Introductory to VW

[Dancebug]

Laura mentioned starting late for VW to make it short, and because I have been dwelling on it, I decided to start a thread.

What do you think about the couple who does a long intricate introductory piece before they start VW at comps? They usually make me think it is a little gimmick to shorten VW. I like Mirko and Alessia a lot, but when they do this, I think to myself, I wish they hadn’t. What do you think? Do you like it?

 

[fascination]

I like a nice traditional opening as long as the couple is up to proving that if they wanted to they could've danced it quite well for a long long time...I like the cordial niceties...but I hate to see it done badly

 

[Laura]

Sometimes TS bows and I curtsy, and then we take hold and get a move-on, but really when we do all that it feels like kind of a joke in a way to me. He really just likes to get moving ASAP. In our last comp, we had danced most of the first long wall before anyone else who could be seen on our video got going.

 

[waltzguy]

viennese waltz opening courtesy bow

I thought I remember this being talked about in a previous thread. But I can't find it despite searching repeatedly! Moderators, please merge if appropriate.

For competitions, is the viennese waltz opening courtesy bow recommended? It looks cool, but doesn't really add any technical value to the dance. Also, is the opening bow preferred for International Standard or American Smooth, or does it not matter?

 

[and123]

If you're gonna do it, just please don't hold up traffic (esp in earlier crowded heats!)

 

[tanya_the_dancer]

I thought I remember this being talked about in a previous thread. But I can't find it despite searching repeatedly! Moderators, please merge if appropriate.

For competitions, is the viennese waltz opening courtesy bow recommended? It looks cool, but doesn't really add any technical value to the dance. Also, is the opening bow preferred for International Standard or American Smooth, or does it not matter?

We do it for standard sometimes, but not for smooth.

 

[Ithink]

I really don't like elaborate VW intros. Something about them just looks fake and useless.

 

[Gorme]

Everyone does it so mechanically. Maybe if it looks more genuine, like taking a longer time to do the curtseys and bows, it might look good.

 

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Sometimes the Viennese waltz music has an intro. I think that would be a nice time to do the curtsy and bow.

 

[waltzguy]

Seems like there are mixed feelings about doing the courtesy-bow for a comp. I have posted this as a request to ask a pro in the said thread.

 

[tanya_the_dancer]

I watched a couple of my videos, and sometimes we do it and sometimes we don't. I think I view it as visual lead - if he bows to me instead of inviting me to dance position, I do a courtesy and then get into position. So it depends on the leader.

 

[waltzguy]

cool, nice use of your own videos

 

[jwlinson]

I think the bow/curtsy add a nice touch of class to the dance. A reminder to onlookers of the origins of the dance.