What's the difference between waltz and Viennese waltz?

I love waltz! Those of you who aren't familiar with the dance, there are two main types danced in competitions.

Waltz- a ballroom style dance, that is danced in 3/4 time. The word waltz actually comes from a German word that means "glide," which is exactly what it looks like when you dance it. Dancing waltz should look like you're floating on a cloud, if you're doing it right, lol. When dancing waltz, you move across the dance floor, A LOT. Let me tell you from first hand experience, waltz should not be danced in a crowded space, (that is, unless you want to get stepped on.) The waltz originated in Vienna, Austria. The waltz we know today is actually not what the people in Vienna know it as. The waltz is also called "English waltz," or "slow waltz." Fun fact: waltz was considered scandalous back in the days when it first started. (Can you imagine what those people would think if they went out to a modern-day club??)

Viennese waltz- is the original waltz from Austria. The Viennese waltz is A LOT faster than waltz and often at times is hard to keep up with! (Believe me, you're left out of breath by the time the song ends!) In general, for competitions, Viennese waltz routines are easier than waltz routines but they're extremely fast, and often repeat steps in a constant loop. So for competitions, Viennese waltz steps may be easier, (in general), but it is definitely more difficult to dance.

-DancingPrincess