hesitation waltz

noun

1. a waltz based on the frequent use of a step that consists of a pause and glide.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitation waltz¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Says the doctor: ‘The latter-day dances, especially the tango and the maxixe, and to some extent the complicated figures of the hesitation waltz, call for great flexibility of the ankle, throughout the various intricate steps.’

From Scientific American

They danced—the Cuban youth—with notable facility, adding to the hesitation waltz something specially their own, a more intense rhythm, a greater potentiality; their bodies were at once more fluid and positive; they were swept up into a mood unknown to the adamant ornaments of Country Club verandas in the north.

From Project Gutenberg

He danced the one-step, of course—the only dance ever invented for men with two left feet—but his conception of the fox trot would have made angels weep, and I never realised how much hesitation could be crowded into a hesitation waltz until I saw Bill gyrate slowly and painfully down the floor.

From Project Gutenberg

“Well, ring us up if you find the chairs doing a fox trot or hesitation waltz in the middle of the night,” suggested Walter.

From Project Gutenberg

Ending a four-year hesitation waltz, Bombardier finally decided in July 2008 to produce the C series in two sizes.

From New York Times