Austrian School Dances: Do They Exist?

Austria has a rich history of dance and music, with Vienna being known as the world capital of music. The country is particularly famous for its folk dances, including Schuhplattler, Ländler, polka and waltz. Folk dances in Austria are known as Folkloretänze, while the Austrian type of folk dance is called Volkstanz. The Austrian folk dance movement is rooted in the research and collection of various dances by several individuals in the 19th century, borrowing from rural traditions. The focal point of Austrian folk dance is not performances by professional groups but rather people of different age groups and ability levels dancing together. Today, there are over 300 balls (dance events) in Austria every year, with Vienna's ball season being an annual cultural and social highlight.

Folk dance events

The Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Volkstanz (Federal Association of Austrian Folk Dance) plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting folk dance culture by organizing projects that research and teach folk dance traditions, especially to young people.

One of the most beloved and lively folk dances in Austria is the Landler dance, which originated in the Alpine regions of Austria, Bavaria, German Switzerland, and Slovenia towards the end of the 18th century. It combines intricate steps, lively arm movements, and beautiful traditional costumes. The Landler dance is typically performed to the melodies of Austrian folk music, with each region adding its unique flair to both the music and dance steps.

Another notable folk dance is the Schuhplattler, which also originated in the Alpine regions of Austria as a courtship display. In this dance, men perform elaborate leaps and hip movements to impress unmarried women. While some variations of the dance are now co-ed, males still traditionally slap their knees and feet.

Folk dance and folklore have a rich and ancient heritage in Austria, and they play a significant role in the country's cultural identity.

Dance schools

Folk Dances

Austrian folk dances, known as "Folkloretänze" or "Volkstanz", are an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. These dances include the Schuhplattler, Ländler, polka, waltz, Zwiefacher, Kontratänze, and Sprachinseltänze. Folk dance events usually follow a set structure, starting with an opening dance called the "Auftanz", followed by a series of dances, and concluding with a closing circle dance. The Federal Association of Austrian Folk Dance (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Volkstanz) actively works to preserve and promote folk dance traditions.

Ballroom Dances

Ballroom dances, such as the waltz, tango, foxtrot, and quickstep, are also popular in Austria. Vienna, in particular, is known for its grand ballrooms and a vibrant ballroom dancing scene. The waltz, which originated as a rustic Austrian country dance, gained popularity in Viennese society and spread across Europe.

Modern Styles

In addition to traditional dances, Austrians also enjoy a variety of modern dance styles. Dance schools in Austria offer classes in hip-hop, jazz, salsa, and more. These dances are often part of dance competitions, with categories such as Urban Dance Styles, Commercial, Lyrical, and Acro Dance.

Austria is home to numerous dance schools that offer instruction in a range of dance styles. Here are some notable ones:

• Tanzschule Schäfer, Vienna: One of the most popular dance schools in Vienna, offering various dance styles.
• Tanzschule Wien, Vienna: Another well-known dance school in Vienna, providing instruction in traditional and modern dances.
• Tanzschule Kraml, Vienna: A dance school specializing in different types of dances.
• Tanzschule Köhler, Vienna: A dance school offering classes in Vienna.
• Tanzschule Graz, Graz: One of the largest and most renowned dance schools in Graz, offering a range of dance styles.
• Tanzschule Schön, Graz: A popular dance school in Graz, providing instruction in various dances.
• Tanzschule Köck, Graz: A dance school with locations in both Graz and Salzburg, offering classes to students of all skill levels.
• Tanzschule Innsbruck, Innsbruck: A dance school in Innsbruck, teaching various dance styles.
• Tanzschule Wiedner, Innsbruck and Salzburg: With locations in both Innsbruck and Salzburg, this dance school is known for its diverse offerings.
• Tanzschule Salzburg, Salzburg: One of the most prestigious dance schools in Salzburg, offering comprehensive dance education.

These dance schools play a vital role in preserving Austria's rich dance heritage while also embracing modern dance styles. They cater to students of all ages and skill levels, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation through the art of dance.

Waltz

The waltz is a fundamental part of Austrian culture. It is a type of folk dance, known as "Volkstanz" in Austrian, and is mostly associated with Schuhplattler, Ländler, and polka. The waltz is the oldest of the current ballroom dances, with its origins in the 13th century in the regions of modern-day Germany and Austria.

The Viennese waltz, in particular, is a fast-paced dance with continuous turns. It evolved from the Ländler, a boisterous folk dance in 3/4 time often accompanied by stomping and hollering. The dance was embraced by high society in Vienna, who refined it by having couples face each other in an embrace rather than standing side-by-side. This intimate and graceful version of the dance became wildly popular and played a role in social diplomacy during the Congress of Vienna in the early 19th century.

The waltz was initially considered vulgar and sinful by the upper classes and religious leaders due to its close-hold stance and fast turning movements. It was even named the "Forbidden dance" and those who danced it were threatened with death. However, by the end of the 18th century, the waltz had been accepted by high society, and it became a standard accompaniment for noble events in Vienna.

The Viennese waltz is typically danced at jet speed, with 180 beats per minute as its cruising speed, compared to 90 beats per minute for the English waltz. Austrians usually start learning to waltz in their early teens, and it is a central element of every Viennese operetta. The dance is so iconic that it is performed collectively every New Year, and Vienna's ball season culminates on New Year's Eve.

Balls

The waltz is central to the ball season in Austria, with the Viennese Waltz declared an Intangible World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2017. The waltz was originally regarded as vulgar and prohibited for the upper classes until the Wiener Kongress in 1815, as it was developed from an old dance beloved by the lower ranks of society. It gained popularity thanks to the Strauss dynasty, and Johann Strauss, the Younger, became known as the "King of the Waltz", composing over 500 waltzes, quadrilles, marches, and polkas.

There are many different types of balls in Austria, from the exclusive Vienna Philharmonic Ball hosted by one of the world's most famous orchestras, to balls organised by professional guilds, such as the Coffee Brewers' Ball and the Confectioners' Ball. The State Opera also transforms into a ballroom once a year, with guests marvelling at the opening polonaise and showcasing their waltz moves.

For those wanting to attend a ball in Austria, it is recommended to learn the basic steps of the waltz and other traditional dances beforehand. Dance schools such as Rueff and Elmayer offer crash courses for international guests, teaching not only the dance steps but also ball etiquette.

Dance festivals

Austria is known for its vibrant dance scene, with dance being an essential part of the country's cultural identity and social gatherings. The nation hosts several dance festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing various dance styles and bringing together dancers and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Austrian folk dance festivals follow a common sequence, typically beginning with an opening dance, followed by a welcoming speech, and then blocks of waltzes with breaks in between. Finally, there is often a special closing dance, sometimes accompanied by a goodbye song. These festivals are carefully organised and often take place in extraordinary locations, such as the Alpenverein or the baroque Belvedere palace.

Viennese festivals usually consist of four long sets of dances with long breaks and figure dancing in between. In contrast, other parts of Austria feature shorter blocks of dances with more frequent and shorter breaks, allowing for more figure dancing. Folk dances in Austria are known as "Folkloretänze", while the Austrian type of folk dance is called "Volkstanz".

The Austrian folk dance movement is deeply rooted in the country's rural traditions, with dances being collected, preserved, and taught to the younger generations. The focal point of Austrian folk dance is not the performances of professional groups but rather the gathering of people of different age groups and ability levels dancing together. Traditional folk dances like the Ländler, Schuhplattler, and Polka are often performed during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.

In addition to folk dance festivals, Austria also offers a range of other dance festivals, including the world-famous Salzburg Festival, the Saalfelden Jazz Festival, and the Danube Island Festival. These festivals showcase the diversity of Austria's dance scene, from traditional folk dances to modern and experimental styles.

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