Waltz:
Waltz literally means "to turn forward from one place or to advance by turning." Most round dances come from this "Turning" or waltzing around the floor.
The American Waltz was originally called the Boston. Reason being that it was first introduced in Boston, MA. in 1834 by dancing master Lorenzo Papatino (partner n/a) when Mrs. Otis Beacon Hill , hired Papatino to give a dance exhibition at her mansion. Papatino danced a much slower and smoother type waltz (three steps per measure) than most were used to for that time period ... he/they called it the Boston. The Boston today when mixed with the Hesitation Waltz is known as the American or Slow Waltz (90 bpm's) with a little Valse L'American thrown in, it is still danced, though somewhat changed, today.
Originally, the Boston was different and generally danced slower than the other waltzes of the period (1800's). Mainly it was of slower tempo than the popular Viennese Waltz of the period. This slower version was becoming rapidly popular. The Boston also laid claim to be the first ballroom dance to be done with feet parallel rather than turned out, as in ballet (Sadie, 1980.)
Our beautiful waltz of today (the Boston) is a subdued Redowa. Those who failed in those days, finding this Redowa beyond their powers of accomplishment, modified it to the hop waltz, as those who fail now modify the waltz to what is called the Boston."
The Boston waned in popularity in the early 1900's, but stimulated the English or International style of waltz done today.
In the 1910s, a form called the "Hesitation Waltz" was introduced by Vernon & Irene Castle It incorporated Hesitations and was danced to fast music. A Hesitation is basically a halt on the standing foot during the full waltz measure, with the moving foot suspended in the air or slowly dragged. Similar figures (Hesitation Change, Drag Hesitation, Cross Hesitation) is incorporated in the International Standard Waltz syllabus.