The Most Famous Dancer of the Waltz, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the dancer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 24, 2024 08:13

In the graceful world of dance, the waltz stands out for its elegant turns and fluid movement. Determining who best captures the spirit of this dance can add to the appreciation and understanding of its artistry. By ranking dancers, enthusiasts gain a unique opportunity to see how their favorites compare to others in the community. Participating in the ranking process is not just about placing one dancer over another; it's a way to engage with the broader dance community and contribute to the collective recognition of talent. Each vote helps to shape a clearer picture of excellence in waltz dancing, offering perspectives across different styles and eras.

Who Is the Most Famous Dancer of the Waltz?

1

43
votes
Fritz Luckhardt · Public domain

Johann Strauss II

As a composer and conductor, Johann Strauss II is known as the "Waltz King" and his music, particularly the Blue Danube Waltz, is synonymous with the waltz.
Johann Strauss II in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Strauss
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous musical composer
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Opera composer
2

19
votes
Studio publicity still · Public domain

Fred Astaire

Known as a legendary dancer and actor, Fred Astaire was known for his grace and skill in ballroom dancing, including the waltz.
Fred Astaire in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ballroom dancer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous dancer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Nebraska
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous bow tie wearer
3

10
votes
produced by RKO pictures and supplied to "CINEGRAF" magazine · Public domain

Ginger Rogers

The dance partner of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers was a talented dancer in her own right and was known for her waltz performances in films such as Top Hat and Swing Time.
Ginger Rogers in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous ballroom dancer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Missouri
4

19
votes
Pablo Verón

An Argentine tango dancer and choreographer, Pablo Verón is known for his performance in the film The Tango Lesson and his work in promoting the art of Argentine tango and the waltz.
Pablo Verón in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Tango dancer
5

10
votes
Saeima · CC BY-SA 2.0

Mikhail Baryshnikov

A Russian-American dancer and choreographer, Mikhail Baryshnikov is known for his work in ballet but has also performed the waltz in various productions.
Mikhail Baryshnikov in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous male ballet dancer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous male Russian ballet dancer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Latvian
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous dancer
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Russia
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous choreographer
6

6
votes
Photography studio of the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre. St. Petersburg, Russian Empire. · Public domain

Anna Pavlova

A Russian prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova was known for her performances in classical ballets but also performed the waltz in various productions.
Anna Pavlova in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ballerina in Russia
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Prima Ballerina
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person in Russia
7

14
votes
Allan warren · CC BY-SA 3.0

Rudolf Nureyev

A Russian ballet dancer and choreographer, Rudolf Nureyev was known for his performances in classical ballets but also performed the waltz in various productions.
Rudolf Nureyev in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous male ballet dancer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous male Russian ballet dancer
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous dancer
8

4
votes
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer · Public domain

Gene Kelly

An American actor, dancer, and choreographer, Gene Kelly was known for his performances in musical films, including his waltz performance in An American in Paris.
Gene Kelly in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous dancer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person from Pittsburgh
9

7
votes
Eric Koch / Anefo · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

Margot Fonteyn

A British ballerina, Margot Fonteyn was known for her performances in classical ballets but also performed the waltz in various productions.
Margot Fonteyn in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Prima Ballerina
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
10

9
votes
Susan Sterner.〔The original uploader was Emerson7 at English Wikipedia.〕 · Public domain

Twyla Tharp

An American dancer and choreographer, Twyla Tharp is known for her work in modern dance but has also choreographed waltz performances in various productions.
Twyla Tharp in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous choreographer

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Ranking factors for famous dancer

Skill and technique

The precision, gracefulness, and fluidity of movement demonstrated by the dancer.
Contribution to the art form

The impact the dancer has had on the evolution and development of the waltz.
Popularity and recognition

The level of fame and recognition the dancer has achieved both within the dance community and in society as a whole.
Artistry and creativity

The ability of the dancer to express themselves poetically, innovatively, and artistically through the waltz.
Performance history

The quality and quantity of performances delivered by the dancer and the number of audiences reached.
Legacy

The lasting impact and influence of the dancer on the waltz and future generations of dancers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous dancer of the waltz. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dancer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1773 views
140 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dancer once every 24 hours. The rank of each dancer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous dancer of the waltz

The waltz is a ballroom dance that originated in Austria in the late 18th century. It quickly gained popularity and spread throughout Europe, becoming one of the most elegant and beloved dances of all time. The dance is characterized by its graceful, gliding movements and its signature 3/4 time signature, which gives it a unique and romantic feel. Over the years, many talented dancers have made their mark on the waltz, but there are a few who stand out as the most famous and influential. From the legendary Johann Strauss II, who composed some of the most beloved waltzes in history, to the iconic Fred Astaire, who brought the waltz to the silver screen, these dancers have left an indelible mark on the world of dance and continue to inspire generations of waltz enthusiasts today.