The dance lessons also present a variety of dances in 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 time that may appear on a ball program, including Polka, Hupfpolka, Schottische, Rheinlaender, Marsch, Galopp, Polka française, and Mazurka. All dances are taught with variations, and folk dances that include the variations are introduced for practice. Students will learn to select from among a variety of dances and steps to fit the music style and tempo, dance floor space, and energy level of the couple.

Individuals and couples are welcome. No prior dance experience is required. Dancers will change partners frequently throughout the lessons. Some of the dancing may be aerobically demanding. Once dances or steps are introduced, they are reinforced at subsequent lessons. The dance lessons are planned to include approximately 60 to 100 dancers.

Lesson 1: dance posture, triple step, hesitation step, introduction to Rechtswalzer, Rechtswalzer with multiple turns; dance positions, Marsch, three-step polka, Galopp (Tramplan, Zillertaler Hochzeitsmarsch)
Lesson 2: Rechtswalzer with multiple turns, Fledermaus Quadrille; Varsouvienne/Rheinlaender position, Rheinlaender/Schottisch, polka (Schottisch for four, Siebenbuergen Rheinlaender)
Lesson 3: Introduction to Linkswalzer, Linkswalzer with multiple turns, changing directions; Rheinlaender and Schottische variations, Mazurka, Hupfpolka
Lesson 4: Rechts- and Linkswalzer with multiple turns, Crossover step, Fledermaus Quadrille; Rheinlaeder, Schottische and Mazurka variations, Polka française and variations.

It is important for all dancers to bring dance shoes with leather or suede or other smooth soles that allow you to pivot easily, especially necessary for the Viennese waltz lessons. Because the lessons will take place when we may expect inclement weather, it is critically important that dancers bring clean-soled shoes especially for the dancing. We will be dancing on beautiful wooden floors, and street shoes that can carry grit that could damage the floors will not be allowed. There will be room (near the wardrobe) for changing from street shoes and boots to dance shoes at Meridian House.

Dancers will be provided name tags to facilitate our learning the names of our many new dance partners. We will change partners frequently during the lessons, for this facilitates learning. We will be dancing primarily to Viennese music in the Viennese waltz lessons, and to Austrian, German, Czech, Polish, and Swiss music for the Polka, Mazurka and Schottische lessons. For the Cotillion, we will include a Polonaise and Quadrilles and other special choreography for the opening of the ball. The music for the lessons will be on CD. Dancers will be provided with information on Viennese balls (in Vienna) and Viennese-style balls in the Washington area, as well as on other local opportunities to dance Viennese waltz, polka, mazurka and schottische.

Lesson participants are welcome to use the 15-minute break between the lessons to practice Viennese waltz or other dances on their own.