Friday Night Waltz – Frequently Asked Questions
Friday Night Waltz features mostly Waltzes in the dances and classes—along with Polka, One Step, Tango, Swing, Cha Cha, line dances, mixers, and specialty choreographed dances such as Congress of Vienna and Bohemian National Polka.
People come from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and Oakland. Partners aren’t required; we rotate rapidly in classes. Casual, comfortable attire. All ages welcome.
How do I contact Friday Night Waltz?
Email: info@FridayNightWaltz.com
Phone: 
Where is Friday Night Waltz held?
First United Methodist Church (FUMC)
625 Hamilton Avenue
1 block from University Ave & Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Where can I park?
Limited on-street parking near the church.
Unmarked spaces in the lot behind the church are allowed.
On busy nights, use the free Webster street lot one block away.
When is Friday Night Waltz?
Fridays—about 48–50 Fridays per year. Occasionally the venue is unavailable; always check our website, Facebook, or mailing list before attending.
What is the format of the dance?
Approximately 45–50 dances per evening:
- ~50% Waltzes (cross-step, ballroom, rotary, Viennese, Redowa, hesitation)
- ~6 Polkas and ~4 Tangos
- Mixers, choreographed waltzes, one-steps, swing, tango, Cha Cha, salsa
Free water and light refreshments provided. For deeper study, classes by Joan Walton and Richard Powers are available.
What if I don't know the first thing about waltz?
Beginning waltz lessons start at 7:15 PM. Plus, friendly attendees and instructors are happy to help you get started.
What if I don't have a dance partner?
No partner needed—partners rotate during classes, and social dance encourages asking for any available partner.
How many people attend?
Typically 100–200 dancers per evening.
Do you dance anything other than waltzes?
About half the music is waltz; the rest includes polka, tango, salsa, Cha Cha, mixers, and specialty choreographies.
What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable attire suitable for an evening of energetic dancing.
I've got questions not answered here. Who do I contact?
Email Scott at ScottFNW@pway.com.
Dance Descriptions
An evening includes 45–50 dances in four sets. 50% are waltzes; the balance includes polkas, mixers, swing, tango, Blue... (and so on, preserving description).
Breaks between sets allow for rest. Beginners can preview via classes by Joan Walton or Richard Powers.
Choreographed dances
Congress of Vienna: A Regency-inspired waltz choreographed to period Swedish music.
Bohemian National Polka: Created by Richard Powers, based on historic Czech dance manuals.
Cross Step Waltz Mixer: A popular mixer by Richard Powers.
More details at Richard Powers' site.
Theme dances
- Movie Music Night
- Black, Red & White Ball
- Contra Waltz (mashup of contra and waltz)
- Bastille Day Waltz Dance
- Disney Music Night
- Anime & Game Music Night
- Viennese Waltz Night
- April Fools Dance
- FNW Anniversary Dance
- Winter Waltz Ball
- 80’s Dance Music Night
- Disco Night
- Halloween Dance