The "Shy Waltz" is a line dance waltz originally choreographed by Anne Hewitt. Commonly performed to the songs "The Last Waltz," by the British singer Engelbert Humperdinck, and "The Door of Life," by Japan's Mariya Takeuchi, it is a 24-count waltz suitable for both beginners and those with intermediate knowledge of line dance waltzes.
First Six Counts
Start off by stepping your left foot forward and then stepping your right foot together with it. The third step should be you stepping your left foot in place. The final three steps of the first part of the dance are, in order, stepping your right foot back, stepping your left foot together and stepping your right foot in place.
Second Six Counts
The seventh to 12th counts of the "Shy Waltz" start with stepping forward together. This is followed by a step right forward. The third beat count is a quarter turn to the left with your feet at the nine o'clock position. This is followed by a crossing of right over left, a left step to the side and a cross right behind the left.
Third Six Counts
Step your left foot to the side with your body slightly angled to the left. Cross your right foot over your left and then hold in place for a count. Step your right foot forward, curving slightly toward the right. Step your left foot forward then step your right forward, curving right on both occasions. The curve on counts 4, 5 and 6 should be around one half. You may wish to hold your arms out to each side when performing these three counts.
Final Six Counts
Cross your left foot over your right, step your right foot to the side then step your left foot in place. Complete the final section of the dance by crossing your right foot over your left, stepping your left foot to the side and stepping your right foot in place at the three o'clock position. Dancers doing the "Shy Waltz" to the Engelbert Humperdinck song "The Last Waltz" should repeat these six steps again after finishing, ending up with them facing the front.
About the Author
Born in Northampton, Alex Tannin has been writing across the journalistic landscape since 2003. His articles have appeared in "The Guardian," "Bizarre Magazine" and for Gaydar Radio and the Press Association, among others. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in print journalism from Leeds Trinity and All Saints College.
