dancing to the waltz can be done slowly for relaxation or faster for cardiac exercise. There are two established forms of the waltz, the Modern Waltz and the Viennese (quick) Waltz. Try dancing to a Viennese waltz like Tales from Vienna Woods if you want a faster tempo, and dance to the Serenade for Strings by Tchaikovsky if you want a slower tempo.
PUT YOUR BABY TO SLEEP WITH A WALTZ
The tempo of a waltz can put your baby to sleep. Brahms’ Lullaby is an excellent choice for this. The swaying beat brings on a feeling similar to rocking. The 3/4 time of a lullaby mimics the human heart beat and naturally slows down the body’s tempo. A musical tempo of 60-80 beats per minute is same as a mother’s resting heartbeat – the sound a baby hears while developing in the womb. Music during prenatal and early life helps to make children music sensitive later in life.