The waltz is a very common dance among European communities that immigrated at the end of the 19th century and the first parts of the 20th century. Ukrainians are among these groups. The Ukrainian Festival in Dickinson is a fine opportunity for dancing, and includes a waltz among the traditional repertoire.

This dance is primarily performed for recreational reasons. Partners join up and dance for the pleasure of moving to the music and moving with each other. As is appropriate for recreational dance, emphasis is more on what the dance feels like, rather than what it looks like.