Choose your music.  Waltz music is counted in threes. The most important part of learning to waltz is learning to count the music. The dance is very simple but will not work if both partners are not counting the music in the same way.

If you and your new spouse are not seasoned dancers, it helps to choose the music that you will use for your first dance ahead of time and practice with that. Identifying cues in the music will help you dance with ease.

The man's step. Step forward with the left foot, step to the side with the right foot, and then bring the left foot to the right foot. Step backward with the right foot, step to the side with the left foot and then bring your right foot back to the left foot. It helps to say to yourself, "front, side, together, back, side, together."

The woman's step. The step for women is similar, but she starts to the back. Step back with the right foot, step side with the left foot, and bring the right foot into the left. Then step forward with the left foot, step side with the right foot, and bring the left into meet the right foot. It helps to say to yourself "back side together, front side together."

The arms. The man should hold the woman's right hand with his left. It is important that the man keep his arms firm, but not rigid so that he can lead the woman in the dance. The other arm should be placed behind the back of the partner. Your arms should be relaxed, but not limp, leaving space to perform the dance steps.