Who Doesn't Love a Waltz?

Today is an important date for anyone who reads Regency romances.  On this date, in 1812, the waltz was first introduced to English society.
 
Can we have a moment of silence, or perhaps waltz music, to commemorate the event?    I think we should.  Personally, I like to settle back with a Regency when I am looking for something sweet or amusing to fill a little time or help me de-stress.  (Which usually means I need to pull an oldie by Barbara Metzger or someone like her off my keeper shelf, since some of the Regency-labeled stories written today are a bit extreme for my taste, but that’s a whole ‘nother discussion.)
 
Anyway, back to the waltz.  In my view, this is one of the most iconic parts of Regency stories.  Where would we be without waltzes to bring our hero and heroine together?  Or a young lady’s angst after being asked to waltz before the patronesses of Almacks gave permission?  Much of the important dialogue between the characters at a dance occurs during the relative privacy of a waltz.  Plus… it’s a waltz.  Is there anything more romantic than two people staring into each other’s eyes as they swirl around a dance floor?
 
I offer a huge thank you to that long-forgotten person who brought the waltz to England on May 11, 1812.  Those of us who love to read historical romances would be missing something lovely if there were no waltzes to enjoy as we romp through a Regency story.  So, cue the music, lift a glass of lemonade, and say it with me:  Cheers for the waltz!

---