The waltz evolved from sliding or gliding dances like the volta that appeared in 16th-century Europe. Printmaker Hans Sebald Beham created images showing these precursors to what would become the waltz.
Don Curzio later documented Vienna life between 1776 and 1786, noting people danced madly while Viennese ladies gained fame for their graceful movements. He recorded how men put arms around women and pressed them to their breasts during this shameless whirling-dance.
The waltz reached England in 1791 according to contemporary singer Michael Kelly. Diarist Thomas Raikes recorded that no event created such sensation in English society as the waltz's introduction in 1813.
Numerous different waltz forms existed throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries including versions performed in triple or quadruple time. The Hesitation Waltz introduced by Vernon and Irene Castle in the 1910s incorporated pauses called hesitations danced to fast music.
Five Step Waltz likely originated around 1847 with associated music published that same year. Vienna Ball Season continues modern celebrations into 2026 showing enduring cultural significance.